In our quest to excel in the UPSC 2023 examination, it's only fitting that we take inspiration from those who have already achieved remarkable success. Shubham Kumar, Jagriti Awasthi, Ankita Jain, Yash Jaluka, Mamta Yadav, Meera K, Praveen Kumar, Jivani Kartik Nagjibhai, and Apala Mishra are individuals who have climbed the ladder of success in the Civil Services Examination. Let's delve into their preparation strategies, their backgrounds, and their invaluable advice.

Shubham Kumar - AIR 1
 

Background:
•    Shubham's journey began in his village before he moved to Patna for further studies.
•    He graduated with a B.Tech in civil engineering from IIT Bombay.
•    Active in extracurricular activities and cultural secretary during his time at IIT.

Path to Success:
•    Secured AIR 1 in UPSC after 3 attempts.
•    Family and friends' support kept him motivated.

Advice to Aspirants:
•    Maintain a supportive friend circle.
•    Minimize social media distractions.
•    Emphasize proper time management.

Strategy:
•    Took numerous mock tests for both prelims and mains.
•    Focused on speed and precision in answers.
•    Chose Anthropology as his optional subject.
Shubham Kumar's vision is to uplift rural India and find solutions for flood management in Bihar.

Jagriti Awasthi - AIR 2

Background:
•    Completed education at Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal.
•    Worked at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) before starting UPSC preparation.

Path to Success:
•    Achieved AIR 2 in UPSC after 2 attempts.
•    Gradually increased study hours to 12-14 hours a day.

Advice to Aspirants:
•    Choose an optional subject you love.
•    Gain conceptual clarity and connect it with current events.
•    Create a comprehensive study plan.

Ankita Jain - AIR 3

Background:
•    Born and raised in Delhi.
•    B.Tech in Computer Science from Delhi Technological University.
•    Worked at Qualcomm and later joined DRDO.

Path to Success:
•    Achieved success in the fourth attempt.
•    Emphasized understanding the exam pattern through failed attempts.

Advice to Aspirants:
•    Familiarize yourself with the syllabus.
•    Build a strong base with NCERTs.
•    Collaborate and share notes with study partners.

Yash Jaluka - AIR 4

Background:
•    Born in Jharia, Jharkhand.
•    Completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Economics from Delhi.

Path to Success:
•    Cracked UPSC in the first attempt at 26.
•    Devoted 8 hours daily, focusing on newspaper reading and note-taking.

Strategy:
•    Extensive reading of newspapers.
•    Thorough notes on each topic.
•    Utilized important UPSC books for preparation.

Mamta Yadav - AIR 5

Background:
•    Born in Basai, India.
•    Completed education at Delhi University’s Hindu College.

Path to Success:
•    Achieved AIR 5 in her second attempt.
•    Studied Physics as an optional subject.

Advice to Aspirants:
•    Choose an optional subject you love.
•    Create a personalized study plan.
•    Debunk myths and misconceptions about UPSC preparation.

Meera K - AIR 6

Background:
•    B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering.
•    Quit a well-paying job to pursue UPSC.

Path to Success:
•    Achieved AIR 6 after facing initial failures.
•    Believes in the importance of self-notes.
Meera K's advice is to prepare a personalized study plan and know your strengths and weaknesses.

Praveen Kumar - AIR 7

Background:
•    Hails from Jamui, Bihar.
•    Completed B.Tech from IIT Kanpur.

Path to Success:
•    Succeeded in the third attempt.
•    Stressed the importance of creating a personal strategy.
Praveen Kumar emphasizes that following your capabilities and mental caliber is crucial.

Jivani Kartik Nagjibhai - AIR 8

Background:
•    Pursued Mechanical Engineering at IIT Mumbai.
•    Cracked UPSC in the second attempt.

Path to Success:
•    Followed a 10-hour study regimen.
•    Took guidance from various sources.

Strategy:
•    Chose Geography as an optional subject.
•    Summarized notes for efficient revision.
•    Practiced the elimination technique in mock tests.

Apala Mishra - AIR 9

Background:
•    Born in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
•    Graduated in dental surgery and worked as a dentist.

Apala Mishra's journey exemplifies that diverse backgrounds can lead to UPSC success.

In conclusion, these toppers' journeys are a testament to hard work, determination, and personalized strategies. While their paths may vary, their dedication to excellence in the UPSC examination is unwavering. As we embark on our own UPSC 2023 preparation, let's draw inspiration from these success stories and craft our unique path to success. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach, but a well-defined strategy and dedication can lead to remarkable achievements. Best of luck in your UPSC journey!