The journey to success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is often likened to a challenging expedition. It demands dedication, perseverance, and a well-structured approach. Srushti Jayant Deshmukh's remarkable achievement as Rank 5 in the UPSC CSE 2018 is a testament to her unwavering commitment and strategic preparation. In this article, we delve into the insights of her journey, hoping to inspire and guide future aspirants.

The Triumph of Dedication

Srushti's journey towards becoming a Civil Servant began with the evening of 5th April, a moment she describes as the "longest, happiest, and greatest evening." Her journey to this moment was filled with dedication and hard work.
Born in Madhya Pradesh, Srushti pursued her UPSC dream alongside her college education. The first "P" in her strategy stands for "Productivity." She realized that efficient time management was crucial. To achieve this, she used the "Save My Time" app to track her activities. This helped her identify time sinks and optimize her schedule. Reading newspapers while commuting and customizing her timetable to her needs were also part of her productivity strategy.

A Focus on Preparation

Srushti emphasized the importance of a well-organized preparation. She kept the UPSC syllabus handy and meticulously prepared notes for different sections. Her preparation revolved around current affairs, which formed the backbone of her knowledge. Here are some key aspects of her preparation:

1.    Current Affairs: Srushti relied on newspapers to stay updated and build her own opinions. She made detailed notes, categorizing them into subjects like social, polity, economics, international relations, and the environment. Monthly magazines complemented her preparation.

2.    PIB Feed: Subscribing to the PIB feed provided her with valuable information on government schemes and data, enhancing her understanding of policy matters.

3.    Television Programs: She watched programs like "The Big Picture" and "India's World" on RSTV, enhancing her knowledge of current issues.

4.    Curiosity: Srushti's curiosity led her to explore topics beyond the headlines, covering areas like national parks, environment, geography, and economic concepts, enriching her understanding.

5.    Secure Initiative: She found value in articles provided by the "Secure Initiative," which offered diverse perspectives and enriched her knowledge.

Answer Writing and Tests

Answer writing and tests formed the second pillar of Srushti's preparation. Writing answers daily, about 3-4 of them, and sharing them for peer review on platforms like Insights helped her learn from her mistakes. She emphasized adding variety to her answers, incorporating data, indices, international reports, diagrams, and flowcharts for authenticity and diversity.
Practice tests were crucial to simulate the real exam environment and assess her readiness. She attempted daily MCQs and subject-specific tests, focusing on areas where she needed improvement.

The Power of Motivation

Staying motivated throughout the arduous journey is essential. Srushti's sources of motivation included her parents, the family she lived with, and a few close friends who constantly encouraged and believed in her. She also turned to motivational content, with channels like "Fearless Motivation" and inspirational songs in her playlist.

A Strong Mindset

Maintaining a strong mindset was vital. Srushti emphasized that the journey is challenging but possible. She quoted Sun Tzu, "Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win." Preparation should be focused, consistent, and backed by self-belief.

In Conclusion

Srushti Jayant Deshmukh's journey to Rank 5 in the UPSC CSE 2018 is a story of dedication, meticulous preparation, motivation, and a strong mindset. As future aspirants embark on their own UPSC expedition, her insights offer valuable guidance and inspiration.
Remember, success in UPSC CSE is not just about the destination; it's also about the transformation that occurs along the way. The UPSC journey shapes you into a better, more aware, responsible, and sensitive individual. Stay focused, believe in yourself, and pursue your purpose with unwavering determination. Your success story could be the next one to inspire others.