From a Bank Employee to a UPSC Achiever: A tale of Discipline 

“Turning the tide from failure to success isn’t merely about riding the wave of motivation. It necessitates an anchor, the anchor of discipline.  Discipline holds you steadfast in the inevitable fluctuations of your exam journey. ”

– Anuj Jindal

Dreams or dependable job, passion or safety net, intellectual thrill or peace of mind, challenges or comfort?  

One path leads to glory but entails unpredictability and occasional failures.  

The other path offers predictability, harmony, and peace but carries monotony, regrets, and missed opportunities.  

Which path would you choose?   

The choice seems obvious; the first one.   

But you’ll be amazed to learn how many people end up taking the predictable and safe road. And the worst part is the fact that most of the time, it’s not a conscious choice, but the lack thereof.   

Very few people can claim that they chose the first path. And Surbhi Pathak, who managed to land the AIR 156 rank in UPSC CSE 2022 examination, is one of them.  

And in this blog, you’ll gain exclusive insight into her life and the meticulously crafted strategy through which she achieved this extraordinary feat. 

The foundations

Surbhi completed B Tech in Chemical Engineering from NIT Nagpur and then did MBA in Business Economics. Started working in the banking industry with the purpose of gaining real-world experience, developing holistically, and becoming financially independent.   

When she started full-fledged preparation in 2020, it was about balancing her work with UPSC preparation. 

Finding Advantage in Pandemic Circumstances

The topper found a silver lining in the challenging times of the pandemic. Working from home enabled her to dedicate ample time to her UPSC preparation.

With three to four hours dedicated each day, along with weekends, she made the most of this newfound flexibility.

Recognizing the importance of setting priorities and envisioning long-term achievements, she maintained her motivation throughout the journey. 

Honesty and Practicality: Key to Interview Success

During the interview stage, the topper emphasizes the significance of honesty and practicality.

By providing genuine responses and showcasing her practical understanding of engineering and management subjects, she effectively impressed the interviewers.

Her background in these fields provided her with a broader perspective and practical approach to tackling questions, contributing to her success in this stage. 

Learning from Prelims Weaknesses

Reflecting on her first two attempts, Surbhi realized that her initial strategy, which involved attempting questions but with low accuracy, didn’t work well.

To rectify this, she increased the number of mock tests and meticulously analyzed them to identify her mistakes and enhance her accuracy.   

The game changer was developing a deep understanding of the examiner’s mindset and the evolving patterns of questions in the prelims.  

Systematic Approach for Mains

Surbhi restricted her study sources to one for each topic, engaged in extensive answer writing practice, and referred to answer sheets of previous toppers to grasp the nuances of effective answer writing.  

Her focus on developing a structured approach, including well-crafted introductions, informative bodies, strong conclusions, and the use of relevant examples, enhanced her writing skills. 

Surbhi Pathak Mock Test 1

Surbhi Pathak Mock Test 2

Surbhi Pathak Mock Test 3

Navigating Challenges in the Management Optional Subject

Tackling numerical questions in the management optional subject proved challenging for her, nevertheless, through prioritizing topics aligned with the syllabus, making effective use of standard books, and integrating examples in her answers, she achieved impressive scores.  

Her experience underscores the significance of adopting a tailored and strategic approach that caters to the distinct demands of each optional subject. 

Advice for Aspirants

Surbhi offers valuable advice to aspiring UPSC candidates.   

She emphasizes the significance of implementing and executing the knowledge gained during the preparation process.

A strategic approach is vital at every stage, from prelims to mains and the interview. Lastly, she encourages aspirants to believe in themselves, maintains an optimistic mindset, and persevere throughout their journey.  

Surbhi’s story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring candidates who find themselves navigating the challenges of balancing a demanding job with their exam preparation.  

The key is effective time management, practical strategies, and unwavering determination. Listen to these valuable lessons, understand them, make an ambitious but realistic strategy, and implement them with hard work and there will be nothing standing in your way of turning your dreams into reality.