{"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_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a5acd4fc90a5\" 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-6a5acd4fc90a5\"  \/><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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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\" >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":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"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":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO 4.9.9 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"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. 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\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"max-image-preview:large\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Edukemy Team\"\/>\n\t<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"generator\" content=\"All in One SEO (AIOSEO) 4.9.9\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Blog - Edukemy&#039;s Blog for aspirants\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\u2019s UPSC Success\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"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. 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\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/edukemy-logo-horizontal.jpg\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:image:secure_url\" content=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/edukemy-logo-horizontal.jpg\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"512\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"157\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-03-23T11:41:45+00:00\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-30T12:15:37+00:00\" \/>\n\t\t<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/edukemy\/\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@EdukemyOfficial\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\u2019s UPSC Success\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"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. 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\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@EdukemyOfficial\" \/>\n\t\t<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/edukemy-logo-horizontal.jpg\" \/>\n\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"aioseo-schema\">\n\t\t\t{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\\\/#blogposting\",\"name\":\"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\\u2019s UPSC Success\",\"headline\":\"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\\u2019s UPSC Success\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/aditi-palawat\\\/#author\"},\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/12\\\/edukemy-logo-horizontal.jpg\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/#articleImage\",\"width\":512,\"height\":157},\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-23T11:41:45+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-30T12:15:37+00:00\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\\\/#webpage\"},\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\\\/#webpage\"},\"articleSection\":\"Blogs, Success Stories, Topper's Corner\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\\\/#breadcrumblist\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog#listItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\",\"nextItem\":{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/category\\\/blogs\\\/#listItem\",\"name\":\"Blogs\"}},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/category\\\/blogs\\\/#listItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Blogs\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/category\\\/blogs\\\/\",\"nextItem\":{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\\\/#listItem\",\"name\":\"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\\u2019s UPSC Success\"},\"previousItem\":{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog#listItem\",\"name\":\"Home\"}},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\\\/#listItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\\u2019s UPSC Success\",\"previousItem\":{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/category\\\/blogs\\\/#listItem\",\"name\":\"Blogs\"}}]},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Edukemy\",\"description\":\"Edukemy's Blog for aspirants\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"telephone\":\"+919773890615\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/12\\\/edukemy-logo-horizontal.jpg\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\\\/#organizationLogo\",\"width\":512,\"height\":157},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\\\/#organizationLogo\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/edukemy\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/EdukemyOfficial\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/edukemyforias\\\/?hl=en\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@EdukemyforIAS\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/71977927\\\/admin\\\/dashboard\\\/\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/aditi-palawat\\\/#author\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/aditi-palawat\\\/\",\"name\":\"Edukemy Team\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\\\/#authorImage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/531318b44f9882b3f9f0adc52b1f19ff?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"width\":96,\"height\":96,\"caption\":\"Edukemy Team\"}},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\\\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\\\/\",\"name\":\"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\\u2019s UPSC Success\",\"description\":\"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. 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\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\\\/#breadcrumblist\"},\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/aditi-palawat\\\/#author\"},\"creator\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/aditi-palawat\\\/#author\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-23T11:41:45+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-30T12:15:37+00:00\"},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Edukemy\",\"description\":\"Edukemy's Blog for aspirants\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/edukemy.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"}}]}\n\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO -->\n\n","aioseo_head_json":{"title":"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\u2019s UPSC Success","description":"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. 