Dr. Ghulam Maya Din (CSE-23 AIR-388) Medical Science & Comprehensive Strategy
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DecodeCIVILS – Mudit Jain
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Background and Journey
Hi everyone, I am Dr. Ghulam Maya Din. I have qualified UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 388. I did my graduation in MBBS from government medical College Jammu. During internship I decided to pursue my career in civil services.
Before that i hardly read any newspaper and have little interest in humanities subjects. With the help of toppers videos on YouTube, I started reading newspaper during my internship. This helped me to qualify the entrance exam of Hamdard study circle (HSC), Delhi. At HSC I find amazing seniors/mentors such as Dr Asrar Ahmed Kichloo (IRS), Adam Mohiuddin (IPoS), Dr Akram. Here I got the basic understanding of the structure and preparation framework for this exam.
Despite my hard work and sincere efforts, I couldn’t clear prelims in my first three attempts. The reason behind first two unsuccessful prelims outcome was not paying attention to PYQs and smart guessing, the third one was due to CSAT, missed by 0.8 Marks.
In my 4th attempt I cleared prelims and mains and reached interview stage. But I couldn’t find my name in the final PDF. Due to time mismanagement during mains exam, I couldn’t complete all the question papers.
Finally, with almighty grace, I qualified UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 388.
How and When to Start Preparation?
In my opinion, graduation period is an ideal time for this exam preparation. During this time, inculcating the habit of daily newspaper reading (the Hindu/Indian express), NCERTs along with selection and preparation of OPTIONAL subject will be greatly helpful.
Timetable
Is a subjective thing, i tried to remain disciplined and consistent with my studies( woke up early and go to bed early) but a little flexibility is fine.
Preparation with Job?
This is the most challenging part of preparation as most people (seniors) in your workplace don’t empathize your situation. And you have to manage added responsibility of your job along with preparation. Outsourcing tasks to capable members of office team and utilizing spare time judiciously helped me to qualify CSE this year.
Prelims Books
Polity: 11th and 12th NCERTs + Laxmikanth+ explained section of Indian express/the Hindu
Economy: Mrunal sir notes+ economy editorials/explained section in the Hindu/Indian express
Ancient History: R S Sharma
Mediaeval: Only important chapters (Akbar adminstration, vijaynagar, bhakti sufi movement) from R S Sharma.
Modern: Spectrum
Culture: Fine art NCERT + Nitin Singhania (selected chapters)
Science and Technology: The Hindu science section plus any 365 compilation + YouTube
Environment: Shankar IAS + Down to earth YouTube + 365 compilation
Comprehension= regular newspaper reading will improve comprehension aptitude significantly and also practicing PYQs passages help one to familiarize with CSAT exam pattern.
Reasoning/quant = Edutap videos on YouTube for areas i was not comfortable.
Optional Strategy and Books
For medical science optional, graduation books along with making own crisp notes of High scoring but short subjects (derma, micro, biochemistry, paediatrics, radio, psychiatry) helped me to consolidate my vast optional subject. For my own notes, you can follow me on telegram.
Role of PYQs in Prelims-Mains
PYQs are the most important pillar in this exam preparation for both prelims and mains. Themes are often repeated with slight modification in language.
Revision Strategy
For Prelims: Through PYQs and own written notes, also focusing on recurring themes in prelims.
For Mains: Syllabus wise topic revision from own notes along with value addition from topper notes and newspaper, this makes both revision and updation less monotonous/boring.
How to Attempt Prelims?
GS: Identifying the hard questions and skipping them, smart guessing in moderate questions and avoiding silly mistakes in easy questions.
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