Summary
Highlights
Dr. Shivin Chaudhary, an IRS officer with an All India Rank of 297, reveals the harsh realities of the UPSC CSE exam. He highlights the extremely low selection rate (around 1%) and the fact that many successful candidates from previous years reappear to improve their service or rank. This creates an unfair race where new aspirants compete against experienced individuals who have already cleared the exam, possess better guidance, and have access to superior resources. He stresses that this environment leaves no room for mediocrity during preparation.
Despite the difficulty, Dr. Chaudhary acknowledges the unparalleled career elevation offered by the Civil Services. It provides disproportionate success at a young age, encompassing roles that involve leading large workforces and contributing significantly to national governance. He emphasizes that while the rewards are immense, the decision to undertake this challenging journey must be a personal one, driven by a deep commitment, and not simply by external motivation.
Dr. Chaudhary illustrates the incredibly fine margins in the UPSC exam, revealing how a difference of just 12 marks in his own scores could have meant either failing to make the list entirely or achieving a significantly higher rank (like 160 vs. 297). He explains that these minute differences highlight the need for every effort to count, making it crucial to avoid anything that reduces one's chances and to embrace anything that improves them. He advises against time-wasting activities like excessive social media use and encourages seeking credible advice.
Dr. Chaudhary outlines several broad principles: understanding the three stages of the exam (Prelims, Mains, Interview) and their distinct skill requirements, prioritizing conceptual clarity over rote learning, and continuously consulting the UPSC syllabus and Previous Year Questions (PYQs). He urges aspirants to be curious, willing to learn, and to remove any irrelevancies from their preparation. Most importantly, he advocates for 'being boring' through consistent daily effort (8-10 hours) because competitors are constantly working to achieve their dreams.
Aspirants should avoid chasing 'quick fixes,' relying on multiple books without revision (one book read many times is better), and taking advice from non-credible individuals not invested in their success. He explicitly advises against reading newspapers and 6th-10th grade NCERTs initially for 2027 aspirants, arguing that they are unproductive without foundational knowledge and do not directly yield exam questions. He emphasizes critical thinking to evaluate advice.
The exam consists of Prelims (two MCQ papers: General Studies and CSAT), Mains (nine descriptive papers including essays, general studies, and optional subjects), and a Personality Test (Interview). He details marks, negative marking, and cutoff requirements for Prelims, noting that CSAT (despite being 'qualifying') often trips up candidates. Mains is described as the most brutal stage due to the sheer volume of papers, the need for quick, well-structured answers, and the high-level knowledge required for optional subjects. The Personality Test assesses mental caliber, social traits, and depth of interest, demanding confidence and clear expression.
Dr. Chaudhary suggests a structured plan: first, master foundational subjects (Polity, Geography, History, Economy) over approximately six months (e.g., Nov 2025 to Apr/May 2026). Once this base is set, dedicate the period from May to Dec 2026 to Mains preparation, including optional subjects, ensuring 'Mains Ready by December.' The final six months before Prelims (Jan-May 2027) should be exclusively for Prelims-specific preparation, followed by a concentrated Mains revision period (June-Aug 2027) before the actual Mains exam.
To genuinely 'cover' a subject means: reading and remembering its standard book, solving 10 years of Prelims PYQs, reviewing Mains PYQs (even if not fully solving them yet), and crucially, retaining the information over time. He stresses that only what one knows 'right now' matters. He advocates for 8-10 hours of daily study, even with quality coaching, highlighting that self-study is paramount.
An ideal week involves studying Monday to Saturday, aiming for at least 50 hours per week. Sundays are reserved for revision, with a crucial rule: if one achieves good scores (e.g., 20+ out of 25) in a weekly test covering the previous week's material, then a break can be taken; otherwise, no break. An ideal day includes about 3 hours of lectures (if enrolled in coaching) and 5 hours of self-study, or 8 hours of self-study otherwise. Long breaks should be avoided, and the last hour of each day should be dedicated to 'active recall' – recalling information from memory without notes.
For college students, he advises watching a specific video on his YouTube channel. For working professionals, he acknowledges the personal advantages of a job (salary, security) but insists that the disadvantage of less time rests solely on them. He proposes a tough but effective rule: study BEFORE work, not after. Studying early in the morning leverages peak mental energy, as brainpower is often depleted after a full workday. This principle applies to anyone with demanding daily commitments.
Dr. Chaudhary concludes by sharing personal items (a LBSNAA debate trophy and an embossed Constitution) as potential motivators, but quickly pivots to his core message: 'Motivation is temporary; discipline and habits are permanent.' He urges aspirants to focus on building consistent daily discipline and strong study habits. Running after these permanent traits, rather than fleeting motivation, is the true path to success in the UPSC exam, enabling one to achieve their goals effectively and efficiently.