The UPSC CSE exam is widely regarded as one of the toughest in the country, but with the right strategy, success can be achieved. In 2018, Akshay Aggarwal secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 43 in his very first attempt, fulfilling his dream of becoming an IAS officer.

Akshay Aggarwal's UPSC Journey

Akshay Aggarwal made a life-changing decision to leave behind a successful corporate career in Singapore and return to India. Although he had worked in the corporate sector for a year, his long-held dream of becoming an IAS officer never faded. Inspired by the success of a close friend in the UPSC exam and motivated by his father's encouragement, Akshay decided to quit his job to dedicate himself fully to preparing for the Civil Services Exam.

The Secret Mantra to Success in UPSC CSE: Previous Year Question Papers (PYQ)

Akshay Aggarwal firmly believes that previous years' question papers (PYQs) are key to success in the UPSC exam. According to him, these papers are not just a record of past questions but also a valuable tool for understanding the exam pattern and identifying the important topics to focus on. They provide insight into what to expect and help in strategizing the preparation effectively.

Why are PYQs Important?

1.    Helps in Understanding Trends and Patterns: UPSC often repeats key subjects each year. By solving question papers from the last 20-25 years, candidates can identify which topics are frequently covered, allowing them to prioritize their study.
2.    Preparing the Right Study Strategy: PYQs reveal which topics require more attention and guide candidates in crafting an effective preparation strategy.
3.    Helpful in Revision: Reviewing solved PYQs provides a clearer understanding of important topics, making the revision process more efficient and targeted.
4.    In-depth Understanding of the UPSC Syllabus: Regularly solving PYQs helps candidates gain a deeper understanding of the exam's syllabus and ensures they are well-prepared for all areas of the exam.

Essential Tips from Akshay Aggarwal for UPSC Exam Preparation

1.    Study for 10-12 Hours Every Day
After quitting his job, Akshay dedicated 10-12 hours every day to studying. Even while working, he made sure to allocate 40 hours every week for his UPSC preparation.
2.    Solve Subject-wise PYQs
He approached previous year question papers (PYQs) by studying them subject-wise and then doing a comprehensive revision of the entire syllabus.
3.    Solve 5000+ Questions
Akshay believes that solving at least 5000 questions is crucial for building a solid understanding of the exam pattern and improving problem-solving skills.
4.    Make Notes
Deep learning is vital for UPSC. Akshay gathered additional information on each topic and created detailed, organized notes that helped with both understanding and retention.
5.    Revise Continuously
Regular revision is key to reinforcing knowledge. Akshay found that continuously reviewing and solving PYQs greatly enhanced his exam preparation.

Akshay Aggarwal's Strategy

If you're preparing for the UPSC, make solving previous years' question papers (PYQs) a core part of your strategy. This approach will help you understand the exam pattern and enable you to study more effectively. By following Akshay Aggarwal's proven strategy, you too can clear the UPSC CSE in your first attempt.