My UPSC MAINS 2023 Marksheet, Learnings and The Road ahead. | That Working UPSC Aspirants |

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

"Hey everyone! I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you in our incredible KZbin community. Thank you for not only taking out time to write but also for sharing your invaluable suggestions. I went through your comments and have now made up the decision for taking a drop and proceeding ahead with a humanities optional. Wish all the very best to everyone appearing this year in Prelims : ) I would be happy to extend any possible support you need through out the process. Happy Learning :)

[@KGM]

Hello Brother, Watched your video first time, I want to say I am also a Civil Engineer (College Topper) but I didn’t opt for Civil Engg as an Optional - 2 big reasons (Syllabus and UPSC Demand). I will suggest you : 1. Rethink about other Optional 2. Skip this Attempt and Prepare Optional. Best Wishes Brother, Bijendra Singh KGM Mission UPSC.

[@naturesbeauty1706]

Well decision taken by you sir

[@Mayank_Yadav06]

Yes sir please do skip this year. You have taken great decisions. People give 3, 4 interviews but didn’t get name till the last attempt because they always rush. Same thing was admitted by krishna sir (synopsis ias) 4,5 days ago who has given 3 interview. So prepare it well give some test series and please be aware of procrastination coz your exam is far. All the best

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Thanks Mayank for the insights. Yes, keeping a check on procrastination in this situation is a real task.

[@Vats678]

Yes feeling bad for Satyam Jain sir 😢

[@Fall7timestandup8]

He hasn't given the UPSC interview! Though he cleared 3 prelims!

[@shubhamjha9363]

My total is 624 and I am skipping 2024 attempt. My suggestion would be to rethink for the optional. You may go for socio or anthro if you want to change (syllabus is short as compared to pub ad and psir). Else what you said about answer writing and test series are correct. Cycle mei fasne se better hai break coz september ke baad se mains focused padhayi kaafi kamm ho jaati after giving mains as you also have realised. So in short , content enrichment , optional and tests for 1 year and you are good to go ✌🏻

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Hii Shubham!! You’ve very aptly summarized the whole thing. Yes, I’m considering to change my optional as well, if some optionals aligns with my area of interest.

[@TheSupertatu]

do not change your optional take a break and sharpen your optional.

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Thanks mate :) Analysing the pros and cons of continuing with the tech optional

[@nishu55566]

800 something marks is necessary in Mains all papers.😊

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

True that. To be on safer side, around 800 for UR cat is required.

[@yatharthsingh5639]

Big brother thankyou for the genuine guidance. ❤❤ You should take a break , attempt for next year.....

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

I would be glad if I could be of any help to the community:) Thanks Mate!

[@ykaiphakkonyak7820]

Take a break, recharge, and come back stronger to achieve a top rank✨

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Thank you :)

[@dipankaracharjya2963]

I would say Take a drop to avoid the loop,choose anthro if possible.Just three months are enough to score more than 250.Worked for Anudeep sir and Subham Kumar sir and many others.

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Yes, analysing the sociology syllabus, probably I’ll proceed ahead with the same. Anthro doesn’t fall under my area of interest, though it is a very good optional.

[@lifesgamer5942]

i think may be a switching of optional would be a game changer (in my opinion )

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

I’m considering it, going through syllabus of various optionals.

[@vaibhavsingh8159]

Bhai I gave my first attempt this year. Roll no= 5404530 Mains score: Essay = 93 GS1 = 81 GS2 = 102 GS3 = 82 GS4 = 100 Optional(Philosophy) Paper 1 = 112 Paper 2 = 121 Total = 691 = didnt clear mains --- I agree with your idea bhai, I think you should skip this attempt. Nhi to iss saal GS me you can improve but optional me bhot improve nhi hoga and eventually interview bhale ajaye selection nhi hoga. But, agar skip kiya attempt then bhai pure saal you'll have to stick with the plan nhi to problem hojayegi. All the best bhai!!

[@vaibhavsingh8159]

also, switch to humanities optional. Agar question nhi bhi ata tabhi you can atleast get average marks( jaise mere aye hai) But optionals like math and Civil are either boom or bust. So, I'd say choose something that will be fun to read and easy to write.

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Very well said. Analysing Sociology for the time being, I don’t think proceeding ahead with a technical optional with a full time job would be a wise decision now. Anyways, All the best to you too :) just slight improvement in optional and GS and you would be on other side of the barrier.

