Akshay Doshi
AIR 75 · CSE 2023
Practise under timed conditions
His strategy interview emphasises prelims test practice. Use timed papers to build exam familiarity, then review the questions you missed.
ForumIAS strategy interview
The preparation notebook
A rhythm for your preparation
A useful plan is one you can return to. Make space for understanding, revision, practice—and a life beyond your desk.
UPSCCIVIL SERVICESPCSCIVIL SERVICESJRFUGC NET
Illustrative daily plan
Your timetable, not a race
This is a sample full-time preparation day, not a topper’s timetable or a class schedule. Adjust the hours for work, college, family commitments and your examination stage.
If you have fewer hours, keep a shorter core-subject block plus revision and question practice. Review your progress each week before adding more hours.
07:00–09:00
One core subject
Read a defined syllabus topic; end with a short recall exercise.
09:00–10:00
Breakfast & a break
Step away from your desk before the next block.
10:00–11:00
Current affairs
Connect relevant developments to the syllabus instead of collecting every headline.
11:00–12:00
Revision
Revisit yesterday’s learning and test what you remember without looking.
12:00–14:00
Lunch & rest
Leave room for personal commitments and recovery.
14:00–16:00
Optional / exam-specific subject
UPSC optional, PCS-specific content or your NET-JRF subject.
16:00–17:00
Movement & a break
Build a routine you can sustain, not just a long day on paper.
17:00–18:00
Questions & review
Practise MCQs or answer writing for your exam stage; review mistakes.
Evening
Reset for tomorrow
Choose tomorrow’s priorities, then make space for dinner and sufficient sleep.
Lessons from topper interviews
Borrow the principle. Build your own routine.
These are paraphrased UPSC preparation insights, not direct quotes or endorsements of my mentorship. The sample timetable above is our own illustrative template, not a schedule attributed to these toppers.
Shrestha Anupam
AIR 19 · CSE 2019
Make answer writing part of preparation
His interview highlights substantial Mains answer-writing practice alongside subject-wise preparation. Include regular writing, not only reading, in your study plan.
Disha Publication interviewShreyans Kumat
AIR 4 · CSE 2018
Know the details in your application
For the interview stage, he recommends reviewing your application closely and preparing for questions about your state, interests and other details you listed.
The Better India interview