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","canonical_url":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/","robots":"max-image-preview:large","keywords":"","webmasterTools":{"miscellaneous":""},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#blogposting","name":"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\u2019s UPSC Success","headline":"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\u2019s UPSC Success","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/author\/aditi-palawat\/#author"},"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/edukemy-logo-horizontal.jpg","@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/#articleImage","width":512,"height":157},"datePublished":"2026-03-23T11:41:45+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-30T12:15:37+00:00","inLanguage":"en-US","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#webpage"},"isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#webpage"},"articleSection":"Blogs, Success Stories, Topper's Corner"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog#listItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog","nextItem":{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/category\/blogs\/#listItem","name":"Blogs"}},{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/category\/blogs\/#listItem","position":2,"name":"Blogs","item":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/category\/blogs\/","nextItem":{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#listItem","name":"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\u2019s UPSC Success"},"previousItem":{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog#listItem","name":"Home"}},{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#listItem","position":3,"name":"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\u2019s UPSC Success","previousItem":{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/category\/blogs\/#listItem","name":"Blogs"}}]},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Edukemy","description":"Edukemy's Blog for aspirants","url":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/","telephone":"+919773890615","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/edukemy-logo-horizontal.jpg","@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#organizationLogo","width":512,"height":157},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#organizationLogo"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/edukemy\/","https:\/\/x.com\/EdukemyOfficial","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/edukemyforias\/?hl=en","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@EdukemyforIAS","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/71977927\/admin\/dashboard\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/author\/aditi-palawat\/#author","url":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/author\/aditi-palawat\/","name":"Edukemy Team","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#authorImage","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/531318b44f9882b3f9f0adc52b1f19ff?s=96&d=mm&r=g","width":96,"height":96,"caption":"Edukemy Team"}},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#webpage","url":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/","name":"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\u2019s UPSC Success","description":"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. 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","inLanguage":"en-US","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/#website"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/#breadcrumblist"},"author":{"@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/author\/aditi-palawat\/#author"},"creator":{"@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/author\/aditi-palawat\/#author"},"datePublished":"2026-03-23T11:41:45+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-30T12:15:37+00:00"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/","name":"Edukemy","description":"Edukemy's Blog for aspirants","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/#organization"}}]},"og:locale":"en_US","og:site_name":"Blog - Edukemy's Blog for aspirants","og:type":"article","og:title":"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\u2019s UPSC Success","og:description":"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. 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","og:url":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/","og:image":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/edukemy-logo-horizontal.jpg","og:image:secure_url":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/edukemy-logo-horizontal.jpg","og:image:width":512,"og:image:height":157,"article:published_time":"2026-03-23T11:41:45+00:00","article:modified_time":"2026-03-30T12:15:37+00:00","article:publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/edukemy\/","twitter:card":"summary_large_image","twitter:site":"@EdukemyOfficial","twitter:title":"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\u2019s UPSC Success","twitter:description":"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. 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","twitter:creator":"@EdukemyOfficial","twitter:image":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/edukemy-logo-horizontal.jpg"},"aioseo_meta_data":{"post_id":"48208","title":"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\u2019s UPSC Success","description":null,"keywords":null,"keyphrases":{"focus":{"keyphrase":"Geography Optional","score":90,"analysis":{"keyphraseInTitle":{"score":9,"maxScore":9,"error":0},"keyphraseInDescription":{"score":9,"maxScore":9,"error":0},"keyphraseLength":{"score":9,"maxScore":9,"error":0,"length":2},"keyphraseInURL":{"score":5,"maxScore":5,"error":0},"keyphraseInIntroduction":{"score":9,"maxScore":9,"error":0},"keyphraseInSubHeadings":{"score":3,"maxScore":9,"error":1},"keyphraseInImageAlt":[],"keywordDensity":{"type":"best","score":9,"maxScore":9,"error":0}}},"additional":[]},"primary_term":null,"canonical_url":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"og_object_type":"default","og_image_type":"default","og_image_url":null,"og_image_width":null,"og_image_height":null,"og_image_custom_url":null,"og_image_custom_fields":null,"og_video":"","og_custom_url":null,"og_article_section":null,"og_article_tags":null,"twitter_use_og":false,"twitter_card":"default","twitter_image_type":"default","twitter_image_url":null,"twitter_image_custom_url":null,"twitter_image_custom_fields":null,"twitter_title":null,"twitter_description":null,"schema":{"blockGraphs":[],"customGraphs":[],"default":{"data":{"Article":[],"Course":[],"Dataset":[],"FAQPage":[],"Movie":[],"Person":[],"Product":[],"ProductReview":[],"Car":[],"Recipe":[],"Service":[],"SoftwareApplication":[],"WebPage":[]},"graphName":"BlogPosting","isEnabled":true},"graphs":[]},"schema_type":"default","schema_type_options":null,"pillar_content":false,"robots_default":true,"robots_noindex":false,"robots_noarchive":false,"robots_nosnippet":false,"robots_nofollow":false,"robots_noimageindex":false,"robots_noodp":false,"robots_notranslate":false,"robots_max_snippet":"-1","robots_max_videopreview":"-1","robots_max_imagepreview":"large","priority":null,"frequency":"default","local_seo":null,"limit_modified_date":false,"created":"2026-03-23 11:41:48","updated":"2026-07-07 02:59:28","ai":null,"breadcrumb_settings":null,"seo_analyzer_scan_date":null},"aioseo_breadcrumb":"<div class=\"aioseo-breadcrumbs\"><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\" title=\"Home\">Home<\/a>\n\t\t<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb-separator\">&raquo;<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/category\/blogs\/\" title=\"Blogs\">Blogs<\/a>\n\t\t<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb-separator\">&raquo;<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t\t\tGeography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\u2019s UPSC Success\n\t\t<\/span><\/div>","aioseo_breadcrumb_json":[{"label":"Home","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog"},{"label":"Blogs","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/category\/blogs\/"},{"label":"Geography Optional Strategy: AIR 50 Ishitwa\u2019s UPSC Success","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/geography-optional-strategy-air-50-ishitwas-upsc-success\/"}],"_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}]}}