UPSC First Ranker Gaurav Agrawal Gives Preparation Tips

Mrunal (http://mrunal.
org/)

IAS Topper Rank 1: Gaurav Agrawal, Economics Optional, also cleared
IIT, IIM & IPS
motivation (http://mrunal.org/category/motivation) / 12 months Ago /
681 Comments (http://mrunal.org/2014/07/ias-topper-rank-1-gaurav-agrawal-ips-iit-iim-economic
(http://www.flipkart.com/india-2015-english/p/itme3yz8rvpuhgky?
pid=9788123019789&affid=mrunalrugm)
1. Topper Profile
2. Education
3. Electronic Vs Paper material
4. Tempo and style
5. Struggle of a Senior player
6. Prelims (CSAT) General studies
7. Prelims (CSAT) Aptitude
8. Prelim accuracy
9. Mains: Compulsory language paper
10. Mains: Essay
11. General Studies (Mains) paper 1
12. General studies (Mains) paper 2
13. General studies (Mains) Paper 3
14. General Studies 4: Ethics, Integrity, aptitude
15. GS4 Ethics case study answers in Mains 2013
16. Mains answer-writing?
17. Mains Optional Subject
18. Before the interview
19. During the interview
20. CSE-2013 Marksheet
21. Career Backup
22. Views on UPSC reforms
23. Insecurity about profile
24. Wisdom
25. Credit: Friends/family
26. BOGUS Marketing Propaganda
Topper Pro罧�le
Name Gaurav Agrawal
Rank in CSE-2013 1
Roll No. 249085
Age 29
Total attempts in CSE 2
Optional Subject Economics
Medium chosen for Mains

English
answers
Schooling medium English
College medium English
Home town/city Jaipur
Work-experience if any 3.5 years in Investment Banking. Presently in IPS.
Details of other competitive

AIR 45, IITJEE 2001
exams, including
success/failures CAT 2005 percentile 99.80
Vision IAS and Synergy test series useful.

Baliyan history optional classroom coaching useful,
but don’t rely solely on it.
Details of coaching, mock Attended mock interviews at various places and found
tests, postal material for any
competitive exam (if used) them useful.
Attended classroom coaching at Vajiram, Sriram,
Lalwani’s Axiom and found them to be a total waste
of my time and left soon / didn’t attend classes.
service preference #1, 2 and

IAS > IPS > IRS
3
state cadre preference (top3) Rajasthan > MP > Gujarat
Education
fill the details here

% in class 10 88.2
% in class 12 85.6
Schooling (Medium) English
Computer Sc. & Engg. 6.8/10. Multiple F’s and degree

Graduation course and %
Extended.
Name of college, city, passing

IIT Kanpur, 2005
out year
Post-graduation IIM Lucknow, MBA in Finance 9.25 / 10. Gold Medal
Any other professional courses
1. Blogging
Hobbies & Extra curricular 2. Following macroeconomy
3. Jogging
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/97816112@N02/14668247972)
Electronic Vs Paper material
Q. In recent times, there is spur in electronic material- blogs, sites, pdfs, RSS-feeds.
Many aspirants feel bogged down by this information overload. So, how much do you
rely on electronic material and how much on the paper material (Books, newspapers)?
More than 60% of preparation today has to come from internet. Role of books is decreasing.
Hindu is of prime importance now. No typical day. I maintain notes.
Tempo and style
Q. People know what books and syllabus points are to be prepared. But most of them
lack consistency in their preparation. So, how do you keep study momentum going on?
How do you fight against the mood swings and distractions?
Inner strengths.
Struggle of a Senior player
Q1. What’re your words of wisdom to other senior players? If any specific inspirational
incident(s), please share.
Only one thing. While preparing for the next attempt, don’t begin in blind and just repeat
what you did earlier, because that obviously failed. Instead, sit down, analyze, find your
weaknesses and work to improve those weaknesses mainly.
Q2. What went wrong in your previous attempt? What changes did you make in this
current attempt?
I’ve written a detailed article about it. click me

(http://thesupermanreturns.wordpress.com/2014/03/16/upsc-gs-mains-how-to-improve-
answer-writing/)
Prelims (CSAT) General studies
Topic strategy/booklist/comment
History Ancient I had history optional last year.
History Medieval I had history optional last year.

History Modern Shekhar Bandopadhyay and Bipin Chandra books
(Freedom Struggle)
Culture society I had history optional last year.
Polity (theory +
DD Basu
current)
Economy (theory +
I had economics optional.
current)
Science (theory +
9th and 10th class NCERT and Vajiram notes.
current)
Please read my blog post for this. click me

Environment (theory +
(http://thesupermanreturns.wordpress.com/2014/07/08/culture-
current)
snt-envt/)
geography physical 11th and 12th class NCERT, Goh Che Leong, Vajiram notes.
geography India 11th and 12th class NCERT, Goh Che Leong, Vajiram notes.
geography world 11th and 12th class NCERT, Goh Che Leong, Vajiram notes.
other
national/international Newspaper and internet.
current affairs
Schemes, Policy &

Newspaper and internet.
Filler Stuff
Prelims (CSAT) Aptitude
Topic strategy / booklist
Maths Didn’t prepare.
reasoning Didn’t prepare.
comprehension Didn’t prepare.
Decision Making Didn’t prepare.
Q. Any observation / comments / tips about GS Aptitude 2013 paper.
Can’t comment here as didn’t prepare for this.

Prelim accuracy
Q1. Did you attend any ‘mock tests’? do you think they’re necessary for success?
Yes. Yes absolutely necessary.
Q2. Approximate no. of attempted answers vs. correct answers. in CSAT-2013
Don’t remember as didn’t analyze this year’s paper after coming back.
Q3. Your score in prelim?
General studies 121.34
aptitude 182.50
total 304
Mains: Compulsory language paper
Compulsory language paper Your preparation strategy / booklist?
English paper None
your regional language None
Q2.other observations / tips / comments on the length / difficulty level of compulsory

language papers in CSE-2013
None
Mains: Essay
Q1. How did you prepare for the essay paper?
Analyzed my mistakes from previous year and improved upon them. Details can be found
here. click me (http://thesupermanreturns.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/improving-essay-
writing/)
Q2. Which among the following essay did you write? What key points did you include in
it?
1. Be the change you want to see in others (Gandhi)
2. Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s Success?
3. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the
right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country
4. Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation.
Attempted the Essay on S&T. Key points can be found here. click me
General Studies (Mains) paper 1
Please note that while reading the coaching material, we will find that 90% of the topics are
repetitive and useless if we have read the books. So skip those 90% and quickly read the
remaining useful 10% only.
Topic How did you prepare?
Multiple sources, mentioned here click me

culture (http://thesupermanreturns.wordpress.com/2014/07/08/culture-snt-
envt/)
Shekhar Bandopadhyay – From Plassey to Partition, Bipin Chandra

