{"id":48192,"date":"2026-03-14T06:51:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-14T06:51:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=48192"},"modified":"2026-03-30T12:15:03","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T12:15:03","slug":"upsc-topper-air-32-utkarshs-strategy-to-crack-upsc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-topper-air-32-utkarshs-strategy-to-crack-upsc\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC Topper AIR 32: Utkarsh\u2019s Strategy to Crack UPSC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Preparing for the <strong>UPSC Civil Services Examination<\/strong> is often seen as unpredictable. But according to <strong>UPSC topper Utkarsh (AIR 32)<\/strong>, the exam is far from random. With the right strategy, consistent revision, and smart use of resources, aspirants can significantly improve their chances of success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a conversation about his preparation journey, the <strong>UPSC topper<\/strong> shared practical insights on strategy, answer writing, notes making, and the use of AI tools. His preparation highlights a structured and analytical approach to cracking the UPSC exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s break down the key lessons from his journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f72f15d7f88\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f72f15d7f88\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-topper-air-32-utkarshs-strategy-to-crack-upsc\/#1_Strategic_Preparation_Instead_of_Random_Study\" title=\"1. Strategic Preparation Instead of Random Study\">1. Strategic Preparation Instead of Random Study<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-topper-air-32-utkarshs-strategy-to-crack-upsc\/#2_Start_With_Understanding_the_Exam\" title=\"2. Start With Understanding the Exam\">2. Start With Understanding the Exam<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-topper-air-32-utkarshs-strategy-to-crack-upsc\/#3_Self-Study_Played_a_Major_Role\" title=\"3. Self-Study Played a Major Role\">3. Self-Study Played a Major Role<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-topper-air-32-utkarshs-strategy-to-crack-upsc\/#4_The_Power_of_Multiple_Revision_Cycles\" title=\"4. The Power of Multiple Revision Cycles\">4. The Power of Multiple Revision Cycles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-topper-air-32-utkarshs-strategy-to-crack-upsc\/#5_Answer_Writing_Strategy_Used_by_the_UPSC_Topper\" title=\"5. Answer Writing Strategy Used by the UPSC Topper\">5. Answer Writing Strategy Used by the UPSC Topper<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-topper-air-32-utkarshs-strategy-to-crack-upsc\/#6_Smart_Use_of_Technology_and_AI\" title=\"6. Smart Use of Technology and AI\">6. Smart Use of Technology and AI<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-topper-air-32-utkarshs-strategy-to-crack-upsc\/#7_Current_Affairs_Strategy\" title=\"7. Current Affairs Strategy\">7. Current Affairs Strategy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-topper-air-32-utkarshs-strategy-to-crack-upsc\/#8_Realistic_Timeline_for_UPSC_Preparation\" title=\"8. Realistic Timeline for UPSC Preparation\">8. Realistic Timeline for UPSC Preparation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-topper-air-32-utkarshs-strategy-to-crack-upsc\/#9_Importance_of_a_Strong_Support_System\" title=\"9. Importance of a Strong Support System\">9. Importance of a Strong Support System<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-topper-air-32-utkarshs-strategy-to-crack-upsc\/#Key_Lessons_From_This_UPSC_Topper\" title=\"Key Lessons From This UPSC Topper\">Key Lessons From This UPSC Topper<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-topper-air-32-utkarshs-strategy-to-crack-upsc\/#Check_out_our_Geography_Optional_Course_%E2%80%93_Click_Here\" title=\"Check out our Geography Optional Course &#8211; Click Here\">Check out our Geography Optional Course &#8211; Click Here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Strategic_Preparation_Instead_of_Random_Study\"><\/span>1. Strategic Preparation Instead of Random Study<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most important points the <strong>UPSC topper<\/strong> emphasized was understanding the exam pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to him, many aspirants treat UPSC as unpredictable. However, he believes the exam follows a clear structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His strategy focused on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Studying the <strong>UPSC syllabus in detail<\/strong><br>\u2022 Analyzing <strong>previous year questions (PYQs)<\/strong><br>\u2022 Avoiding unnecessary sources<br>\u2022 Sticking to selected study materials<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He explained that UPSC questions are framed around the syllabus and patterns visible in past papers. By studying PYQs carefully, he was able to understand the exam\u2019s expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Start_With_Understanding_the_Exam\"><\/span>2. Start With Understanding the Exam<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before diving into preparation, the <strong>UPSC topper<\/strong> spent about <strong>2\u20133 months understanding the exam<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During this time he:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Watched topper interviews<br>\u2022 Studied the syllabus<br>\u2022 Analyzed study resources<br>\u2022 Designed his own preparation strategy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This initial planning helped him avoid confusion later and focus on the right sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Self-Study_Played_a_Major_Role\"><\/span>3. Self-Study Played a Major Role<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Another interesting aspect of this <strong>UPSC topper\u2019s preparation<\/strong> was his preference for <strong>self-study<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He did not join a foundation coaching program. Instead, he relied on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Standard textbooks<br>\u2022 Self-made notes<br>\u2022 Select mentorship for technical topics<br>\u2022 Test series and modular courses<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His belief was simple: reading standard books multiple times builds deeper understanding than passively attending lectures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_The_Power_of_Multiple_Revision_Cycles\"><\/span>4. The Power of Multiple Revision Cycles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Revision played a huge role in his success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>UPSC topper followed a multi-layered note-making system<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First