[@OmuuSalunke]

​@@vaibhavsingh8159Sir I Am Now In Bsc First Year How Should I Study For Upsc till when should I complete my syllabus and should I take optional as the subject in which I am pursuing graduation Note : I Am Also Willing to do msc after My graduation so After Complting it shall I give my first attempt or after my graduation Plz Help Me

[@gulabsingh4673]

Brother same happened with me. I couldn't make this time due to my optional paper 1. I missed my mains by 29 marks .

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Your were close mate. Work on it, you will have fair chances this year :)

[@Nature_Lover88]

mjhe lgta hai aapka decision shi hai, agle prelims tk mains , specially optional ko master kr lijiye, gs to aapka accha hai hi.

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Thank you :)

[@anu98]

Im a working professional as well, couldn't clear last year prelims. However the additional time, i don't think helps as it takes away the momentum. I would rather suggest you create a niche domain of videos for working professionals along with your prep. It might help you gain the confidence.

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

I agree upto some extent about the momentum. It is going to be the real task. Surely, I will see to it bhai :)

[@Subtlethings07]

Bhai I would suggest you to switch your optional……Civil engineering that too for a working professional is not a good choice…..I had civil engineering but always scored ~240 which is decent for an interview call but definitely not good for final selection….rest choice is your 🤞🏻

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Yes! You’re right. Kept my ego aside now, exploring the syllabus of humanities optionals now. Thanks for the suggestions:)

[@secondinnings4017]

I can understand even I am working aspirant

[@akashthakurta3069]

Bro, I would suggest not to skip the attempt, since u r in momentum...if I get thru pre take an EOL from office...even I work in a PSU n have planned the same...max they could do is initiate a DA, but can't throw u out of the job...

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

About the momentum thing, you are right brother. Moreover, bracing yourself for DA is not a good option, rather try to reconcile with the situation at office. This wont create any mental breakdown.

[@sjdr134]

brother one small thing, how do i write answers , i cant think of 3 to 4 points for any question let alone filling an entire paper, i can think critically but very bad at answer writing and essay writing , how do i build that thing, how do i think of points for and against the argument and how do i conclude things , when ever i read a question i understand it and i know the topics also but i cant write answers please tell me what should i do to build this thing

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Around how many Answers have you written till date? Just asking. If it’s a beginning phase, then that’s very normal

[@mohammadhamidsamani5515]

Do not drop optional find weak areas and work on it it will lead you

[@bhagat_metaphor]

Sir same dilemma was with me for civil engineering optional i got in touch with Abhishek Sharraf sir he told you need to finish syllabus and have to revise if revision of optional not possible then you will score significantly lower then other and will the miss thePDF

[@noobly4711]

change optional right now and think about sco geo

[@messupall]

Hello sir, I'm also a working aspirant , job govt hai but still have to clock in 8 hr and is year drop lia hai . Optional gs subject hai and fairly prepared hai, gs bhi fairly prepared hai . But nothing is perfect

[@ms4j2k]

Why not switch to a humanities optional?

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Very valid suggestion, considering that as well :) Thanks!

[@ms4j2k]

Sir I too have Civil Engineering optional and it is very voluminous and demands regular practice and a technical aptitude. Given your IIT background you check all the boxes but as a working professional you might not be able to get time to practice it rigorously. Recently I was pondering over Agriculture as an optional. It is almost static,relevant in administration,less competition, science based optional so becomes kind of technical only and has short syllabus. I would recommend you consider it. Go through the PYQs once and you'll be able to make a call.

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

@ms4j2k Thank you Mihir, you’ve very aptly described the demand of the civil engg optional. I’ll definitely look into the agricultural optional and see if it matches my area of interest. What about you? Are you continuing with the civil engg or have switched to the agri? Anyways, I’m not at all against the civil engineering, it’s pretty good optional, but the amount of time it takes, is a bit challenging for me.

[@ms4j2k]

@@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant Sir I am a fresher and will be continuing with Civil Engineering. You are absolutely right with it being a good optional but its just that it demands too much of your time. All the best.

[@kanakpatel6908]

Change your optional to sociology and give this attempt only and after pre in 3 months you can pay attention to your optional as sociology optional can be covered easily

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

I have almost made up my mind for socio. Analysing the PYQs since yesterday.

[@nikhilchauhan5270]

Dude, I am also an IIT graduate & currently working in a CPSE. Just wanted to ask your age. As I am already 25 & this will be my 1st attempt in 2024.

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

That’s okay bhai. I’m 27. Giving first attempt at 25 with a decent backup is pretty good. All the Best!

[@nikhilchauhan5270]

Being too late is always there in my mind. All the best to you too.

