Report: Navigating towards CSE with Ms. Minal Karanwal

Sankhya, the mathematics society of Miranda House, had arranged a webinar that focussed on the preparation for Civil Service Examination (CSE) and had Ms. Minal Karanwal as the guest speaker. The webinar started with an air of optimism as president Manisha Kumari welcomed the honorable guest Ms. Minal Karanwal and the audience. Following this, Shweta Gandhi ma'am, our staff advisor, kickstarted the session by delivering her wisdom on women's empowerment.

IAS Minal Karanwal ma’am addressed the audience and catered to every doubt that an aspirant had in their mind. Here are her brief answers to the questions asked during the webinar.

Her journey in college

She answered this question on a personal note. She mentioned how the pomp and show of Delhi city managed to consume her and how the distractions influenced the Dehradun girl.

During her college years, she focussed on developing her personality by participating in extracurricular activities(debates, anchoring, chess).

She highlighted that aspirants should focus on confidence-building and academics during their college.

How does one start the preparation?

Preparation should only be started when one can give absolute attention to the impending exam.

She had started the preparation in her third year by brushing up on the basics.

She suggested that aspirants in college can develop newspaper reading habits that will help them understand how the world works.

Choosing optional

Choosing public administration is not a great choice in her opinion given the infinite syllabus, lack of resources, and uncertainty of questions.

For choosing the optional, one should keep in mind its convenience, resource availability, and linkage with GS paper. She advises to take up the graduation subject.

The optional strategy should be in-depth analysis and study. Aspirants should be able to get in touch with the practical applications of the subject.

Why UPSC CSE?

The services provide a humongous opportunity to directly impact the lives of millions.

It’s worth the hard work for tangible and output-oriented people who want to bring change.

Overcoming personal fears

The journey becomes easier when one starts focussing on the solutions rather than the problems. As soon as one gives one's heart and soul to the study, one is bound to overcome every fear and ignore all the other problems.

Job satisfaction

The noble work of paying back to society makes one work harder.

Motivation and distraction

If one is immensely dedicated to the aim then no big or small distraction will prove to be an obstacle in the path of your success.

It is very beneficial to develop humility for self-improvement.

Breakdowns and crying one’s heart out replenishes the mind and help in standing more strongly.

Besides the above, being a little self-critical, sincere, and dedicated will pave way for success.

Current affairs preparation

• Read newspapers and develop curiosity

• Go for CA booklets( ex- Vision IAS )

• Make notes concept-wise

Preparation Strategy

• Go through the CSE syllabus and watch toppers talks

• Cover NCERT’s (Bring concept clarity that will help in static-dynamic linkage)

• Move onto the basic recommended booklist

• Solve previous year papers and join a test series

BONUS POINTS

• Watch Akshat Jain’s unacademy video for the booklist.

• Coaching is never compulsory, it is a personal choice.

IAS Minal Karanwal ma’am concluded her address by mentioning “The goal for clearing UPSC should not be limited to just getting into LBSNAA but to the journey waiting to be traveled after the training. The nation needs its youth and for the interest of the country, UPSC CSE serves as the premier opportunity.”

The session ended with a vote of thanks by Vice-President Aayushi Tomar.