Indian history
(both freedom struggle and since independence)
Baliyan’s history optional classnotes. Also read Europe Since Napoleon

world history
for history optional last year.
post- Mentioned above. Most of the questions asked were common

independence knowledge which we develop from school time via newspapers and
India stories.
Indian society Everybody knows everything. Skipped.
role of women,
Everybody knows everything. Skipped.
poverty etc.
globalization on
Everybody knows everything. Skipped.
Indian society
communalism,
regionalism, Everybody knows everything. Skipped.
secularism
Had some basic idea. Got some coaching notes of Baliyan and Vajiram.
world geo Read some topics from Savinder Singh’s book. Prepared cyclones from
physical IMD website.
resource
Skipped.
distribution
factors for
industrial Skipped. Most of it is common sense.
location
earthquake
NCERT, Savinder Singh.
tsunami etc
impact on flora-
Skipped.
fauna
General studies (Mains) paper 2
Topic How Did You Prepare?
Indian
Constitution,
devolution, DD Basu
dispute redressal
etc.
comparing
Constitution with Basic comparison everybody knows. So skipped.
world
parliament, state
DD Basu, Puncchi Commission and 2nd ARC reports.
Legislatures
executive-
DD Basu and also current issues.
judiciary
ministries
Skipped
departments
pressure group,
2nd ARC report. But too general a topic, everybody knows everything.
informal asso.
Representation
Current issues (SC rulings had come on this issue)
of people’s act
Internet based study, Wikipedia, expert opinion. Basically find the

various bodies:
composition etc. of the body. Powers, functions etc. mostly same.
Constitutional,
statutory.. Weaknesses and strengths also mostly same. Refer to my notes here.
Everybody knows everything. Still studied 2nd ARC report for core
NGO, SHG etc
issues.
welfare schemes,
Vajiram came out with a public pdf analyzing various schemes.
bodies
social sector,
Follow current issues
health, edu, HRD
governance,
transparency, 2nd ARC report
accountability
e-governance 2nd ARC report
role of civil
2nd ARC report
service
India &
Newspapers and internet
neighbors
bilateral/global
grouping
effect of foreign
country policies
on Indian
interest
diaspora Newspapers and internet
international
bodies- structure Newspapers and internet
mandate
General studies (Mains) Paper 3
Indian
economy,
Everything under the sun comes under it. What to prepare.
resource
mobilization
inclusive
growth Everybody knows everything.
I read 2nd ARC report on Financial Management. But obviously question

asked was from somewhere else and I had no idea. But still one should
budgeting read it to cover basic stock issues in the topic like accrual budgeting,
other types of budget etc. Additionally I think one should read the budget
carefully and watch out for any interesting term in it.
major crops, Report titled “State of Indian Agriculture” presented in parliament in

irrigation March / April 2012.
agro produce APMC Acts, direct marketing, e-marketing initiatives, FDI in retail,
– storage, schemes of the ministry, Mega food park scheme, National Food
marketing Processing Missin etc. All this can be found on internet.
e-technology
Internet.
for famers
farm From economics optional background. Understand what are the issues
subsidies, with farm subsidies and MSPs. See what leading economists are saying
MSP about these. Read a few papers from CACP website.
PDS, buffer,
CACP website, FSB, internet based study totally.
food security
technology
Internet.
mission
animal rearing Couldn’t prepare except for whatever is given in State of Indian
economics Agriculture Report, 2012.
food
Mentioned above in storage, marketing topic.
processing
Prepared it as a part of economics optional. You can see my notes.

land reforms
Bhoodan and Gramdan I saw from Mrunal.
liberalization Internet, newspapers
Infra Internet, newspapers
investment
Internet, newspapers
models
science-tech
day to day life Coaching material, but all of it was useless.
Indian Skipped
achievements
in sci-tech
awareness in
IT, space,
Tried to follow current developments. For all effective purposes, skipped.
biotech, nano,
IPR
environmental
impact Skipped. Everybody knows everything.
assessment
Disaster
2nd ARC report. CAG report on the topic.
Management
non state
actors, 2nd ARC and Puncchi Commission reports covering tribal councils, 5th and
internal 6th schedule issues, PESA, FRA etc.
security
internal
security – role
of media, Too general, everybody knows everything. Just keep following current
social issues.
networking
site
cyber security Skipped. Everybody knows everything.
money
Skipped. Everybody knows everything.
laundering
border
Skipped. Everybody knows everything.
Management
organized
Skipped mostly. Read some discussion on anti-terror law in 2nd ARC
crime,
report. Everybody knows everything.
terrorism
security
agencies- Some Wikipedia based study, but mostly skipped. Everybody knows
structure everything.
mandate
General Studies 4: Ethics, Integrity, aptitude

ethics and interface, Too general topics. Everybody knows everything about these
family, society and all topics. Most important question in this topic is what is the role of
the hathodaa topics family / society in framing morality / ethics.
attitude, moral Sriram, Baliyan and Vajiram material available in photocopy shops
influence etc. for basic definitions.
civil service: integrity,

Vajiram and Baliyan material available in photocopy shops. Nolan
impartiality, tolerance
committee report. 2nd ARC report.
to weak etc
emotional Sriram material for basic definitions. Too general topic, everybody
intelligence, its use in knows everything about it. One important question is role of EI in
governance administration.
How many thinkers did you prepare? Mostly skipped it. Tried to
moral thinkers of
remember a few thinkers from Baliyan’s and Sriram’s notes but
India and world
found it couldn’t be done.
ethics in pub.ad,
accountability, laws, 2nd ARC report. Everybody knows everything.
rules etc.
Important topics I thought here were recent Company law, Sebi

corporate governance recommendations. But they didn’t ask these. Otherwise this is too
general a topic and everybody knows everything.
probity in
governance, work Everybody knows everything.
culture
citizen charter, ethics

code, work culture 2nd ARC reports on ethics and governance.
etc.
challenges of
2nd ARC report on ethics.
corruption
case studies on above

