(Success Story) UPSC 2021 TOPPER, AIR-22 Sunil Kumar Dhanwanta Strategy for Cracking UPSC Exams

Sunil Kumar has secured the 22th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2021. He is a native of Rajasthan. Hindi was his medium in UPSC preparation. He gave his first attempt in the year 2018 in which he was selected in Accounts Services, then selected as IPS for next two years 2019 and 2020. Finally, this year he secured the 22th rank in his fourth attempt and was selected in Indian Administrative Service.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND HIS UPSC JOURNEY

Sunil completed his B.Tech degree in Civil Engineering from IIT Delhi. When he was pursuing a master’s degree, he started preparing for the Civil Services Examination. He chose Hindi literature as his optional subject. He got selected in his very first attempt. But he wasn't satisfied with it and in 2021; he cracked the exam with flying colours. During an interview by Times of India Sunil said, “I am a son of landless labourers. Though I have seen my share of hardships, I still believe that hard-work and consistency can help you achieve any dream.”

SUNIL KUMAR'S UPSC PREPARATION STRATEGY

CONSISTENCY

Sunil said, dedication and consistency plays an important role in the preparation of UPSC exam. It requires pure dedication and rigorous study daily to gain significant knowledge and understanding of the topics examined in the UPSC Exam. This exam doesn’t just test your intellect but also your patience, mental strength, your emotions. As far as the journey of Civil Services Examination is concerned, aspirants might know when to start, but aspirants never know when the journey will come to an end. So be consistent and enjoy the journey.

LANGUAGE NO BARRIER IN UPSC EXAM

Sunil said, the medium of UPSC exam doesn't matter. He advised the aspirants, with the right approach and hard work, and with moving in the right direction, anyone can clear the exam. It doesn't matter what your preparation medium is: Hindi or English. Sunil said, he also chose Hindi literature as his optional subject and he also got very good marks in optional subject.

MAKING NOTES

Sunil advised the aspirants to make short notes during UPSC preparation. He also used to do this and it helped him a lot at the last moment revision. Since the UPSC syllabus is very vast, it also helps to keep track of the portions covered and also serves as a ready-reckoner for revision.

MOCK TESTS ARE VERY IMPORTANT

Sunil said self-assessment is an essential part of UPSC preparation. It helped him in realizing and learning from mistakes, shaping what approach he needed to follow in continuing the preparation and identifying strengths and weaknesses.

At last Sunil advised the aspirants just focus on your goal, not allow language to become a barrier. Stay positive because the most important aspect of the entire UPSC journey is to stay positive.