Toppers Talk with Sarthak Agrawal, Rank 17, UPSC Civil Services 2020

Mr Sarthak, a resident of Delhi, completed his schooling from DPS Vasant Kunj. He had secured 99.6 per cent in his class 12 board exams (CBSE 2014 Topper). He pursued BA (H) in Economics from Shriram College of Commerce and completed an MPhil degree at Oxford University. Till recently, he was working as an economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies in London. He has also worked for the World Bank as a researcher. Mr Sarthak in his very first attempt achieved the feat of securing Rank 17 in the UPSC civil services 2020 exam.
He is the student of Vision IAS in All India GS Test series, Essay Test series and Personality development programme. Watch this toppers’ talk to know his journey and what tips he has to share with you.
00:50: The interview starts with an introduction
01:11: Sarthak introduces himself
01:40: Credit for success
03:03: About his academic journey and work experience
03:55: What motivates him to quit well paid job and to appear in UPSC CSE
05:10: His UPSC journey
07:40: Integrated approach for preparation
08:55: Time management
10:30: Strategy to deal preliminary examination
12:22: Importance of prelims mock test
13:14: The ideal number of prelims mock test one has to take
14:42: Prelims sources
15:32: Number of questions to attempt in prelims
17:05: Mains specific sources and strategy to deal mains exam
19:15: Strategy for Ethics paper
21:30: Approach for Essay paper
24:40: Strategy and tips for answer writing
27:10: How to decide which optional to choose and why economics
29:21: Personality test experience and strategy to prepare interview
32:45: Knowledge and Confidence role in Personality Test
33:17: The ideal number of mock interviews that an aspirant must take
33:52: Experience and strategy to prepare current affairs
34:47: Importance of Note making
36:55: How to consolidate vast information available across various platforms
38:58: Motivation and stress management during preparation phase
43:40: Future goals
45:04: Message for Aspirants
46:10: A Thank you note
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