Writeup by Shatarupa Mishra, IRS(IT)
Growing up in a family where many members worked in government services or development sector, I had a natural curiosity towards civil services since childhood. All through my school and college years , while my career goals kept shifting , deep down I knew that someday I would attempt the prestigious UPSC CSE examinations. The common questions of why and how became crystal clear when I met Ajit Sir and Aashay Sir and the rest for me , has been a drema run.
I joined the Abhyankar IAS Academy in 2011 while I was pursuing my 4th year BA LLB for the foundation course. Aashay Sir’s constant words of encouragement helped my writing skills blossom. In 2012 due to a rigorous college schedule I had to discontinue classes at the Academy and was almost on the verge of accepting a corporate law firm job. But destiny had other plans!Discussion with Aashay Sir and family members convinced me to thoroughly to prepare once atleast for the examinations.
Insecurities of zero work experience, staying away from home, the huge syllabus melted away as I thoroughly enjoyed the Mains classes. Focus of the pedagogy was interlinkages of syllabus with current events-something the UPSC expects us to build. Aashay Sir’s amazing conceptual clarity in teaching was a boon for a novice like me. The best part was no doubt of anyone was considered irrational or small – it was cleared instantly.
Sociology as an optional was new for me but I thoroughly started enjoying it due to Sir. Simple yet critical nuances like weekly discussions of current affairs, small strength of batches, holistic analysis of each topic are hallmarks of the Academy that helped us a lot. The constant reiteration of answer writing practice was drilled into our heads – something that most fail to do and suffer in the Mains.
April 2014 onwards, we were subjected to an extremely Prelims module, replete with discussions, special CSAT classes and the most important, tests. It being my first attempt, I was nervous and had many doubts but Sir had more confidence in me – Keep working , Shatarupa. You will pass” Thank God I listened to him and August 2014 saw a hopeful me, waiting for results.
The 3 and half months prior to Mains examinations was filled with timely sectional and full portions tests , regular feedback and doubt clearing sessions – occasional anxiety attacks were met with Sir’s constant encouragement. I was pleasantly surprised to see that most questions in the UPSC CSE Mains 2014 had been covered in class already.
January onwards , we started preparations for the last leg of the journey- the Personality Test through gruelling mock interviews , interactions with serving and retired bureaucrats and study trip . Practical experience enriched our theoretical knowledge. Soon I was ready for the final lap.
The Civil Services Examination tests not only out knowledge but also our mental strength and stability in times of adverse situations. The Abhyankar’s IAS Academy understands this and prepares us both mentally and intellectually. Over the past two years of my preparation I have a lot to thank the Academy for. Here you learn to love what you do and that guarantees satisfaction and with little bit of luck and blessings, success too.
All I did was listen to Sir, work very hard and circa 2015 , my long cherished childhood dream of clearing civil services examination in the very 1st attempt came true and in what a splendid way!
Shatarupa Mishra, IRS(IT)