topics Bring it on approach.
Any other comments, word of wisdom after going through the mains-2013.
In case studies, I always tried to analyze each option from a theoretical perspective. I used to
take an option and see what the 4-5 school of ethics say about it and then try to come to an
acceptable ethical decision.
GS4 Ethics case study answers in Mains 2013
Q. in GS4 ethics papers, please give a sketchy overview of your case study answers:
Sorry don’t remember. But my vision ias mock tests where I attempted such case studies can
be seen here… click me (http://thesupermanreturns.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/upsc-ias-
prep-vision-ias-answer-scripts-gaurav-agrawal/)
your
Case approach/
keypoints
1: RTI: To hide or not to hide
2: Engineer: Bogus flyover vs deadline
3: Child Labourers in Sivakasi
4: Nepotism in Job recruitment
5: Leaking information
6: Narrate one incident in your life when you were faced with such crisis
of conscience and how you resolved the same.
Mains answer-writing?
Q. How was your experience with the ‘fixed space’ answer sheet?
It’s a trap. Don’t fall to the temptation of filling the entire space.
Q. Did you write answers in bullet points or in paragraphs? Some players (who cleared
mains and got interview call letter) were claiming that they wrote entire paper in
bullet points, so it doesn’t matter….whether examiner is asking ‘examine, comment,
discuss or xyz’….simply write in bullets and points.
Bullet points with proper headings, sub headings, underlining. And who says we can’t
comment / discuss in points or while analyzing can’t present our thoughts in points. In
comment / discuss / analyze kind of questions, simply give all positive points, then given all
negative points and then give way forward. Or say take up an issue as a point sub heading,
do its pros and cons analysis and then move on to next point sub heading. Bottom line is, use
your own brain and communicate in a way you feel to be the best. Don’t rely blindly on
coachingwallahs.
Q. Did you follow the “introduction-body-conclusion” format? because some mains-

qualified candidates claim they simply wrote the points they could recall within the
time, instead of bothering with proper introduction and conclusion.
Yes. I too wrote almost all my answers in points but still I gave a proper introduction, proper
headings and sub-headings and then a conclusion. The main bulk of the answer was in
points. I don’t think why the tradeoff mentioned in the second half of your question should
arise.
Q. In GS papers, Since UPSC came with those 100 and 200 words questions. What was
your approach in the exam (I wrote all, I only focused on the questions where I could
answer perfectly, I just not to high quality points to reach the word limit etc.)
Extremes in public life are mostly bad and one has to do a balancing act. Same applies to
your question above. I would only say, have faith in your judgment, apply your mind, and rely
on intuition on what to attempt and what not. Exam condition is so dynamic, can’t apply any
rigid formula there. I simply attempted questions I ‘felt’ I should attempt.
Q. How many marks worth questions did you skip/couldn’t finish in the GS papers?
GS (Mains paper) Couldn’t finish /attempt
GS1 10 marks
GS2 10 marks
GS3 60 marks
GS4 10 marks
Q5. Did you use highlighters / sketchpens in your answers?

