Candidates who passed UPSC by self-study are living proof that you don't need expensive coaching to achieve greatness. While coaching institutes promise structured guidance, the real magic lies within those who pave their own path. So, what does it take to succeed with just books, grit, and determination?
Take the inspiring story of Satyam Gandhi, a young aspirant from Bihar who cleared the UPSC in his first attempt, securing an impressive AIR 10. Without any coaching, he relied solely on self-study. His journey shows that even the most challenging hurdles can be overcome with discipline and the right strategy.
The shift toward self-study is more than just a trend—it's a testament to the belief that success can be self-made. Could you be the next success story? With countless aspirants now choosing self-study over traditional methods, it’s time to rethink your approach.
The question is: are you ready to trust yourself and your abilities? Let’s explore how these determined candidates beat the odds and how you can, too!
Overcoming the Odds: How Self-Study Led to IAS Success
Self-study may seem daunting, but many successful IAS toppers have shown that it's not just possible but powerful. Starting their journey, many of these aspirants initially faced setbacks and struggles with traditional coaching classes. The overwhelming pressure, rigid schedules, and sometimes unhelpful teaching methods made them reconsider their strategies. Initial failures were common, but what set them apart was their realization that self-study offered flexibility, focus, and a personalized learning approach.
Let’s look at the remarkable success stories of candidates who passed UPSC by self-study and how they navigated their challenges.
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh: A Journey of Consistency and Determination
At just 23, Srushti Jayant Deshmukh cracked the 2018 UPSC IAS exam, securing an AIR 5 in her first attempt.
She efficiently used online resources, strategically dividing her preparation between the Prelims and Mains while consistently working on answer writing.
Her success wasn't just about hard work—her dedication to a well-structured self-study plan helped her stay focused.
For aspirants, her story proves that perseverance and discipline can outweigh the dependency on formal coaching.
Arun Raj: From IIT Kanpur to IAS Rank 34 Without Coaching
Arun Raj’s journey to becoming an IAS officer combines dedication and self-reliance. He cleared the exam on his first attempt in 2014, securing an impressive AIR 34.
A graduate of IIT Kanpur, he had always been academically brilliant.
His dream of joining the civil services took root early on, and by his fourth year of college, he had already begun his IAS preparation.
He opted not to join any coaching classes, instead relying solely on self-study. His strategy revolved around mastering the basics, focusing on NCERT textbooks.
Arunraj’s methodical approach and reliance on NCERTs allowed him to thoroughly understand and cover critical concepts.
His story highlights the power of consistency, thoughtful planning, and trust in one’s own abilities.
Tapasya Parihar: Success Through Self-Study
Tapasya Parihar, who secured an All India Rank of 23 in the 2017 UPSC exam, offers a different perspective on the value of self-study.
After a frustrating experience with coaching, she chose to leave it behind and design her preparation plan.
Tapasya relied entirely on self-study and credits her success to developing a deep understanding of the syllabus and practicing answer writing.
She believes that self-study helps aspirants develop the ability to think independently, which is crucial for both the exam and future roles in the civil services.
Her story proves that it’s not the resources but the strategy and self-discipline that count the most.
Soumya Sharma: Disability is No Barrier to Success
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." — Mahatma Gandhi
Soumya Sharma’s journey to securing AIR 9 in the UPSC 2017 exam is a testament to this belief.
Despite having a hearing impairment, she proved that no physical limitation can hinder an individual with unwavering determination.
Her preparation was entirely self-directed, with no coaching assistance, and she cleared the exam on her first attempt.
She is a beacon of hope for many aspirants who may face unique challenges.
These stories of candidates who passed UPSC by self-study show that success in UPSC may only sometimes require formal coaching. With determination, a well-planned strategy, and confidence in your abilities, anyone can achieve their IAS dreams through self-study.
Mastering UPSC with Self-Study: A Strategic Blueprint
Inspiring stories like Arunraj, Soumya, and others showcase that self-study can be as practical as formal coaching when approached with the right strategy. Success in UPSC demands innovative preparation, leveraging the right resources, and maintaining a disciplined schedule.
Here's a detailed self-study plan, integrating proven techniques to maximize your chances of clearing the UPSC exam.
Maintaining A Well-Structured Timetable
Self-study requires discipline, and a well-structured timetable is the key to covering the vast syllabus without overwhelming yourself.
Break your day into time blocks focusing on different subjects, with enough flexibility to revise or revisit tough topics.
Allocate morning hours for reading newspapers and editorials, mid-day for core subject study, and evenings for revision and practice tests.
Current affairs are a crucial aspect of UPSC preparation, and they must be constantly updated and integrated with static portions of the syllabus.
Regularly reading newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express helps you cover national and international events.
For an in-depth understanding, use monthly magazines like Yojana or Kurukshetra.
Connect current affairs with topics like governance, economy, and science to improve your conceptual clarity and answer relevance. Get access to SuperKalam'sdaily summaries of important news articles for UPSC.
Choose your optional subject wisely—preferably one that aligns with your interest or educational background.