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

One of my friend resigned at 29 and started prep from scratch. So don’t think that way, you are still pretty early to start.

[@satwiksharma8270]

Your GS scores are pretty good.. Have you taken some coaching for this?

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

No, I didn’t take any coaching. Also, this is the first evaluation of my answers, haven’t even got my answers evaluated before. (which I should have done, to work on my weak areas)

[@satwiksharma8270]

Although i think i am not the right person to suggest you(since iam still working on basic concepts)but I think You should work on optional....You'll definitely clear in 2025.....Take a drop(considering working professional + have to work on optional)

[@satwiksharma8270]

@@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant GS coaching na?

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Yes

[@KausthubIrukulla]

I suggest you first decide whether to go with the same optional or change krna h to humanities. 1) Optional change karna h then no point of giving this attempt 2) Same optional hi rakhna h.. then evaluate your prep on this checklist. Short notes, PYQs pe command kitna h, less marks was due to lack of prep/practice and what is the realistic time needed to reach 280+ 3) job ke saath manage ho payega ki nahi. 4) Attempts left I gave my 1st attempt 2023.. But, couldn’t clear mains, as maine kaafi late prep shuru kiya tha. But, this time I have better clarity for 2024. All said and done, if your heart says skip,then take a drop and come back stronger in 2025. Take the learnings from this year, keep in mind that it is extremely difficult to keep the momentum. So, try to make a peer group and make yourself accountable(on right track.) All the Best!!

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Thank you for the detailed insights. All the best to you too :)

[@nipun9b374]

Bhaiya kya aapne jb ye wale (jinki marksheet provide kr rkahi hai ) attempt de rhe tge tabbhi aapne prahar wali books ko follow kiya tha?? Please tell

[@thurkey4534]

bhaai pre do,. uske bad ek din pura dhayn se socho ki mains ki lie prepare krna he to mains ke lie 3 mahine ka medical leave le lo...bss bad me jo hoga dekha jahega i m with u tc..

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Bhai, I’ve almost made up my mind to part my ways with technical optional and go with humanities. In that case, I have to take a drop. Hahaha! Medical leave is tricky here.

[@bhav893]

Sir jo bhi h pr attempt mt skip kro please🙏🙏

[@sahemasiddiqui2018]

I am also an IIT Graduate, and this was my 3rd Attempt, got 611 overall marks, and had mathematics optional with 200 marks. Confused to give 4th attempt or not.

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Bhai if you are planning to go ahead with the same optional and have done some improvement wrt last year, you can attempt. But if you haven’t done any improvement and you feel it is not doable in span of three months (considering significant improvement is reqd) then you can think of taking a drop. Also, no of remaining attempts could be a factor as well (assuming 3). Both has its own inherent pros and cons! All the best.

[@Pankajthakur74411]

I guess you should try sociology which will boost you essay and ethics score(already decent). You should give this attempt if you improved upon your optional(upto 250 ) then go for this attempt

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Fair enough. Thanks :)

[@yoo-toob]

if number of attemp is not a problem then attempt, if yes then take a break

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Fair enough!

[@milindchatse]

Yes, you should take a drop, and prepare for optional and gs in a brilliant way. Best luck,

[@kunwarsumit7765]

I am a non IIT engineering graduate, this was my first attempt and scored 482 in GS+essay but pretty low in optional, I was quite happy about the gs marks but now after watching this video I am feeling a little nervous because of the guy who scored less in gs compared to his previous attempt. Is it really subjective and luck based , if it is so then it is demotivating.

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

You have scored pretty decent marks, nothing to get demotivated. Just take a learning out of it that don’t take any score for granted, continue working hard. All the best!

[@chhaganlal6662]

Bro you are good in mains but need to improve in optional paper so that I think ager optional change karna ho to hi drop Lena chahiye if you want ki you comfortable with your optional so no need to drop. I am younger than you that's I wrong sp that you think my advice but do your mind and hart . Thank you

[@RahulSingh-eq2uj]

Don't give.....prepare this year for mains give 2025 one ok

[@anilyadav-bo8bj]

Sir i think you should skip this attempt work on your optional and clear this exam next year in one go

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Thank you :) Working on it, will take a call shortly.

[@Shakuntalavaidya724]

Hello sir ..if u can make video on how u prepared for mains as said u did everything after pre and getting such awesome marks ..plz make a detail video on time management, sources , test series , everything plzzzz.....