No
Q6. Did you draw any diagram in any paper? (e.g. in GS1 Geography)
No, wanted to but couldn’t
Q7. If yes, Did you draw diagrams with pencil or pen?
NA
Q8. Did you use ruler to draw the lines in diagram? Or did you just make it by hand?
NA
Q9. You wrote the answer in blue pen or black pen?
Blue gel pen
(Mrunal – since readers keep mailing such queries, therefore I’m asking the topper to clear
all the air haha.)
Mains Optional Subject
Q1. First the essential book/resource list. (Also mention which one is the “Base book”
for covering the theory? + Whatever comments you’ve for a particular book e.g. “my
seniors said read xyz book but I found that ABC book was better”. “xyz topic not given
properly in this book, so prepare from xyz website or book…” OR and so on.)
Economics was my optional. Please read my blog post on this where I have covered this in
great detail. click me (http://thesupermanreturns.wordpress.com/2014/06/26/eco_optional/)
This is a list of reading material arrived after a lot of painstaking trial and errors.
There are many topics which required study of many research papers and internet articles.
So obviously can’t mention a single source for them. But I used to take whatever I found
useful from there and make my own notes which can be found here. click me
(http://thesupermanreturns.wordpress.com/2014/06/18/upscnotesgauravagrawal/)
Q2. How much of internet-research / current affairs is necessary for this optional? OR
can one simply rely on the books and be done with this subject?
Paper 1 can be done mostly by books. Paper 2 is 80% internet based.
Q3. How many months did it take to finish the core optional syllabus?
3 months for the first time where I could study the other optional as well as GS along with
Economics.
Q4. How many days/ weeks before the exam, you started answer writing practice?
Around 2 months.
Q5. Do you maintain self-notes for revision of optional? In which format- electronic or
paper?
Yes, electronic. All uploaded on my blog.
Q6. Your observation about the difficultly level of 2013 mains vs previous papers. And
what precautions / rectifications are necessary in the future strategy for given
optional subject?
I think there was a quantum jump in the difficulty level from previous mains. There was a
question in paper 1. I still can’t even understand to this day. But thankfully, the system of
choices saved me. Precautions etc. I have mentioned in my blog post on economics.
Q7.How much did you skip OR couldn’t answer properly, in the optional paper?
optional paper Couldn’t finish __ mark
Paper I Around 14 marks
paper II Around 8 marks
Before the interview
Q1. How did you prepare for the interview? Particularly college graduation subjects
related questions?
First, would like to clarify the myth that UPSC interview is only of 275 marks i.e. 10-15%. The
real weight of the interview is at least 40%. The reasons are: a) UPSC has developed a habit of
giving very less marks in mains. This is a relative exam and only difference of marks between
us and others matters. Naturally if low marks are given in written, then difference of marks
from others which we can have by performing well in written will be less. b) Only candidates
clearing mains can give interview. So whatever little difference in marks was there in mains
gets reduced even further (as the difference in marks among the mains successful candidates
would be less than the difference in the entire set). On the other hand, interview marks come
only after this mains cutoff stage and there is a full range of marks given in interviews. So the
difference in marks arising out of interview can be great leading to its increased effective
weight.
So neglect interview only at your own peril! And also unlike what many say interview is not
purely ‘luck’ based. Barring few exceptional cases, most of the interviews contain questions
90% of which can be predicted and prepared well in advance! Wait for my blog post on
interviews.
– Subject: College graduation subject (Computer Sc.) didn’t have much relevance for me as I
had done a lot of things after college. So I had done only very basic preparation of IT –
current happenings and some theoretical aspects. My main field was economics which was
running through my entire DAF (in hobby, job related to eco, optional eco, MBA done in
finance – most people relate finance with economics). And economics is a subject where
unless we meet an economist in the panel, the interview would be on current economic
issues only. So decided to skip the theoretical portions and prepare only the current
macroeconomic issues. We were facing high inflation and low growth, stalled projects, land
acquisition issues etc. And a new government was there. So it was natural to expect
questions on it and so I prepared these issues. Since economics was my main area, so I had
to speak like an economist. Nothing less was expected. So remembered some key data
related to IIP, WPI, CPI, GDP numbers etc. Developed mind maps containing 6-7 points on
Why high inflation and Why low growth. The thing is in such issues everybody knows
everything, but I had to speak like an economist. So from the first sentence itself, my
understanding should be visible. This is possible only when we prepare these questions
beforehand and not think about them for the first time in the interview itself. I have these
mind maps on paper, so will upload scanned images on my blog post so that readers can get
a clearer idea of what I am talking about.
– Home state: Had prepared it last year as well, so this year mostly revised it and prepared
some current issues (like refinery, jaipur metro, drug trafficking, socio economic scenario).
Mostly internet based study particularly Wikipedia. For Rajput and modern history, read a
book used in RAS history optional apart from internet.
– Home district: I was brought up in Jaipur so prepared a few aspects of Jaipur (tourism
places, economic activities, present problems etc.). But I was born in Bharatpur. In the
summary sheet, only place of birth comes, so preparing place of birth is more important than
preparing ‘home’ district. I prepared Bharatpur history, economy, tourism places, Keoladeo
park, Salim Ali, ornithology etc. Mostly Wikipedia based study.
– Job: I was trading financial derivatives at Citi. Most important thing for me was naturally
financial crisis. I know a great deal about financial crisis naturally having seen it from the
middle of it all, but when it comes to explaining it in 2-3 sentences, prior preparation is
needed. So I prepared it and it was asked in the beginning questions itself last year. Then I
also prepared history of Citi and its mergers, Salomon Brothers, John Meriwether, LTCM etc.
Some preparation related to Vikram Pandit and Corbatt.
– IPS: Had to study a lot about this topic this year as it was completely new. Prepared police
reforms (studied all commissions setup since British era, watched Aamir Khan’s show, read
many articles on internet) then prepared mind maps of 5-6 points to speak on various
possible questions on police and bureaucracy reforms. Basically in such topics everybody
knows everything. What matters is how we speak in first 2-3 sentences. However, they
couldn’t find out I was already into IPS (as it was there in the DAF but not summary sheet
from where they were asking), so no questions asked. Will upload the scanned copies of
these mind maps in my blogpost.
– Why IAS after IPS, IIM, IIT, Investment Banking: Spent a lot of time preparing
  this. Prepared
it from all possible angles I could think. Came up with realistic answers. In both interviews,
this was the first question asked.
– Other DAF things: Prepared everything mentioned in the DAF. Will cover these in the blog
post where I will upload my DAF and cover each issue.
– Current affairs: Current affairs preparation for interview is different from preparation for
mains. Basically people who are taking our interview are not preparing themselves. So they
will only remember ‘masala’ news and not the boring committees and legislations etc. So
have to cover masala news for interview and develop our own opinion on all such news
items.
Q2. Did you attend any mock interviews by coaching classes? How were they similar /
different than official interview? Do you believe it is necessary to attend such mock
interviews?
Yes. They were very helpful for me as I was cutout for private sector interviews, not UPSC
interview. UPSC interview requires different kind of mannerisms and body language and this
is what I learnt from mocks. Then I also got to know my weakness areas on which I worked.
However, don’t rely blindly on whatever they say, apply your own mind before changing /
preparing something.
Q3. What did you wear? Some experts say coat is must, some say tie is must, and some
say black shoes must. What attire did you pick up?
The sole purpose of the attire should be that it doesn’t get noticed. I wore a shirt, trousers
and a tie. Black shoes, clean shaved.
Q4. Where did you stay for the interview? (Hotel / friend’s home …) and what
books/material did you bring for the ‘revision before interview’?
My friend’s place. Revised some of my online notes and mind maps.
During the interview
Q1. Who was the chairman of you interview board?
Dr. Kilemsungla
Q2. How long was the interview?
May be around 20-25 mins
Q3. Please narrate your entire interview- what questions did they ask and what did
you reply and other pleasant or uncomfortable experiences during the interview.
(Earlier some toppers only tell me their question but not their answer. I would
appreciate if you give both Question + your original answers)
click me (http://thesupermanreturns.wordpress.com/2014/05/31/upsc-interview-2014/) for
Full transcript of my interview by UPSC panel.
Q5. Was your interview on the expected lines of what you had prepared or did they ask
you totally unexpected questions? Was it a stress interview, did they ask any
uncomfortable questions? If yes, how did you handle it?
Most of it was expected.
Q6. Any side details about technicalities like “make sure you bring xyz document or do
xyz thing, or you’ll face problem”?
None
Q7. Any word of wisdom / observations about medical checkup?
None
CSE-2013 Marksheet
SUBJECTS MARKS
ESSAY (PAPER-I) 135
GENRAL STUDIES -I (PAPER-II) 85
GENRAL STUDIES -II (PAPER-III) 63
GENRAL STUDIES -III (PAPER-IV) 88
GENRAL STUDIES -IV (PAPER-V) 102
OPTIONAL-I (Economics) (PAPER-VI) 134
OPTIONAL-II (Economics) (PAPER-VII) 162
WRITTEN TOTAL 769
PERSONALITY TEST 206
FINAL TOTAL 975

Q2. After looking at the marksheet, suppose you had to prepare again next time, what
changes will you make in your studies?
Would sit down and try to figure out how to score more in GS. Would consult few more
people, also join test series to seek feedback.
Career Backup
Q1. If you were not selected, what was your career backup plan?
Continued with IPS, Rajasthan cadre.
Q2. when were you going to “execute” that backup plan? (e.g. after __ failed attempts/
after I cross __ age/after dad retires/ etc.)
After the result.
Views on UPSC reforms
What are your views on following issues?
Q. Despite what UPSC has done in recent years, it has failed to curb the nuisance of
Delhi’s coaching factories. In fact it’s increased under the new syllabus in 2013. Let’s
face it, most toppers have relied on (authentic OR Xeroxed) coaching notes because
there was hardly any time left to prepare so many topics in such short time. This
system work against an individual preparing from far-away area, without any financial
resources, high-speed internet or contacts in Delhi.
Don’t agree with this. Coachingwallahs thrive when question papers are static and same
things are repeated year after year. UPSC, on the other hand, has made their paper very
dynamic in last 2-3 years. Now the ‘bookish’ questions have reduced greatly and analyze
types have increased. No longer are they asking questions where information is the key
determinant (even in the prelims). What matters is one’s opinion and analysis. This cannot be
found in any single place / book and internet has to be referred to. Most coachingwallahs
are stagnant and old and are unwilling to change with times. Classroom coachings have
become a waste of time. Only 10% of what they teach is perhaps relevant. Instead of
attending their classes and wasting time on that 90% useless thing, better to just buy their
notes from photocopy shops and study the 10%. Coachings take 6 months to teach what one
can study in 2 months and are of inferior quality.
Mrunal comments: thanks, your reply will help clear the negative vibes among some new
players that Delhi coaching is essential for success in UPSC.
Q. Optional subjects should be removed altogether. The present stalemate is helping

no-one, except coaching-owners, book publishers.
I don’t subscribe to the so called ‘level playing field’ theory that removing optional ensures
level playing field. How can it be a level playing field when you force an engineer to study
history as well as a history student to study history? Is this level playing field or the scenario
when everybody can study his/her strength?
Q. UPSC should disclose official prelim answerkey and cutoffs, immediately after
prelim is over, instead of postponing it till interview phase is over.
Yes. In fact should also reveal individual’s marks along with his / her prelims result.
Q. UPSC should be conducted online like IBPS and CAT exam to shorten the duration of
exam.
Invariably that is the direction one has to move in. But people are not ready for it presently.
Q. If you are made the UPSC chairman, what other reforms would you initiate for the
civil service exam?
Transparency Related Matters
Provide scanned copies of answer sheets.