round<br>He wrote detailed notes while studying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Second round<br>He rewrote them with better structure and diagrams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Third round<br>He condensed the notes further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eventually, <strong>100 pages of notes were reduced to around 25\u201330 pages<\/strong> for quick revision before the exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This process helped him memorize content naturally while writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Answer_Writing_Strategy_Used_by_the_UPSC_Topper\"><\/span>5. Answer Writing Strategy Used by the UPSC Topper<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Answer writing is crucial in the <strong>UPSC Mains examination<\/strong>, and Utkarsh focused heavily on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His learning method involved studying <strong>topper answer copies<\/strong> to understand what UPSC expects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He observed that good answers usually include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 A clear introduction<br>\u2022 A structured body<br>\u2022 Diagrams and maps<br>\u2022 Examples and case studies<br>\u2022 A concise conclusion<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By practicing PYQs with this structure, he gradually improved his answer writing skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Smart_Use_of_Technology_and_AI\"><\/span>6. Smart Use of Technology and AI<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One unique aspect of this <strong>UPSC topper\u2019s preparation strategy<\/strong> was the use of AI tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He used AI platforms to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Refine answers<br>\u2022 Generate examples and case studies<br>\u2022 Compare current affairs compilations<br>\u2022 Summarize large content quickly<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, he uploaded multiple current affairs sources into AI tools to identify which one was more useful for prelims and mains preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This helped him save time and improve efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Current_Affairs_Strategy\"><\/span>7. Current Affairs Strategy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of reading multiple newspapers daily, the <strong>UPSC topper focused on curated compilations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His approach included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Selecting one reliable current affairs compilation<br>\u2022 Revising it multiple times<br>\u2022 Making short notes for important topics<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This helped him avoid information overload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Realistic_Timeline_for_UPSC_Preparation\"><\/span>8. Realistic Timeline for UPSC Preparation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most honest insights shared by the <strong>UPSC topper<\/strong> was about preparation time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He compared UPSC preparation to an airplane taking off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First 6\u20138 months<br>Understanding subjects and identifying strengths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After 1 year<br>Developing clarity and improving answer writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Total realistic preparation time<br><strong>Around 2 years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This timeline helps aspirants maintain patience and avoid unnecessary stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Importance_of_a_Strong_Support_System\"><\/span>9. Importance of a Strong Support System<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Behind every successful aspirant is a strong support network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>UPSC topper credited his parents and friends<\/strong> for motivating him throughout the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He mentioned how his father would stay awake late at night while he studied, ensuring he had everything he needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Such emotional support plays a crucial role during long preparation cycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Lessons_From_This_UPSC_Topper\"><\/span>Key Lessons From This UPSC Topper<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The journey of AIR 32 highlights a few powerful lessons for aspirants:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 UPSC preparation should be <strong>strategic, not random<\/strong><br>\u2022 <strong>PYQ analysis is essential<\/strong><br>\u2022 <strong>Multiple revisions<\/strong> improve retention<br>\u2022 <strong>Structured answer writing<\/strong> boosts mains marks<br>\u2022 Technology can be used <strong>smartly to save time<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, success in UPSC comes from clarity, discipline, and consistent effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For every aspirant, the message from this <strong>UPSC topper<\/strong> is simple: understand the exam, build your own strategy, and stay committed to the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Check_out_our_Geography_Optional_Course_%E2%80%93_Click_Here\"><\/span><strong>Check out our Geography Optional Course &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/geography-optional-by-shabbir-sir-integrated-course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Click Here<\/a><\/strong><br><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"852 Marks in Mains \ud83d\udcda | Toppers&#039; Talk | Utkarsh  (AIR-32), UPSC CSE 2025 | EDUKEMY\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mVDFmbSx2Wo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination is often seen as unpredictable. But according to UPSC topper Utkarsh (AIR 32), the exam is far from random. With the right strategy,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4,224],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-48192","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blogs","category-toppers-corner"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48192","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48192"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48192\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48219,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48192\/revisions\/48219"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48192"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48192"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48192"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}