Smriti Mishra (Rank 4, UPSC Civil Services Exam 2023)

Smriti Mishra (Rank 4, UPSC Civil Services Exam 2023)

Smriti Mishra secured Rank 4 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023, one of the most competitive and prestigious exams in India. Her incredible achievement highlights her determination, focused preparation, and strategic approach to cracking one of the toughest exams in the country. Smriti’s journey stands as a motivating force for countless UPSC aspirants across India.

1. Background and Early Life

• Hometown: Smriti Mishra is originally from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, a city known for its rich academic and cultural heritage. Hailing from a family that values education and service, she was inspired from an early age to pursue a career that would allow her to contribute to society.
• Education: Smriti pursued her undergraduate degree from the University of Delhi, where she honed her academic skills and developed a passion for governance and public administration.
• Support System: Smriti credits her family, especially her parents, for supporting her throughout her preparation. Their encouragement and belief in her potential played a key role in helping her navigate the challenges of the UPSC exam.

2. The Decision to Pursue UPSC

• Motivation: Smriti was drawn to the civil services because of her desire to bring positive change to society. She saw the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) as a platform where she could address important issues like education, healthcare, and governance, and work towards improving the lives of people at the grassroots level.
• Inspiration: Inspired by the stories of other civil servants and the impact they were able to make in the lives of people, Smriti decided to commit herself to the rigorous preparation process required for the UPSC exam.

3. UPSC Journey and Attempts

• First Attempt Success: Smriti Mishra achieved her remarkable Rank 4 in her first attempt, a feat that is highly commendable in the context of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Clearing the exam on the first attempt is a dream for many aspirants, and Smriti’s success highlights her dedication and well-thought-out strategy from the beginning of her preparation.
• Optional Subject: Smriti opted for Zoology as her optional subject in the UPSC Mains exam. Her interest in the subject, coupled with a strong conceptual understanding, enabled her to score well in this often-overlooked optional. Zoology’s scientific nature allowed her to approach the subject with clarity and precision, key factors in her success in the Mains.

4. Preparation Strategy

• Systematic Study Plan: Smriti followed a well-structured study plan, making sure to divide her time equally between general studies and her optional subject, Zoology. She focused on ensuring conceptual clarity and understanding over rote learning, which was crucial for tackling both factual and analytical questions.
• Emphasis on Basics: For general studies, she relied heavily on NCERT textbooks and standard reference books. She emphasized strengthening her foundation in subjects like history, polity, geography, and economics before moving on to more advanced topics.
• Answer Writing Practice: Smriti recognized the importance of answer writing early in her preparation. She regularly practiced writing answers, focusing on clear, concise, and structured responses that addressed the questions directly. This practice not only improved her writing speed but also helped her develop an effective presentation style for the Mains exam.
• Mock Tests: Smriti took numerous mock tests, especially for the Prelims and Mains stages. These mock tests helped her improve her time management skills, identify areas of improvement, and fine-tune her preparation strategy. Mock tests also helped her build the mental stamina needed for the long exam process.
• Focus on Revision: Smriti placed a strong emphasis on revision. She maintained concise notes that she could quickly refer to during the final months of her preparation. This consistent revision ensured she was able to retain key facts and concepts, particularly in high-scoring areas.

5. Challenges and How She Overcame Them

• Time Management: As a first-time aspirant, one of the major challenges Smriti faced was managing the vast syllabus within a limited time frame. She overcame this by sticking to a disciplined study schedule and setting clear daily and weekly targets.
• Balancing General Studies and Optional: Balancing the preparation for her optional subject, Zoology, along with the extensive general studies syllabus was another challenge. Smriti ensured that she devoted specific hours to each subject and didn’t neglect either area. By maintaining a clear study timetable, she avoided overemphasizing one part of the exam at the expense of others.
• Mental Health: The UPSC journey can be stressful and exhausting. Smriti managed her mental health by maintaining a positive outlook, taking short breaks to recharge, and staying connected with friends and family for emotional support.

6. Key Takeaways from Smriti’s Journey

• Early Start and Structured Planning: Smriti’s success on her first attempt is a testament to the importance of early planning and discipline. Her structured approach to preparation, with clear goals and consistent study habits, enabled her to cover the vast syllabus effectively.
• Focus on Conceptual Understanding: Instead of merely memorizing facts, Smriti focused on understanding concepts, especially in her optional subject, Zoology. This allowed her to tackle difficult questions with ease, as she could apply her knowledge practically.
• Consistency in Preparation: Smriti highlights the importance of consistency over intensity. Studying regularly and revising frequently was more valuable for her than occasional bursts of intensive study.
• Answer Writing and Mock Tests: She emphasizes the importance of regular answer writing practice and mock tests as integral parts of her preparation strategy. These practices helped her develop a clear style of writing, time management skills, and familiarity with the exam format.

7. Message to Aspirants

• Believe in Yourself: Smriti’s key message to UPSC aspirants is to believe in yourself. The journey may be long and difficult, but self-belief is crucial in maintaining the motivation required to succeed.
• Start with the Basics: She advises aspirants to focus on building a strong foundation by mastering the basics before moving on to advanced material. A solid grasp of fundamental concepts is essential for success in both Prelims and Mains.
• Consistency Over Intensity: According to Smriti, regular and consistent study is far more effective than last-minute cramming. She encourages aspirants to maintain a steady pace throughout their preparation, ensuring that no part of the syllabus is overlooked.
• Stay Positive and Persistent: Finally, Smriti emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and not giving up, even when faced with challenges. The UPSC exam is a marathon, not a sprint, and patience and persistence are essential qualities for success.

Smriti Mishra’s incredible achievement in her first attempt at the UPSC exam demonstrates the importance of dedication, planning, and smart preparation. Her journey is an inspiration to many UPSC aspirants, showing that with the right mindset, strategy, and perseverance, success is attainable, even in the face of one of the toughest exams in the country.