Release all marks of each candidate at each stage.
Give a tentative window of result declaration beforehand.
Quality of Exam
Divide GS into more papers and ensure that only a historian is checking history answers,
geographer is checking geography answers, foreign policy experts are checking IR answers
and so on. In the present system, a single person is checking entire GS paper which has 3-4
subjects and this hampers quality of examination seriously.
Insecurity about pro罧�le
Q. Many candidates prepare sincerely but constantly live under fear about ‘profile
insecurity’. I’m not from a big college, I’m not from English medium, and I don’t have
work-experience. What if they ask some stressful questions in the interview about
this? Did you suffer from such insecurities? What is your message to these candidates?
No such insecurities. On the other hand, I suffered from the insecurity that given my
exceptional background, the interview board may take me as arrogant and confused even
before the interview begins.
Wisdom
Q. Through this struggle and success, what have your learned? What is the wisdom of
life and competition? What is Your message to the new aspirants?
Learnt that there are always conflicting perspectives of things and one has to appreciate
both. Also life is not like sciences, but social sciences. 2 + 2 may not be equal to 4. One has to
accept what it is and move on.
Q. Many hardworking candidates have failed in Mains/Interview of CSE-2013. They’re

feeling dejected- what is your message to them?
Of course tighten your seat belts and get going. But don’t just blindly repeat what you did
because obviously it didn’t work. See where your mistakes might have been and improve
them.
Credit: Friends/family
Q. Behind every topper are many people who stood by during those uncertain times
when he/she was merely an ‘aspirant’. Would you like to tell the world, who were those
people in your case? Any specific incidence that you would like to share with the
readers?
I dedicate this success to my family.
BOGUS Marketing Propaganda
Q. You are well aware of the sacred rule – the last question must be about self-
marketing. So, Did you use Mrunal.org for your preparation and if yes, how did it help
you? And you can even reply “No”. I’ll still publish your answer without tempering,
unlike those competitive magazines.
Yes, in fact question on Bhoodan movement I had read from your article
(http://mrunal.org/2013/11/land-reforms-bhodan-gramdan-jan-satyagraha-2012-other-non-
governmental-movements-achievements-obstacles-limitations.html) only. But not a regular
follower as its not a user friendly site. Please make it structured and easy to read. I have tried
to read it many times but always find it difficult to see.
Mrunal comments: In 2014, I shifted to a new theme

(http://mrunal.org/2014/02/troubleshoot-site-themelayout-problems-solutions-just-clear-
temp-cache-files-browser-ssc-extends-deadline-cgl-2014-applications.html). But Yes, there
are still lot of issue with the site, but as they say in Public Administration- routine activities
taking away the time necessary to bring out long term reforms! Anyways, great interacting
with you, especially the Delhi coaching factories part. Wish you the best for the long career
ahead, keep in touch.
Tags: Topper-CSE-2013 (http://mrunal.org/tag/topper-cse-2013)
 Mrunal recommends
 SBI/IBPS Bank Exams
 UPSC Civil Service
 SSC CGL: Staff selection

 CDS: Defense Services
 CAT/IIM MBA Entrance
 ACIO Intel Officer
 More from this category
[Topper’s Interview] Umesh N.S.K (CSE-2014/AIR-77): Political Science

Optional, Electrical Engineer from Madurai who left coaching
(http://mrunal.org/2015/07/ias-toppers-interview-umesh-nsk-rank-77-pol-
sci.html)
[Topper’s Interview] Neha Yadav (CSE-2013/AIR-24): Sociology optional, Got

IFS, ICMR fellowship, Gorakhpur (http://mrunal.org/2014/09/ifs-toppers-
interview-neha-yadav-cse-2013-rank-24-sociology.html)
[CAPF Topper] Ashish Ranjan Rank 160: Infosys Engineer, lost 20 kgs in 4
months to qualify Physical (http://mrunal.org/2014/09/capf-topper-160-
ashish-ranjan-infosys-weightloss-tips.html)
[CAPF Topper] Amit J. Rank 13: ACIO, Bachelor in Business Management

(BBM), Bangalore (http://mrunal.org/2014/09/capf-2013-topper-13-amit-j-
rank-13-acio-bbm-bangalore.html)
[CAPF Topper] Rahul Raja: Rank 32 & AIR-783 in Civil service, BE Biotech,
worked in Wipro, Ranchi (http://mrunal.org/2014/09/capf-2013-topper-32-
rahul-raja-783-civil-service-wipro-ranchi.html)
Print | PDF (need Chrome) (http://mrunal.org/2014/07/ias-topper-rank-1-

gaurav-agrawal-ips-iit-iim-economics-optional.html/print/)
 Get notified whenever I post new article!

(http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=CivilServiceExam)
So far 681 Comments posted
REPLY (/2014/07/IAS-TOPPER-RANK-1-GAURAV-AGRAWAL-IPS-IIT-IIM-ECONOMICS-
OPTIONAL.HTML?REPLYTOCOM=344738#RESPOND)
manisha agrawal
hello sir, i have passed 12 exam with 93.40%. please tell me how to
prepare upse exam.
amit kumar
sir i can made ips officer plz help me
maahi prasad
Sir actually I am in I.a first year nd my optional is to economics nd
history civics and geography nd core sub is English hmm may u ask me
is it OK fr my aim… Plzz rep fstfst..
Rahul chauhan
Sir, I wants to know your preparation plan??????
and how you manage your time in preparation period
shyam lal yogi

Sir good afternoon
Mai rajasthan jaipur (kotputli ) se hu
Mene 12th 78 % hindi medium se pas kr liya hu 10th me 80 % h
(rajasthan bord )
Ab M Delhi University me BSc (computer science )se kr rha hu
M IAS bnna chahta hu
Please help me sir
tiwari guru prasad

Sir,
Mera naam tiwari guru prasad hai aur mai abhi b.sc with chemistry
subject se complete kiya hu..air mai upsc ki preparation bhi start kiya
hu..but muje kon kon si esi book hai Jo upsc ke liye best hoti hai muje
pata hai upsc ke liye jitna padho utna hi kam hai lekin fir bhi aap muje
guidance kariye Sir plz.
hi sir, im just studying engineering 3 yr in ece.i want to

become a ias officer.so pls hlp me
pls suggest which subject to take as optional
 OPTIONAL.HTML?REPLYTOCOM=345334#RESPOND)
aditya
you should go through a few subjects (5-7 daysin all) and decide
according to your interest
preethi bhonsle
hi sir,i am studying engineering 3 year in ece department and i want to
become a ias officer.so pls suggest me how to prepare for it
sandhya
HI SIR. Iam studying B.E. 3rd year and i want to prepare for ias exam so
how to start my preparation.please guide me
ASHISH KUMAR VERMA

