{"id":48208,"date":"2026-03-23T11:41:45","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T11:41:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=48208"},"modified":"2026-03-30T12:15:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T12:15:37","slug":"geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/","title":{"rendered":"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\u2019s UPSC Success"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>UPSC preparation, especially when it comes to <strong>geography optional<\/strong>, often gets boxed into a rigid formula\u2014study hard, isolate yourself, and repeat. But AIR 50 Ishitwa Anand breaks this myth completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From scoring 215 in the UPSC interview to mastering geography optional, his journey is less about blind hard work and more about clarity, balance, and smart strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s break down what actually worked for him.<\/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-69dfca28598d7\" 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-69dfca28598d7\"  \/><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\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#1_UPSC_Preparation_Not_Just_Hard_Work_But_Smart_Direction\" title=\"1. UPSC Preparation: Not Just Hard Work, But Smart Direction\">1. UPSC Preparation: Not Just Hard Work, But Smart Direction<\/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\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#2_Geography_Optional_Strategy_That_Worked\" title=\"2. Geography Optional Strategy That Worked\">2. Geography Optional Strategy That Worked<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#Core_Strategy\" title=\"Core Strategy\">Core Strategy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#Why_Books_Matter_in_Geography_Optional\" title=\"Why Books Matter in Geography Optional\">Why Books Matter in Geography Optional<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#PYQs_Real_Syllabus\" title=\"PYQs = Real Syllabus\">PYQs = Real Syllabus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#Answer_Writing_Edge\" title=\"Answer Writing Edge\">Answer Writing Edge<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/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\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#3_How_He_Scored_215_in_UPSC_Interview\" title=\"3. How He Scored 215 in UPSC Interview\">3. How He Scored 215 in UPSC Interview<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#His_Approach\" title=\"His Approach\">His Approach<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#3_Golden_Rules\" title=\"3 Golden Rules\">3 Golden Rules<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#What_Actually_Helped\" title=\"What Actually Helped\">What Actually Helped<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/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\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#4_Social_Media_Hobbies_Distraction_or_Tool\" title=\"4. Social Media &amp; Hobbies: Distraction or Tool?\">4. Social Media &amp; Hobbies: Distraction or Tool?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#5_Study_Planning_Hours_Over_Days\" title=\"5. Study Planning: Hours Over Days\">5. Study Planning: Hours Over Days<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#6_GS_Strategy_Focus_on_Weak_Areas\" title=\"6. GS Strategy: Focus on Weak Areas\">6. GS Strategy: Focus on Weak Areas<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#His_approach\" title=\"His approach:\">His approach:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#7_The_Power_of_Analysis_Prediction\" title=\"7. The Power of Analysis &amp; Prediction\">7. The Power of Analysis &amp; Prediction<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#What_he_did_differently\" title=\"What he did differently:\">What he did differently:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#8_Notes-Making_Strategy_Game_Changer\" title=\"8. Notes-Making Strategy (Game Changer)\">8. Notes-Making Strategy (Game Changer)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#9_Use_of_AI_YouTube_Online_Resources\" title=\"9. Use of AI, YouTube &amp; Online Resources\">9. Use of AI, YouTube &amp; Online Resources<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#10_Biggest_Lesson_Dont_Lose_Yourself\" title=\"10. Biggest Lesson: Don\u2019t Lose Yourself\">10. Biggest Lesson: Don\u2019t Lose Yourself<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#Final_Takeaway\" title=\"Final Takeaway\">Final Takeaway<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#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_UPSC_Preparation_Not_Just_Hard_Work_But_Smart_Direction\"><\/span>1. UPSC Preparation: Not Just Hard Work, But Smart Direction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ishitwa makes one thing very clear\u2014hard work is non-negotiable. But doing it without direction is where most aspirants go wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What this really means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Don\u2019t treat UPSC as your entire life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid mechanical preparation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have a purpose beyond just clearing the exam<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>He focused on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Adding innovation to study methods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Building personality along with knowledge<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keeping preparation <em>meaningful<\/em>, not just repetitive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Geography_Optional_Strategy_That_Worked\"><\/span>2. Geography Optional Strategy That Worked<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>His <strong>geography optional<\/strong> approach was structured, layered, and deeply analytical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Core_Strategy\"><\/span>Core Strategy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Built <strong>own notes (6\u20137 notebooks)<\/strong> by combining:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Coaching notes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>College material<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Standard books<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Never relied only on notes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Books_Matter_in_Geography_Optional\"><\/span>Why Books Matter in Geography Optional<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Books helped him:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Understand concepts deeply<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn proper academic language<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add unique perspectives in answers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"PYQs_Real_Syllabus\"><\/span>PYQs = Real Syllabus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>He treated <strong>previous year questions (PYQs)<\/strong> as the backbone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Identified patterns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Predicted themes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Designed notes accordingly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Answer_Writing_Edge\"><\/span>Answer Writing Edge<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Used maps, diagrams, and flowcharts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Added geographical representation wherever possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focused on demand of the question, not just content dumping<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 His key takeaway:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Geography optional is not about memorization, it\u2019s about interpretation and presentation.