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Okay, I will try to come up with videos covering subject wise details. Though some relevant videos are already there on the channel for time management and source lists, you can refer them for the time being :)

[@Shakuntalavaidya724]

@@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant thank u

[@Krishmit_GSI]

Sir where do you work? I'm in Geological survey of India and facing the same time crisis

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Brother, you have to compromise with certain things in order to get some time off for studies. Every working aspirants faces this, but that’s okay.

[@jackdaniels3807]

Hello bhaiya,,haven't given any attempt till now,,will appear in 26,,have completed my optional and in revision of my gs,,i have some doubts hops u will solve:1- is at last upsc is all about memorising,,coz if i can recall then only i can write in 7 minutes aur ye recall ratta maarne se hi hoga?,,dusri baat ki kya revision ka dusra naam ratta maarna h?aur ek aur question,,what is this mains oriented preparation,,maine saare subject padhe abhi revise kr rha hu,,but abhi tk figure out nhi hua ki mains oriented kya hota h,,haan there are mains exclusive subject,,bt ye jo sb bolte h mains oriented wo kya h,,and last what should be my future course of action to crack in 1st attempt,,thanx

[@chiragparmar3908]

​Actually sir for me attempt is not concerned bcz I'm from reserved category. I have all the notes ready for mains At one place. But I didn't write single answer. So if I clear prelims this time, and will give my 110% for mains is there will be any chances to clear cutting off reserved category.... ??? ​@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Then you must attempt. All the very best :)

[@chiragparmar3908]

Thnak you sir !!! ​@@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant

[@amarluwang93]

Bro, don’t skip the attempt. The momentum might have slowed down. As far as optional is concerned, you have good amount of knowledge that is why you are getting this much of marks. I think what you need is some value addition and make the answers structure in a better way which you can do conveniently after the prelims before the mains as you have all the basic foundations.My optional is Geography and none of the top 10 rankers have Geography as their optional this year. The marks you show about Geography optional make me to work more on Geography.

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Thank you for the suggestions :) I’ll see to it.

[@Gamesone-z2g]

Bhai optional change karo geography lo isse ye benifit hoga ki gs 1 aur gs 3 me number gain hoge nika jayega upsc tumhara.

[@GauravChaudhary7307]

wrong advice

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Geography is pretty time taking, few of my friends have had geography as optional.

[@bharatmissionolympicjaihin8238]

Hello sir can i contact u via mail... As i given last 2 mains (scores are 685 and 711) and i am skiping this year but i need littile bit guidance regarding mains

[@shivendrayadav6780]

I would suggest not to take a break. .. yh exam aisa h ki how good we are prepared ..we cannt trust ki next year acha hoga and is saal nhi ..rest is your call

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Thanks Shivendra! Very valid point, analysing all the aspects, incl changing of optional. Will take a call in a day or two!

[@chiragparmar3908]

Sir right now im 28 year old. I'm ready for prelim 2024 but not mains properly. From the age prospective Should i skip the attempt for confidently prepar for mains. Bcz family are pressuring about marriage although im working professional. Pls give me some advice brother 🙏

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Hi Chirag! If you have 3 or more attempts remaining, you must attempt this year’s prelims. If you get through the pre, you will gain immense confidence while preparing for mains, this experience would help you in your future attempts as well( if you have to give)

[@chiragparmar3908]

Actually sir for me attempt is not concerned bcz I'm from reserved category. I have all the notes ready for mains At one place. But I didn't write single answer. So if I clear prelims this time, and will give my 110% for mains is there will be any chances to clear cutting off reserved category.... ??? ​@@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

@chiragparmar3908 you must appear this year. All the best!

[@AWPologize]

Why not appear for prelims? I don't see any loss in it. I'm sure you'll be able to clear, and then all the while revise GS and prepare for optional. I might be missing something because if you've taken that decision then there must be some logical reasoning behind it. Please share

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

You are right, but the only issue I find is I would stuck in the cycle, given the fact, major improvement in optional is required. Once I enter in the mains cycle again (July-Sept), I won’t be able to make any significant improvement (as I have a full time job with increased responsibilities as well, so less available study time) would probably be in the same situation in December.

[@satyapanigrahi4654]

which test series to follow for psir optional any idea ??

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

I won’t be the right person to comment on this.

[@Madhavsorout8941]

Bro, Have you prepared optional after mains? i mean any improvement in optional after mains? If not then you should skip. Otherwise you should attempt this prelims because in 3 months between prelims and mains you can prepare your optional.