SIR WHAT IS THE GOOD STERETEGY FOR CIVIL SERVICES CAN U TELL
ME HOW TO CRACK IAS
Sindhu Meena
hi….sir Now T am studying 3 year B.E in EIE department .I want to
become an ias sp plz help me how to prepare
prityrekha borgohain
i want to be an ias officer….. I m in 12th standard… Please give me
some suggestion for my graduation
dhaval patel
hi sir
i hve one puzzle . which only solved by you so plzz tell me the ans
(_) + (_) + (_) = 30

fill the blanks from following digits only
1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15
u can repet the digits
[email protected]
i am grauda bcom in my aggre is 58% 2nd puc 69 %and in sslc 43% i
am eglibe to attend cse exam s
suresh wadkute
Sir thanks for motivating to the player of this game i like whole info
about u but one more request that add ur schduld of study. Thanking
u
Kapil poonia
Hello sir, i am Kapil poonia recently i had cleared my 12th with 92 Per
cent. Plase guide me to make my career in IAS.
Vishal Azad
Hello
I m studying engineering 2nd year with mechanical. I want to become
IAS officer. S please tell me how I start my preparation.
Thanks
SATYENDRA PATHOR
hi sir,
i have one puzzle . which only solved by you so plzz tell me the ans.
sir pls
(_) + (_) + (_) = 30

fill the blanks from following digits only
1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15
monica kapoor
Dear respected sir I want be an IPS officer as like you, so please help
me that how can i face the exam?
« Previous (http://mrunal.org/2014/07/ias-topper-rank-1-gaurav-agrawal-ips-iit-iim-
economics-optional.html/comment-page-8#comments) 1
(http://mrunal.org/2014/07/ias-topper-rank-1-gaurav-agrawal-ips-iit-iim-economics-
optional.html/comment-page-1#comments) … 7 (http://mrunal.org/2014/07/ias-
topper-rank-1-gaurav-agrawal-ips-iit-iim-economics-optional.html/comment-page-
7#comments) 8 (http://mrunal.org/2014/07/ias-topper-rank-1-gaurav-agrawal-ips-iit-
iim-economics-optional.html/comment-page-8#comments) 9
Write your message!

Name?

Email ID?

What is your Message? Search before asking questions & confine discussions to exams
related matter only.
Post Message
Notify me of follow-up comments by email.
Notify me of new posts by email.
Search B4 Asking
Type n Press Enter
24 Days : SSC CGL15

38 Days : CSAT-15
79 Days : IBPS-PO-15
142 : IBPS-Clerk-15
155 Days : Mains-15
Recent Comments
DR.K.VIJAY { I got GS marks=93; CSAT=68. this is how non engineering, non maths and non
English medium background students have been loosing so far in Prelims... } – [Topper’s
Interview] Umesh N.S.K (CSE-2014/AIR-77): Political Science Optional, Electrical...
sci.html/comment-page-1#comment-346733)
SWAPNIL { My Prelims Score... GS1 90.33 CSAT 163 .....Total 253.33 .__________________ Mains
703....... Interview 78 ..... Total 781... Remarks Not Recomended } – [UPSC-2014] Prelim and
Mains Marksheet of all candidates uploaded,... (http://mrunal.org/2015/07/upsc-2014-
prelim-mains-marksheet-uploaded.html/comment-page-2#comment-346697)
RAMA KRISHNA { hi, i reside in remote area of telangana.im poor in general paper.if

possible join me in ur watsapp group.my no 7386590644. } – [UPSC-2014] Prelim and Mains
Marksheet of all candidates uploaded,... (http://mrunal.org/2015/07/upsc-2014-prelim-
mains-marksheet-uploaded.html/comment-page-1#comment-346691)
ABHIJIT { Seems I am the all India topper in gs. Agar kisi ne mujhse bhi accha perform kiya
ho to please batana.... My marks: 49, 44,... } – [Topper’s Interview] Umesh N.S.K (CSE-
2014/AIR-77): Political Science Optional, Electrical... (http://mrunal.org/2015/07/ias-
toppers-interview-umesh-nsk-rank-77-pol-sci.html/comment-page-1#comment-346686)
TARUN { true that .. so calm and lucid } – [Topper’s Interview] Umesh N.S.K (CSE-
PRABHAT { thank you so much ... very veryy good } – [Topper’s Interview] Umesh N.S.K
(CSE-2014/AIR-77): Political Science Optional, Electrical... (http://mrunal.org/2015/07/ias-
JUDE_PRUDENCE { Yes, please UPSC kindly reform your self before some serious aspirant
commits suicide & writes a suicide note blaming you & your butchering ;-) I... } – [Topper’s
Interview] Umesh N.S.K (CSE-2014/AIR-77): Political Science Optional, Electrical...
RADHE { respect sir.. best interview reading experience ever.. we need such genuine and
simple guides.. i am mesmerized by your plain ways.. no unnecessary pomp and... } –
[Topper’s Interview] Umesh N.S.K (CSE-2014/AIR-77): Political Science Optional, Electrical...
RAHUL { no answer writing practice..............thats great. } – [Topper’s Interview] Umesh

N.S.K (CSE-2014/AIR-77): Political Science Optional, Electrical...
PARTH { sir kindly post capf answer key ? } – [Topper’s Interview] Umesh N.S.K (CSE-
Vacancies
Entire List shifted to bottom. Scroll down
(http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/mrunal.org)
 Mega Jobs
21-Oct: Haryana Patwari (http://www.onlinehssc.in)

21-Sep: Haryana PG Teachers (GrB)
(http://www.hssc.gov.in/writereaddata/Advertisements/19_1_1_PGT%20Advt%204-
%202015.doc)
21-Sep: Haryana TGT Teachers (GrC)
(http://www.hssc.gov.in/writereaddata/Advertisements/18_1_1_Advt.%20No.3-
%202015%20TGT.doc)
21-Sep: Haryana Teacher (http://www.onlinehssc.in/)
28-Jul: OICL Assistant (http://www.orientalinsurance.org.in/Career.jsp)
26-Jul: Railway Supri. & assistant
(http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,7,1281)
22-Jul: Lekhpal UPSSSC (https://uplr.digialm.com/EForms/html/form2536/index.html)
20-Jul: UIIC assistant (http://www.uiic.co.in/)
17-Aug: IGNOU PG Admission (https://onlineadmission.ignou.ac.in/Login.aspx)
17-Jul: NDA Officers (http://upsconline.nic.in/mainmenu2.php)
13-Jul: SSC 10+2 (http://www.ssconline.nic.in/)
 Banks
01-Aug: IBPS Bank PO (http://www.ibps.in/)
23-Jul: IBPS Rural PO & Asst. (http://ibps.in/html/cwe_rrb.htm)
 IT Jobs
20-Jul: CDAC Noida (http://www.cdac.in/index.aspx?id=ca_noida_may_2015)
 Engineers
24-Aug: Haryana Junior Engineer (http://www.onlinehssc.in/)