Create a separate schedule for studying the optional subject and ensure you give it equal importance alongside General Studies.
Understanding the vast syllabus, practicing previous year’s papers, and regularly writing answers for the optional is crucial to scoring well.
Practicing Answer Writing
Writing practice is essential to develop the skill of structuring answers in a limited time frame.
Set aside time daily to practice answer writing for both the General Studies and Essay papers.
Referring to Previous Years' Papers, model answers from toppers, or analyzing previous years' answers will also guide your writing style and presentation.
Ready to take your UPSC preparation to the next level? Get personalized guidance and real-time feedback. Share your handwritten Mains answers with SuperKalam, receive detailed feedback, and model answers in seconds.
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After completing each section of the syllabus, take sectional tests to evaluate your understanding and identify areas for improvement.
Solving multiple-choice questions (MCQs) under timed conditions for the Prelims will help manage time and accuracy. Use 30 minutes during your lunch break to practice MCQs 24x7 on any topic on SuperKalam.
For the Mains, mock tests and answer writing exercises will refine your ability to write concise, well-structured answers.
Maximizing the Use of Online Resources and Mock Tests
Self-study aspirants can use online resources such as lectures, current affairs portals, and UPSC preparation apps combined with standard textbooks.
These online platforms offer updated current affairs, video lectures, and exam strategies that can complement the reading of standard books.
Use the power of online mock test platforms to take real-time tests that simulate actual UPSC exam conditions.
The feedback from these mock tests should be used to improve your strategy and plug knowledge gaps.
SuperKalam is your personal mentor that simplifies your current affairs preparation by offering daily news analysis, connected to the GS syllabus. With this SuperKalam, you can:
Read Editorial Summaries to get concise and relevant takeaways from daily news.
Attempt Daily Quizzesto reinforce your understanding and retention of current affairs.
Link news with the GS syllabus to streamline your preparation and improve answer writing for Mains.
Attempt Daily Prelims Questionsafter your news analysis to test yourself and ensure you’re on track for the exam.
UPSC preparation is a long journey, often lasting two years or more. Consistency is critical to maintaining momentum.
Regular breaks, meditation, or light exercises can help prevent mental fatigue.
Developing a positive mindset, setting achievable short-term goals, and rewarding small wins will also help sustain motivation.
Utilizing Peer Groups and Study Circles
While self-study emphasizes independence, connecting with like-minded peers can provide extra motivation.
These groups can help by providing notes, discussing complex topics, and providing moral support.
Additionally, peer evaluations can aid in answer writing practice, where members critique each other's essays or responses to past exam questions.
Want to join a thriving UPSC community? SuperKalam’s Telegram community is a vibrant space where you can connect with fellow aspirants, exchange study materials, discuss strategies, and stay motivated.
By implementing this strategic preparation plan, you can achieve a well-rounded, disciplined, and focused approach to your UPSC journey. Combined with the right mindset, you can lead to success in one of India’s toughest examinations.
Clearing the UPSC exam is a challenging yet rewarding, marked by intense preparation and self-discipline. To help you navigate this demanding process, here are five essential pieces of advice for aspirants aiming to succeed, primarily through self-study.
Keep Your Learning Sources Limited: Instead of drowning in multiple books and materials, use a few trusted resources. Focus on NCERTs and standard reference books to build a strong foundation. Follow reliable online platforms and avoid overwhelming yourself with excessive study material.
Stay Focused and Don’t Fear Competition: The vast number of aspirants can be overwhelming, but your focus should remain on your preparation, not the competition. Build confidence in your study plan and take each step one at a time.
Build Dedication and Perseverance: Consistency is the key. Even if you’re progressing slower than others, staying dedicated over time will yield results. Perseverance through ups and downs will keep you on track.
Time Management is Critical: Develop a disciplined study routine with a clear timetable. Prioritize high-scoring subjects while balancing revisions and current affairs. Ensure each aspect of the syllabus gets adequate attention.
Self-Reflect After Each Study Session: Dedicate 10 minutes at the end of each session to reflect on what you’ve learned. This habit strengthens retention and helps identify areas that need more attention.
The success stories of IAS toppers who relied on self-study serve as a beacon of hope for aspirants. These remarkable individuals have shown that with dedication, perseverance, and a strategic approach, cracking UPSC is achievable without coaching. Whether it’s Satyam Gandhi’s remarkable feat or Srushti Deshmukh’s disciplined efforts, each story is a testament to the effectiveness of self-study.
Finishing with the inspiring journey of Sarthak Agrawal, who secured the 17th rank in UPSC 2020. Sarthak focused on a well-rounded self-study plan, using online resources and consistent revisions. His dedication to self-learning has made him a UPSC success story and an example for future aspirants to follow.
To all aspiring candidates, remember: success in UPSC doesn’t require coaching centers; you just have to believe in yourself and have a well-executed study plan. Let your will to succeed be the driving force in your preparation.
Stay focused, trust your efforts, and success will be yours!
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