IAS Success Story: Soumya, who always topped the UPSC, maintained this order and became the topper for the first time.
There are some students who see that they are born to be successful. However, the success they get is not a coincidence, but the result of years of hard work and commitment. Today we are going to introduce you to one such student, who is currently working on the post of IAS, setting all the records. We are talking about Saumya Pandey.
Soumya is from Allahabad and her early education has also been done from here. Since childhood, she was very good at academics, which remained the same till further time.
In 2016, at the age of 23 and in her very first attempt, Soumya topped the UPSC CSE exam. She became the topper with the fourth rank and fulfilled her dream of becoming an IAS. In an interview given to Delhi Knowledge Track, Soumya shared her experience.
Saumya’s journey to success
How Saumya was in studies can be gauged from the fact that she topped the district in both class X and XII. That is, she became the topper in both places. He had 98 percent marks in class 10 while 97.8 percent in class 12. After this, he chose engineering subject in graduation and completed his graduation from electrical engineering. Here too she got a gold medal, that is, she became a topper here too. Soon after, Soumya made a gap of one year and started preparing for the UPSC exam. After a year of committed preparation, Saumya gave her first attempt and became the topper in the very first attempt.
NCERT and test series are necessary for pre-
Soumya says to start with the basics to prepare for the pre-exam. There is no better option than NCERT for this. Read these and then go to Standard Books. Once the preparation reaches some level, give the test. Soumya considers the Test series very important for Pre. She says that this makes your preparation firm, you get to know your shortcomings and you are able to overcome them in time.
As far as C-SAT is concerned, Soumya does not consider it too difficult. She says that if you have your previous studies properly, then you will not have much problem in passing this paper of qualifying nature.
Mains is the main test
More important than Pre, Saumya considers Mains in which your performance opens the door and also plays an important role in bringing ranks. She says that for this, read the syllabus well because there is so much in the course that if you do not study, then something will definitely be missed. NCERT books help here too, definitely read them. There is such a subject in the Mains exam in which you can score well with less effort. It just requires a little practice. Make sure to frame it before writing like this.
After this, come to all the four papers of GS and prepare from the standard books available for them. If you can’t find anything, take the help of the internet. Soumya’s optional was Geography, she also prepared for it from NCERT books.
Considers newspaper very important
Soumya considers newspapers very important for this exam apart from other books. She says that read the paper from the beginning and read it properly, then you will not have to run after many books and many topics will be covered by them. Especially if the editorial is relevant or related to your subject, then check it carefully.
Talking about ethics, it mainly consists of case studies, for which you will also have to practice. While preparing for case studies, also keep in mind how to apply them in daily life.
Soumya’s advice
It is necessary to move ahead with the right strategy, with patience, and with smart work in this exam to be successful. The most important thing is to be patient because sometimes it takes a long time to get success. During this, the candidates sometimes feel that they will not be able to, Soumya also felt the same, but do not give up in such a situation. Keep your inner motivation and keep it so strong that it will motivate you again and again during the whole journey and do not let you back down even if you are not successful. Saumya believes that this exam is not difficult but it takes a lot of patience to pass it. Whatever happens, do not give up on any stage.