Q. Haider, congratulations! Tell us a bit about yourself and your educational background.

Thank you! I’m from Choskore Panikhar, a small village in the Panikhar belt of Kargil district, Ladakh. I completed my schooling up to Class 10 at Noon Public School, after which I pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering from NIT Srinagar. Following graduation, I worked with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) for three years before deciding to fully dedicate myself to preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. I successfully cleared the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination with an All India Rank of 633. 

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in the Civil Services?

Honestly, it was a combination of personal experiences and deep reflection. Growing up in a remote village, I witnessed firsthand the impact a dedicated and efficient officer can have on people’s lives. That exposure stayed with me. I’ve always wanted to contribute meaningfully to society, and the Civil Services felt like the most direct and effective platform to influence policy and improve service delivery on the ground.

Q. Was this your first attempt? If not, what kept you going through the setbacks?

No, this wasn’t my first attempt. My journey through the UPSC preparation has been quite long and filled with its share of challenges. I faced setbacks at various stages, and there were definitely tough days when things felt uncertain. What kept me going was a strong support system—my family, friends, and the encouraging environment at Jamia’s Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) made a big difference. Above all, I kept reminding myself of the purpose I started with. That sense of mission gave me the strength to push forward.

Q. What was your preparation strategy like? Did it change over time?

Yes, my strategy definitely evolved over time. In the beginning, I tried to study everything, which only left me feeling overwhelmed. Gradually, I learned to streamline my sources, prioritize revision, and make answer writing a consistent part of my routine. I followed a simple principle: consistency over intensity. Slow and steady really does win the race—holay holay padhna he. In the end, what truly comes to your rescue in this examination is what you’ve internalized and learned by heart.

Q. How did you manage preparation for all three stages—Prelims, Mains, and Interview?

Each stage of the exam requires a different mindset and approach. For Prelims, I focused heavily on mock tests and building strong factual clarity. For Mains, the priority shifted to answer writing and developing a deeper understanding of key topics. When it came to the Interview, it was more about self-awareness, refining my personality, and staying updated with current affairs. I ensured I transitioned my preparation strategy well in advance for each stage, keeping the unique demands of each in mind.

Q. What were your go-to resources? Anything you’d strongly recommend?

I mainly stuck to the standard resources—NCERTs, Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for Modern History, and The Hindu for current affairs. The guidance and mock tests at Jamia RCA also played a key role in my preparation. That said, I believe it's not just about what you read, but how well you revise and internalize the material. Depth and consistency matter more than quantity.

Q. What were the major challenges you faced?

Oh, plenty! The biggest challenge was dealing with self-doubt, especially after facing failures. There were moments of isolation and uncertainty when I questioned whether I was on the right path. But over time, I found my rhythm—thanks to a supportive peer group, the encouraging environment at Jamia RCA, and the unwavering support of my family. Their belief in me kept me grounded and motivated.

Q. What should aspirants focus on, and what should they avoid?

Aspirants should focus on three key things: consistency in preparation, regular revision, and answer writing practice. These form the backbone of success in this exam.

On the flip side, avoid constantly switching study materials, comparing your progress with others, and most importantly, neglecting your mental health. This journey is long and demanding—taking care of your well-being is just as crucial as studying.

Q. Now that you’re in, how do you hope to contribute?

I genuinely want to serve in regions like Ladakh and other remote areas where governance gaps are still very real. My goal is to be a responsive and grounded officer—someone who listens to people, understands their challenges firsthand, and works to make public services more accessible and efficient. I believe that even small, consistent efforts can make a big difference in people’s lives.

Q. Lastly, what would you like to say to young students out there who want to prepare for UPSC or any big goal?

Dream big—but prepare smart. Don’t let your background or limited resources hold you back. Make the most of what you have, build a strong support system, and seek guidance whenever possible. Believe in yourself, stay patient, and don’t give up after a few setbacks. If someone from a small village like Choskore Panikhar can achieve this, so can you.

Message to the readers:

My journey has had its share of ups and downs, but every step was a learning experience. I’m deeply grateful to my family, Jamia RCA, and friends who supported me throughout. I hope my story inspires others to believe that even from the most remote corners, dreams can become reality. Stay hopeful, stay grounded, and keep moving forward.