Toppers Talk by Arpit Chauhan, AIR 20, UPSC CSE 2021

Mr Arpit Chauhan secured a prestigious All India Rank of 20 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2021 in his third attempt. He started preparation while pursuing his graduation (Bachelor’s degree).

Mr Arpit, who hails from the state of Uttarakhand, completed his BTech in Mechanical Engineering in the year 2019. While pursuing BTech itself Mr. Arpit focussed on developing a good strategy for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. He shares this detailed strategy, that he followed throughout his preparation, which enabled him to achieve success, with all the aspiring youth in this video.


00:12- The session begins with greetings from Mr. Arpit

1:45- When to start preparation

3:00- Strategy/ strategising for the exam:- Importance of the syllabus and Previous Years’ Questions, how to analyse the PYQs,

14:34 - Note-making:- Static and current affairs

28:30- Discussion on the static part- Strategy for GS Papers- and Essay

55:40- Analysis of marks obtained

1:12:05- Strategy for time-management during answer writing

1:15:55- Strategy for the Ethics Paper

1:37:25- Mr Aprit shares his UPSC journey in terms of experience in the various attempts

1:39:27- Strategy for Prelims

2:16:12- Newspaper reading: importance and suggestions regarding newspapers

2:17:21- Strategy for the Optional Paper (PSIR)

2:51:17- Deliberation on CSAT

2:58:00- Motivation:- What is needed for clearing this exam followed by queries regarding sources followed

3:19:37- The session ends on a note on thanks