24-Aug: Haryana Engineers
(http://www.hssc.gov.in/writereaddata/Advertisements/17_1_1_JEAdvt22015.doc)
26-Aug: Punjab UPDA (http://www.puda.gov.in/)
24-Aug: Haryana Engineers
(http://www.hssc.gov.in/writereaddata/Advertisements/17_1_1_JEAdvt22015.doc)
10-Aug: Raja Ramanna Tech.
(http://www.rrcat.gov.in/hrd/Openings/Current_Openings.html)
09-Aug: National Fertilizers (http://www.nationalfertilizers.com/)
05-Aug: National Textile (http://ntcltd.co.in:84/index.php?
option=com_career&view=register&v=uns&Itemid=143)
31-Jul: Uttarakhand Engineers
(http://www.uttarakhandjalvidyut.com/mis/vacancy/advt..pdf)
31-Jul: BEL Mumbai (http://bel-india.com/?q=recruitment)
26-Jul: Railway Engineer (http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?
lang=0&id=0,7,1281)
20-Jul: Chandigarh JE (http://recruitment-portal.in/)
 Legal
None right now
 Specialists
10-Aug: IIM Raipur (www.iimraipur.ac.in/career1.htm)

19-Aug: Aravali Power (http://www.apcpl.co.in/)
10-Aug: Raja Ramanna Tech
(http://www.rrcat.gov.in/hrd/Openings/Current_Openings.html)
10-Aug: CEERI (http://www.ceeri.res.in/)
08-Aug: UPSSSC (http://upsssc.gov.in/)
07-Aug: Punjab Agro. (http://govt.thapar.edu/paic/)
04-Aug: Punjab Muni. (http://lgp.applyforexam.com/)
04-Aug: NIOS (http://www.nios.ac.in/vacancy.aspx)
31-Jul: IIIT Allahabad Gr. A & B (http://www.iiita.ac.in/announcements.php)
31-Jul: ILBS Delhi (http://www.ilbs.in/index.php?
option=com_content&view=article&id=273&Itemid=133)
31-Jul: Railtel Managers (http://railtelindia.com/images/stories/Vacancy%20notice%20-
%20detailed-%20regular.pdf)
31-Jul: Mizoram Univ.
(http://www.mzu.edu.in/index.php/downloads/forms/viewcategory/5-employment-notice)
31-Jul: BHEL Supervisor (http://careers.bhel.in/str2015/jsp/et_eng_index.jsp)
31-Jul: SJVN (Only PH) (http://sjvn.nic.in/)
31-Jul: NSFDC (http://nsfdc.nic.in/News/view_News.asp)
30-Jul: HPSC (http://hp.gov.in/hppsc/file.axd?
file=2015%2f6%2fAdvertisement+No.+3_2015.pdf)
30-Jul: KGMU Lucknow (http://kgmu.org/job-opportunities.php)
24-Jul: RCFL Officer (http://www.rcfltd.com/index.php/hrmain/recruitment)
22-Jul: EXIM Bank (http://www.eximbankindia.in/career)
21-Jul: AMU (http://www.amuregistrar.com/vacancies.html)
20-Jul: Mahanadi Coalfields (http://www.mcl.gov.in/OurPeople/pdf/SRD%20MS%20DS.pdf)
20-Jul: CSIR Scientist (http://www.career.iicb.res.in/)
20-Jul: State Trading corp. (http://www.stc.gov.in/careers/current-openings.aspx)
20-Jul: NISER APO (http://www.niser.ac.in/drupal_new/)
19-Jul: NEEPCO (http://www.neepco.gov.in/)
18-Jul: NSIC (http://nsicnet.com/hrnsic15_2/Instruction_4.asp?Ad=4)
17-Jul: BBAU Lucknow (http://bbau.ac.in/recruitment.aspx)
15-Jul: ISM Dhanbad (http://ismdhanbad.ac.in/openings-ism-regular/view.php)
15-Jul: Jammu Univ. (http://www.cujammu.ac.in//Default.aspx?
option=article&type=single&id=32&mnuid=734&prvtyp=site)
15-Jul: MoEF Scientists (http://envfor.nic.in/advertisements)
09-Jul: Allahabad Bank (https://www.allahabadbank.in/english/Recruitment.aspx)
13-Jul: SIDBI Specialists (http://www.sidbi.in/?q=careers)
 Medics
23-Nov: Haryana SSC (http://www.onlinehssc.in/)

15-Jul: Bihar Health Society (http://jobs.biharshs.in/inner/state_content.asp)
14-Jul: BIHAR SSC (http://bssc.bih.nic.in/)
14-Jul: MP medical officer (http://www.mppsc.nic.in/)
 ParaMedics
31-Jul: Haryana Paramedics

(http://www.hssc.gov.in/writereaddata/Advertisements/16_1_1_Health%20Advt.%202015.doc)
21-Jul: UP Power PSU Chemist
(http://www.uprvunl.org/recruitment_notices_Chemist%20Grade-II.htm)
 Deskjobs
23-Nov: Haryana SSC (http://www.onlinehssc.in/)

26-Aug: Punjab UPDA (http://www.puda.gov.in/)
10-Aug: CEERI (http://www.ceeri.res.in/)
05-Aug: NBE Assistants (http://natboard.edu.in)
31-Jul: NSFDC (http://nsfdc.nic.in/News/view_News.asp)
31-Jul: IIIT Allahabad Gr.C (http://www.iiita.ac.in/announcements.php)
20-Jul: NISER Clerks (http://www.niser.ac.in/drupal_new/)
15-Jul: BEL Ghaziabad (http://bel-
india.com/sites/default/files/Recruitments/advt%20clerk%20cum%20operator.pdf)
07-Jul: NBCC Building (http://www.nbccindia.com/nbccindia/nroot/njsp/Career.jsp)
01-Jul: NIELIT Deskjobs (http://www.nielit.gov.in/recruitments.aspx)
13-Jun: Bank Note Press (http://www.jobapply.in/bnpdewas/)
30-Jun: Lucknow Law univ. (http://rmlnlu.ac.in/recruitment-notification-process.html)
30-Jun: Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan (http://sanskrit.nic.in/advt_22_05_2015.pdf)
 Faculty
10-Aug: Haryana Central Univ. (http://210.212.129.134/cuh/cuh-jobs.aspx)

