In a remarkable achievement, Shashwat Tripurari, an IIT graduate, topped the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination in his very first attempt in 2019, securing the 78th rank. His journey from an engineering background to acing one of India’s most challenging exams is a tale of dedication, strategy, and hard work.
Journey from Engineering to UPSC
Shashwat’s educational background is rooted in engineering, having graduated from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). His first attempt at the UPSC exam was not only successful but also brought him the honor of being among the top rankers. This transition from an engineering graduate to a UPSC topper is an inspiring story for many aspiring civil servants.
Early Life and Education
Hailing from Prayagraj, Shashwat’s foundational education was completed in the same city. Post his schooling, he pursued his graduation from IIT, post which he immediately set his sights on the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE).
Strategic Preparation
The cornerstone of Shashwat’s success was his strategic approach towards preparation. He emphasizes the importance of regular and thorough newspaper reading. Shashwat himself read two newspapers daily throughout his preparation, meticulously extracting and analyzing relevant news. This practice not only kept him updated but also helped in building a comprehensive understanding of current affairs.
Overcoming Challenges in Newspaper Reading
Shashwat acknowledges the initial challenges faced by aspirants, particularly in understanding complex terms and concepts in newspapers. He advises that one should immediately look up unfamiliar terms and understand them, rather than postponing this task. This approach ensures a deeper and more nuanced understanding of current affairs, crucial for the UPSC exam.
Immediate Clarification of Doubts
He further suggests that aspirants should immediately address any doubts they encounter, whether they pertain to terms, places, or boundaries. Using resources like maps for geographical references during the study can significantly enhance comprehension and retention.
Selective Reading Strategy
Shashwat advises a selective approach to reading newspapers. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the front page headlines and the editorial page, as they provide insightful opinions from experts. However, he recommends skipping sensational news and sections like regional news (unless relevant to one’s optional subject) and the sports and entertainment sections unless they align with the aspirant’s interests.
Balanced Approach in Preparation
Lastly, Shashwat stresses the need for a balanced approach. He suggests that aspirants should not be swayed by biased opinions but instead develop a well-rounded perspective on various issues. This balanced viewpoint is crucial for the UPSC exam, which values a comprehensive and unbiased understanding of issues.
summary
- Shashwat Tripurari, an IIT graduate, tops UPSC in first try.
- Hails from Prayagraj; completed early education and IIT graduation there.
- Read two newspapers daily, extracting key information for UPSC prep.
- Emphasized understanding complex terms in newspapers during preparation phase.
- Advised immediate clarification of doubts, especially in geography, for UPSC.
- Recommended selective newspaper reading, focusing on headlines and editorials.
- Stressed skipping sensational, regional, sports, and entertainment news sections.
- Advocated for balanced approach, avoiding biased views in exam prep.