Interview Preparation Strategy , DAF , Personal guidance

Interview Preparation -- Don't neglect this stage !!! The swing in marks is maximum here (120 to 216) (just like swing in marks is large in essay, ethics and optional)

• DAF --> 80% of the interview preparation is DAF-based only.

• Transcripts -->Transcripts are also very important (The same as PYQ's for prelims and mains)

< Don't underestimate the effort required in this stage. I was initially very cocky and over-confident about the interview prep, and only later realized how much time and effort is required here as well. It took me significant time to prepare and practice for the interview stage, don't take it lightly at any cost !! >

For interview Guidance, I took individual and personalized guidance from:

1. Sudhir Chandra sir (ex-CBDT chairman) - you can visit ianugrah website or directly call sir as well. He individually mentors and grooms students for interview prep. Sudhir sir was an ex-UPSC interview panel member as well.

2. Sachin Jain sir - I visited Sachin sir in EnsureIAS and he spent 2-3 sessions with me, each of an hour long, and gave very pragmatic and useful tips for the interview.

PS - some more pointers:

1. Each question in the exam wont be perfect/excellent (not possible also). Paper completion is the most important, with around 10-12 average answers, maybe 2 below average for very tough vague questions and remaining 4-5 very good and well written answers. It's a myth that all 20 have to be perfect answers.

2. Addressing the demand of the question is most important.

3. Intro should be nice, but no need to waste 2 minutes in just thinking for the intro, gradually with time it'll improve. Doesn't need to be catchy everywhere (not possible also)