Toppers Corner

PRAKASH RAJPUROHIT
Rank: 2
Exam: Civil Services Examination
Year: 2009
Date of Birth: Feb 28, 1986

Prelim Subject
Mathematics
Optional Subjects
Electrical Engineering, Mathematics
Marks Obtained

Essay
General Studies
electrical engineering
mathematics

Total Marks
200
600
600
600

Marks Obtained
80
246 (127 + 119)
418 (217 + 201)
427 (209 + 218)

Total (Written)

2000

1171

Interview

300

165

Total
Success Plan

2300

133658.09 %

I achieved this success in second attempt. In my first attempt I fell short of time and was not able
to complete syllabus and revise properly.
I was inspired by the success of Mr Muthyala Raju Revu (AIR-1,CSE 2006) and Mr Supreet Singh
Gulati (AIR-2,CSE 2007).
My task for selecting optionals was simple as I have command over Electrical Engg. and
Mathematics.
For Electrical Engg I took advice from Mr. Supreet Singh Gulatis blog about the books and
referencineerine materials.
For Mathematics I consulted with friends who were preparing for this exam. For how much to
read, stick to the syllabus prescribed by the UPSC.
Optional Subjects
I did not have to spend any time on deciding the optionals.
But, I think that Interest and aptitude should be the foremost criteria for deciding the optionals.
If you are comfortable in your graduation subject go ahead with it. One should carefully look at the

syllabus, previous year papers and some basic text books of that subject before deciding.
I decided these subject as my graduation covers most part of syllabus of both the optionals and I
have good command over them.
Prelims
From the day I started preparation I allocated all the available time to General Studies and
Optional Subject.
I also did micro level planning by allocating time to all the topics and books.
As General Studies was totally new to me I had to spent major time for GS in Prelims.
Mains
I focused on making opinion about the topics and practicing answer writing for GS mains.
Since, this was my second attempt, I had understood that how so ever good preparation I do, it
would be difficult to score 300 plus in General Studies. So, I gave more preference to my subjects
Mathematics and Electrical Engineering during Mains preparation.
Essay
For the Essay no separate preparation was required.
Choice of topic was dependent on the basis that I should have sufficient arguments to present.
Essay topic I picked up was Are we a soft state?
Interview
For interview, I was clear that I may be asked questions based on my Bio-data. So, Ifocused on
information given in my mains form.
Also, I kept myself updated with current affairs.
I faced Prof. KS Chalam Board on 25 March 2010.
It lasted for 28 minutes.
Interview Questions
Chairman asked questions related to Electrical Engineering.
One member asked about my hobby, the latest movies I have seen, asked rationale for title of '3
idiots' movie.
Difference between indigenous knowledge and scientific knowledge.
A lady member asked about problems of my home district Barmer.
Another member asked questions on Electrical Engineering.
There was a Physics Professor who asked my favorite topic in mathematics, and asked me to

write certain equations, theorems on a peace of paper.

Advice
One should enjoy the whole preparation and should persevere and do the hard work.