Becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer is one of the most challenging and prestigious achievements in India. The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is known for its rigorous selection process, with only a fraction of candidates making it to the final list. However, Chandrajyoti Singh defied the odds, securing an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 28 in her first attempt without any coaching. Her story is an inspiration for aspirants aiming to crack UPSC with self-study.
UPSC Success Story
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Chandrajyoti Singh |
| UPSC Rank | AIR 28 (2019) |
| Attempt | First |
| Coaching | No |
| Optional Subject | History |
| Graduation | St. Stephen’s College, Delhi |
| Preparation Strategy | Self-study, Answer Writing, Mock Tests |
| Official UPSC Website | UPSC.gov.in |
Chandrajyoti Singh’s UPSC success story is a beacon of hope for aspirants who believe that coaching is the only way to succeed. Her disciplined self-study, effective time management, and consistent revision helped her achieve this remarkable feat in her first attempt. If you’re preparing for UPSC, take inspiration from her journey—believe in yourself, stay dedicated, and success will follow!
Chandrajyoti Singh’s UPSC Journey: A Brief Background
Chandrajyoti Singh hails from a disciplined background, with both of her parents serving as Army officers. This instilled a strong sense of responsibility and dedication in her from an early age. She excelled in academics, securing a perfect 10 CGPA in Class 10 and 95.4% in Class 12. After completing her Bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, she decided to pursue the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) immediately after graduation.
Her decision to opt for self-study over coaching was backed by a well-structured plan and disciplined execution.
Why Self-Study? Lessons from Chandrajyoti’s Preparation
Many UPSC aspirants opt for coaching institutes to guide their preparation, but Chandrajyoti proved that with the right strategy, self-study can be just as effective, if not more. Here’s how she did it:
1. Understanding the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The first step in her preparation was thoroughly understanding the UPSC syllabus and exam pattern. She analyzed previous years’ question papers to identify important topics and areas requiring special focus.
2. Structuring a Study Plan
Rather than following generic coaching schedules, she created a personalized study plan. This included:
- Allocating specific months for each subject.
- Daily and weekly targets to track progress.
- Setting aside time for revision and mock tests.
3. Choosing the Right Study Material
Chandrajyoti relied on NCERT books as the foundation and supplemented them with standard reference books:
- Polity: M. Laxmikanth
- History: Bipin Chandra, Spectrum
- Geography: NCERT, GC Leong
- Economy: Ramesh Singh, Economic Survey
- Current Affairs: Newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, and government reports
4. Answer Writing Practice
UPSC Mains requires clear, concise, and structured answers. She started practicing answer writing early, focusing on:
- Answer frameworks (Introduction, Body, Conclusion)
- Time management (writing within word limits)
- Improving content with relevant examples and diagrams
5. Regular Mock Tests and Self-Assessment
To test her knowledge and improve exam temperament, Chandrajyoti took regular mock tests for both Prelims and Mains. This helped in:
- Time management
- Identifying weak areas
- Reducing negative marking in Prelims
Exam-Wise Strategy for Cracking UPSC in First Attempt
Prelims Preparation Strategy
- Focus on conceptual clarity rather than rote learning.
- Solve at least 50+ mock tests to understand the pattern and improve accuracy.
- Revise important government reports, such as Economic Survey & Budget.
Mains Preparation Strategy
- Develop analytical skills to present balanced arguments.
- Write answers daily with time constraints.
- Use diagrams and flowcharts to enhance presentation.
Interview (Personality Test) Strategy
- Stay updated on current affairs and practice mock interviews.
- Confidence and clarity in communication were key.
- Prepare for questions based on DAF (Detailed Application Form).
Key Takeaways from Chandrajyoti Singh’s Success Story
- Self-study is powerful – A structured plan and dedication can replace expensive coaching.
- Mock tests are crucial – They improve performance and boost confidence.
- Consistent revision is necessary to retain vast information.
- Answer writing practice is essential to excel in Mains.
- A balanced approach to Prelims, Mains, and Interview is required to clear all stages.
FAQs On UPSC Success Story
1. How long did Chandrajyoti Singh prepare for UPSC?
She started her preparation in June 2018 and cleared UPSC in 2019, meaning she dedicated approximately one year to focused preparation.
2. Did she take coaching for UPSC preparation?
No, she opted for self-study and followed a well-structured plan.
3. What was her optional subject?
She chose History as her optional subject.
4. How many hours did she study daily?
She maintained a disciplined routine, studying for 8-10 hours daily with breaks to ensure productivity.
5. What books did she refer to for UPSC preparation?
She followed NCERTs, standard reference books like Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for History, and daily newspapers like The Hindu.