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_How_He_Scored_215_in_UPSC_Interview\"><\/span>3. How He Scored 215 in UPSC Interview<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting a call for the interview is one thing\u2014scoring <strong>215<\/strong> is another level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"His_Approach\"><\/span>His Approach<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Didn\u2019t try to \u201cbuild personality\u201d in a few weeks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focused on being natural and honest<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Golden_Rules\"><\/span>3 Golden Rules<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Never lie in the interview<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always maintain a calm smile<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be confident that you deserve to be there<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Actually_Helped\"><\/span>What Actually Helped<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Diverse background (sports, research, hobbies)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong communication skills developed over years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Real-life experiences, not scripted answers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Social_Media_Hobbies_Distraction_or_Tool\"><\/span>4. Social Media &amp; Hobbies: Distraction or Tool?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike typical advice, he didn\u2019t quit social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Followed useful pages (PIB, UN, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Used it for current affairs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stayed connected with friends for motivation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>His perspective:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If it drains you \u2192 leave it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If it helps you \u2192 use it smartly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Same goes for hobbies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cricket, football, music, anything is fine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As long as it <em>energizes<\/em> you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Study_Planning_Hours_Over_Days\"><\/span>5. Study Planning: Hours Over Days<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of his smartest moves was <strong>planning in hours, not days<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Human Geography \u2192 15 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Physical Geography \u2192 25 hours<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Why this works:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>More realistic tracking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better micro-planning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flexible scheduling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>He also did:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Multiple revisions (4 iterations before prelims)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Topic-wise breakdown<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strength vs weakness analysis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_GS_Strategy_Focus_on_Weak_Areas\"><\/span>6. GS Strategy: Focus on Weak Areas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most aspirants over-focus on strengths. He did the opposite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"His_approach\"><\/span>His approach:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Identified weak subjects through mock tests<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Worked more on GS2 and GS3<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Used:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Graphs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Especially in GS3:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Linked answers with current affairs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Added diagrams for better presentation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_The_Power_of_Analysis_Prediction\"><\/span>7. The Power of Analysis &amp; Prediction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>He didn\u2019t just study\u2014he analyzed UPSC like a game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_he_did_differently\"><\/span>What he did differently:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Studied PYQ trends deeply<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Predicted probable topics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focused on:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>anniversaries (10 years, 15 years schemes)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>recurring themes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prepared semiconductor mission \u2192 question came<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prepared personality-based history \u2192 matched exam trend<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Notes-Making_Strategy_Game_Changer\"><\/span>8. Notes-Making Strategy (Game Changer)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of random notes, he used <strong>structured dimensions<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Art &amp; Culture \u2192 theme + kingdom-wise<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Modern History \u2192 phases (pre-1857, post-1857)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Compared with model answers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Added missing dimensions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Updated continuously<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Use_of_AI_YouTube_Online_Resources\"><\/span>9. Use of AI, YouTube &amp; Online Resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>He fully embraced modern tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Used for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Generating practice questions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understanding concepts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adding value to notes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>His mindset:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Technology is a tool. Use it, don\u2019t let it control you.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Biggest_Lesson_Dont_Lose_Yourself\"><\/span>10. Biggest Lesson: Don\u2019t Lose Yourself<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most powerful insights from his journey:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Avoid blindly following others<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t get trapped in the UPSC crowd mindset<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain your originality<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>He even chose to stay away from ORN (Delhi hub) to protect his focus and individuality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Takeaway\"><\/span>Final Takeaway<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ishitwa\u2019s success shows that clearing UPSC isn\u2019t about extreme sacrifice or isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Smart planning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consistent hard work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong personality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strategic use of resources<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And most importantly\u2014<br><strong>enjoying the process instead of suffering through it.<\/strong><\/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><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=\"AIR 50 CSE 2025 I UPSC Topper I Ishwita  I Geography Optional I Shabbir Sir\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TrU4fAGrfa4?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>UPSC preparation, especially when it comes to geography optional, often gets boxed into a rigid formula\u2014study hard, isolate yourself, and repeat. But AIR 50 Ishitwa Anand breaks this myth completely.&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":[4,56,224],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-48208","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blogs","category-success-stories","category-toppers-corner"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48208","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=48208"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48208\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48217,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48208\/revisions\/48217"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48208"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48208"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48208"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}