The journey of becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer is often marked by countless hours of preparation, guidance from esteemed coaching institutes, and numerous attempts. However, Alok Kumar’s story is a testament to the power of self-study, determination, and strategic planning.
Redefining the Norms of Success:
Most UPSC aspirants believe in the transformative power of coaching institutes to guide them through this challenging journey. However, for IAS topper Alok Kumar, this conventional method did not pave the way for success. Instead, it was his dedication to self-study that helped him clear the UPSC exam on his second attempt.
Initial Reliance on Coaching:
Like countless others, Alok initially placed his faith in a UPSC coaching institute for his first attempt. He invested time and effort, following the coaching curriculum diligently. However, the desired success remained elusive.
Transition to Self-Study:
Learning from his initial setbacks, Alok chose to change his strategy. He left the coaching environment and embarked on a self-study journey. This time, he introspected, recognized his previous errors, and worked meticulously to rectify them.
A Strategy That Delivered:
His renewed approach bore fruit, and Alok secured an impressive 41st rank in his next attempt. This commendable achievement culminated his UPSC journey in just about three years, a feat that speaks volumes of his perseverance.
Alok’s Guidance for Aspirants:
One of the key insights Alok offers is the importance of tailoring study material to the UPSC syllabus. He believes in selective reading; by narrowing down to specific, relevant books, the revision process becomes more manageable and efficient.
The Power of Repetition:
Alok emphasizes the significance of constant revision. Revisiting topics multiple times not only solidifies understanding but also enhances retention. He recommends periodically gauging one’s preparation level by taking tests.
Continuous Self-Analysis:
According to Alok, the path to success isn’t just about hard work; it’s about smart work. It’s imperative to constantly analyze one’s preparation. Identifying areas of weakness, rectifying errors, and refining strategies are essential components of a successful UPSC preparation journey.
Alok Kumar’s success story underlines the idea that while guidance and coaching can be beneficial, they are not the only routes to success. With determination, strategic planning, and continuous self-evaluation, aspirants can chart their own paths to success in the challenging UPSC examination.