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

I could do only a marginal improvement in optional after mains. Tbh in 3 months time with job, I would hardly be able to increase any depth in my technical optional, as GS also needs proper practice and revision. So Prima facie I’m planning to skip for now and work on my optional properly. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@trendingInHindi]

Hi we post upsc prelims pyq

[@ronybhaiya2064]

bhai,optionalchangekrlo.

[@manishasingh4850]

Drop your optional go for humanity type optional. Anthropology or sociology

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

I also feel the same :)

[@OnlinestudyHelpbyshivam]

A - MUST SKIP

[@mhk6093]

Do you think it’s possible to develop sufficient writing skills in 3 months if I’ve never done answer writing before. I prepared some basic notes for most GS subjects (not all though) and optional but may need significant value addition. No idea of Ethics so far, neither I know the right approach to it (I just downloaded LukmaanIAS lectures and notes). It’s hard to find people who’ve actually prepared it after prelims and qualified mains.

[@mandeep.banwala]

You r right. I also experienced the same in my mains preparation nd got 633 marks in mains in 3 months of preparation. I don’t think anybody can clear in 3 months even the syllabus can be completed.

[@mhk6093]

@@mandeep.banwala I know if you have to make notes, cover your optional, practice answer writing along with Essay and language paper in those 3 months then no human can probably qualify. However my point was that if you have some content ready then would it be possible to adequately develop writing skills in those 3 months or it takes at least 8 months or more as mentioned by some toppers.

[@PankajKumar185]

Bhai ye upsc hai jab tumhe lge ki maine itne padhne me itna la diya tabhi mat kha jaoge upsc is unpredictable padhte rho bhut expectations mat rkho

[@shreyagoyal6173]

how do you do world mapping for prelims?

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

I made notes from Rajtanil Ma’am’s youtube lectures (ppts) and linked with the current events. (Have described the mapping part in detail in a video already)

[@Shubhamdevdangi]

Brother you should drop your optional and take which is more scoring & need less time to prepare, these criteria can be fulfilled by sociology, anthropology. And obviously you should not appear in this preliminary examination as rank mains se aati hai which is a weaker point.

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Thank you for the suggestions :) Considering various options.

[@deepanshusView]

भाई लोगो को समझा रहे हो या खुद को सेलेक्ट ना होने की तसल्ली दे रहे हो ? बाकी बात तो सही है।

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

ख़ुद को तसल्ली दे रहा भाई !😊

[@OnlinestudyHelpbyshivam]

I had decided to skip this attempt

[@ambuj_ydv]

Not here to offend but just an honest opinion. A upsc aspirant who can't take such decisions which i think should be very individual as no one knows better than you himself like how much time you are getting ,what is your mental state ,at how much depth you have studied the subjects etc etc, others advice in this regard is nonsense. Dont seek such personal advice from others and soecially on a public platform like youtube ,you are about to become a bureacrat behave like one bhai.

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

I have slightly different approach on it than yours : I believe considering diverse viewpoints improves decision making and helps one to take a well informed decision. Also, you’ve very rightly mentioned, career decisions are very individualistic, but analysing various perspectives would do no harm but expose you to different ideas (which one might not have thought otherwise). Talking about bureaucracy, I believe, a blend of discretion along with apt dose of community participation and engagement leads to more sustainable and inclusive outcome. Moreover, respect your opinion.

[@Demon-th5di]

Why fake accent ???? Khul ko bolo bhai

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Okay, I guess it’s my actual accent, but will definitely give it a look if there is any scope of improvement. Thanks for the feedback, sir!

[@nirvana3327]

Take a drop brother

[@pragyakshisaxena8435]

drip

[@mayankwasnikiitkgp3430]

Yaar IIT se hone se kuch nhi hota Even though I am in IIT but giving equal respect and time to my UPSC preparation. Mere IIT wale friends bhi aise samjhte rahte hai ki ham to IIT se hai 1 sal me nikal lege

[@dextrous1]

Please can i personally talk to you?? Actually i don't have any group and i m preparing alone which makes it difficult for me to complete my targets and everything so please allow me to contact you.

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Surely, I understand your situation, mate! Drop me your contact details over email, we can connect over google meet may be, when I get some time off.

[@dextrous1]

@@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant you're so humble,thank you buddy!

[@viveksingh-pq5cs]

Bhai jm ke padho, ye soch ke ki exam dena hai, last week me decide krna kya krna hai

[@That_Working_UPSC_Aspirant]

Bhai isse 2 months aur chale jaenge. It’s better to take call now and work for it. (My opinion, because taking a drop means immediately shifting to Mains) You are also right at your own place.

[@nirvana3327]

Take a drop brother