UPSC

For the General Studies Paper Khan relied heavily on two newspapers –The Hindu and The Indian Express. “Normally, aspirants make notes of various news items in notebooks but I made notes on sheets of paper.”

India's second woman #IPS officer after Kiran Bedi, Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya set the bar by thriving in a male-dominated profession, becoming a icon for an entire generation of Indian women. #RIP #Respect #FirstWomen

“Despite Commissioner Mahesh Bhagwat Sir’s busy schedule, he would share articles every day, frame questions and write model answers,” said one mentee.

“During my college years, I spent a lot of time reading topper interviews and watching videos in which the toppers would share their strategy and tips. I saw that a majority of them had read these newspapers and referred to these magazines. I also made a consolidated list of books that were commonly used and referred to them while studying.”

"In the break, I was being given IV drips in my car," says Sharma, who didn't even avail the special reservation for her disability. She bagged AIR 9! #UPSCSimplified #TopperTalk

Just a week before he appeared for his Prelims, Saurabh Bhawania became a father. He did not miss his son’s vaccination and special moments nor did he compromise on his studies. Here’ how he cracked UPSC!

“What kept me going with each attempt was the incremental success which I got with each exam I attempted. With that conviction I kept preparing,” he says.

Optional papers (Paper VI and Paper VII) of the UPSC Mains examination carry 500 marks. This accounts for almost 25 per cent of the total marks (2025), which is a combination of the written and personality tests.

Today, we bring you stories of five differently-abled Indians who beat all odds to crack one of the toughest examinations in the country, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams.

From AIR 2 Anu Kumari to AIR 4 Shreyas Kumat, UPSC toppers share their strategy for cracking that all-important interview.