“Own Your Journey” — UPSC Topper Vidyanshu Shekhar Jha’s Road to AIR 59
From Ranchi to Rank 59: Vidyanshu’s UPSC Journey
The Impressive TimesBy Manish Kumar
info@impressivetimes.com
Achieving success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a dream nurtured by thousands, but fulfilled by a determined few. Known for its unpredictability and rigorous standards, cracking the CSE demands more than just academic excellence. It requires clarity of purpose, mental discipline, and resilience. In the 2024 results, Vidyanshu Shekhar Jha, a candidate from Ranchi, Jharkhand, stood out with an All India Rank of 59, marking the culmination of years of persistent effort. In this exclusive conversation, Vidyanshu shares the methods and mindset that carried him through one of the country’s most challenging exams.
Q: When did the Civil Services become your goal, and what steered you in that direction?
A: My early interests leaned toward a career in defence. But as I delved deeper into the role of governance, economics, and international relations, I realized that true national development rests not just on security, but on effective public policy and diplomacy. By the time I completed college, my academic strengths and personal interests aligned perfectly with the ethos of civil services—making it an informed and passionate choice.
Q: Can you explain how you structured your preparation over the years?
A: Initially, I focused solely on building a strong base—mastering NCERTs and the syllabus, while developing a consistent habit of reading newspapers and solving previous years’ papers. Though I faced repeated setbacks at the Prelims stage, I used that time to prepare rigorously for Mains, attending coaching for answer writing and note-making. This dual-track approach ensured that once I cleared Prelims, I was already well-prepared for the next stages.
Q: Any memorable moments from your UPSC Interview?
A: Since I was undergoing training as an Indian Forest Service Officer, a large part of the interview revolved around environmental challenges—conflicts involving leopards or elephants, and the environmental cost of development. One question that stayed with me was, “How do you balance development needs with conservation?” The panel expected a realistic perspective—not idealism, but thoughtful, long-term vision. The Chairman’s final question was deeply reflective: “What personal transformation have you undergone since your first attempt?” That made me realize how this journey had matured me beyond academics.
Q: How did you select resources and avoid the trap of excessive materials?
A: I kept my resource list minimal and focused on revising them thoroughly. Reading newspapers like The Hindu and Indian Express was non-negotiable. I treated previous years’ questions not just as practice, but as tools for decoding examiner intent. Regular revision, consistent test series, and disciplined note-making helped me retain clarity without information overload.
Q: What helped you master the Prelims, especially tricky MCQs and CSAT surprises?
A: Solving older UPSC papers sharpened my instincts. I trained myself to detect flaws in statements—especially absolute terms like “always” or “never”. My approach was to eliminate options where even one part seemed off. With CSAT evolving into an unpredictable paper, I focused more on logic and time-bound practice rather than rote methods. Over time, this honed both accuracy and confidence.
Q: What was your method for writing high-quality answers under strict time limits?
A: Every answer followed a simple structure—introduction, core body, and a clear way forward. I practiced writing 250-word answers within 8 minutes, using headings, diagrams, and bullet points to enhance readability. Keeping a clock visible while practising helped train my mind for real-time performance. I never left a single answer blank in any attempt.
Q: How did you keep your composure during interviews, especially on sensitive topics?
A: Staying calm was key. I approached each mock and the real interview with the mindset that I was there to engage in a meaningful conversation. For sensitive questions, I always acknowledged the complexity—offering balanced, practical viewpoints rather than black-and-white opinions. My goal was to remain authentic, thoughtful, and composed.
Q: How did you stay motivated during tough phases like mock failures or self-doubt?
A: I treated preparation like a full-time job—productive, but not rigid. I took regular walks, followed a flexible routine, and broke long-term goals into weekly milestones. I didn’t measure daily hours, but consistency over months. This approach kept my energy levels high and burnout at bay.
Intensive use of previous years’ question papers.
Frequent mock interviews to build comfort and reduce anxiety.
A common myth I’d like to break is that background or language medium matters. It doesn’t. UPSC rewards merit—your hard work, your mindset, your preparation.
Q: What would you tell someone just starting their UPSC journey?
A: Make this journey your own. Avoid comparing with others—be it their schedule, books, or mock scores. What matters is your consistency, your motivation, and your willingness to stay the course. This is not a short race. Give it your best only if your heart is truly in it. That internal motivation will be your most reliable strength.
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