10-Aug: IIM Raipur (http://www.iimraipur.ac.in/career_faculty.htm)
31-Jul: ILBS Delhi (http://www.ilbs.in/index.php?
option=com_content&view=article&id=273&Itemid=133)
31-Jul: IIIT Allahabad (http://www.iiita.ac.in/announcements.php)
31-Jul: Mizoram Univ.
(http://www.mzu.edu.in/index.php/downloads/forms/viewcategory/5-employment-notice)
30-Jul: Kerala Central Univ. (http://cukerala.ac.in/index.php?lang=en)
30-Jul: JAMIA MILLIA (http://jmi.ac.in/bulletinboard/advertisement/latest/2)
30-Jul: CU Kerala (http://www.cukerala.ac.in/)
27-Jul: BPUT Odisha (http://www.bput.ac.in/)
27-Jul: GBPEC Uttarakhand (http://gbpec.ac.in/recruitment/recruitment.php)
24-Jul: IRCON International (http://www.ircon.org/Content.aspx?Title=93)
22-Jul: Assam University (http://www.aus.ac.in/regularposts.html)
21-Jul: AMU (http://www.amuregistrar.com/vacancies.html)
20-Jul: PKIET Puducherry (http://karaikal.gov.in/Recruit/MnRecruit.htm)
20-Jul: Utkal University (https://recruitment.utkaluniversity.ac.in/)
20-Jul: Raipur Univ. (http://www.prsu.ac.in:8010/Univ_Req.aspx)
15-Jul: NIT Puducherry (http://www.nitpy.ac.in/assets/teaching.pdf)
17-Jul: BBAU Lucknow (http://bbau.ac.in/recruitment.aspx)
16-Jul: RPSC Home Science (http://rpsconline.rajasthan.gov.in/)
 Uniform
04-Aug: Army SSC Officers (http://joinindianarmy.nic.in/)

25-Jul: Air Force SSC (http://Careerairforce.nic.in)
23-Jul: Air Force AFCAT (http://Careerairforce.nic.in)
19-Jul: Navy Officers (http://www.irfc-nausena.nic.in/hindi/join_indiannavy.htm)
17-Jul: NDA Officers (http://upsconline.nic.in/mainmenu2.php)
15-Jul: Army Dental (23) (http://indianarmy.nic.in)
13-Jul: Coast Guard (http://www.joinindiancoastguard.gov.in/)
13-Jul: BSF Constable (797) (http://bsf.nic.in/doc/recruitment/r99.pdf)
 B.Com,CA,HR,MBA
20-Jul: Pawan Hans Audit (http://pawanhans.co.in/site/Careern.aspx)
 RESULT /MARKSHEET
SSC 2014 T2
NCLAT
Hotel Management
 TENTATIVE NOTIFICATIONS
IAS-IPS-IFoS: 16 May
IES: 7 Feb
SSC CGL: 2 May
SSC 10+2: 6 June
SSC Sub insp: 28 Mar
CAT: Aug 2015
RBI Officer / Assistant: ??
IBPS PO / Clerk / RRB: ??
ACIO 2015: ??
1. Online Form Part-I stops few days before deadline, so don't wait till last date. Dont
forget reg.id & roll no.Note'em in Google Drive (https://www.google.com/drive/)
2. I usually update vacancies every Monday.Purple link= newly added,Blue= existing.Last
updated Jul 13, at 01:00AM
 
  (https://plus.google.com/1094553468682
 (http://feedburner.google.c
(https://www.facebook.com/Mrunal.org)
(https://twitter.com/mrunal_patel)
rel=author)
(http://www.youtube.com/user/Th
uri=CivilServiceExam)
HOME (HTTP://MRUNAL.ORG/) / ECONOMY (HTTP://MRUNAL.ORG/ECONOMY)
/ DOWNLOAD (HTTP://MRUNAL.ORG/DOWNLOAD) / CONTACT ME (HTTP://MRUNAL.ORG/CONTACT)
The work of Mrunal (http://mrunal.org/) is under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-ShareAlike
4.0 License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en_US).Permissions beyond the scope of this
license may be available at Mrunal.org/contact (http://mrunal.org/contact).
(http://www.alexa.com/data/details/main?url=http://mrunal.org)

UPSC First Ranker Gaurav Agrawal Gives Preparation Tips

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

UPSC First Ranker Gaurav Agrawal Gives Preparation Tips

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

UPSC First Ranker Gaurav Agrawal Gives Preparation Tips

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Mrunal (http://mrunal.

Roll No. 249085

Total attempts in CSE 2

Optional Subject Economics

Medium chosen for Mains

Schooling medium English

College medium English

Home town/city Jaipur

Work-experience if any 3.5 years in Investment Banking. Presently in IPS.

Details of other competitive

Vision IAS and Synergy test series useful.

service preference #1, 2 and

state cadre preference (top3) Rajasthan > MP > Gujarat

fill the details here

Schooling (Medium) English

Computer Sc. & Engg. 6.8/10. Multiple F’s and degree

Name of college, city, passing

Post-graduation IIM Lucknow, MBA in Finance 9.25 / 10. Gold Medal

Any other professional courses

Tempo and style

Struggle of a Senior player

I’ve written a detailed article about it. click me

Prelims (CSAT) General studies

History Ancient I had history optional last year.

History Medieval I had history optional last year.

Culture society I had history optional last year.

Please read my blog post for this. click me

Schemes, Policy &

Prelims (CSAT) Aptitude

Topic strategy / booklist

Maths Didn’t prepare.

reasoning Didn’t prepare.

comprehension Didn’t prepare.

Decision Making Didn’t prepare.

Q. Any observation / comments / tips about GS Aptitude 2013 paper.

Can’t comment here as didn’t prepare for this.

Yes. Yes absolutely necessary.

Q2. Approximate no. of attempted answers vs. correct answers. in CSAT-2013

Q3. Your score in prelim?

General studies 121.34

Mains: Compulsory language paper

Compulsory language paper Your preparation strategy / booklist?

English paper None

your regional language None

Q2.other observations / tips / comments on the length / difficulty level of compulsory

Q1. How did you prepare for the essay paper?

General Studies (Mains) paper 1

Topic How did you prepare?

Multiple sources, mentioned here click me

Shekhar Bandopadhyay – From Plassey to Partition, Bipin Chandra

Baliyan’s history optional classnotes. Also read Europe Since Napoleon

post- Mentioned above. Most of the questions asked were common

Indian society Everybody knows everything. Skipped.

General studies (Mains) paper 2

Topic How Did You Prepare?

Internet based study, Wikipedia, expert opinion. Basically find the

e-governance 2nd ARC report

diaspora Newspapers and internet

General studies (Mains) Paper 3