UPSC Topper Vibhor’s Journey: From AIR 743 to 19 in 2024 Utilizing AI and Sensible Technique |
In a quiet village known as Utrawali in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district, desires usually journey far earlier than they discover wings. Vibhor Bhardwaj’s journey was no exception. From finishing his MSc in Physics at Hansraj School to cracking UPSC Civil Companies Examination 2024 with an All India Rank of 19, Vibhor’s story is considered one of self-awareness, incremental enchancment, and staying grounded via the turbulence of repeated trials.In 2024, Vibhor made the third try. He cleared his first UPSC examination in 2022 with a modest AIR 743, missed the ultimate record in 2023 regardless of reaching the interview stage, after which remodeled himself right into a top-20 ranker this 12 months.
Constructing a sensible examine system
“I began my preparation of UPSC CSE after completion of my MSc. from scratch,” says Vibhor. Selecting Physics as his non-compulsory topic, he didn’t depend on luck or shortcuts. His recreation plan was clear—lay a robust Mains basis early on.He accomplished your complete Mains syllabus—together with Non-obligatory—within the first seven months, leaning on on-line teaching and self-curated notes. “Throughout this time I utilized the net teaching from house for each components. I ready the notes on GS topics from teaching courses after which from learning the reference books of the identical,” he explains.Curiously, he didn’t begin writing solutions at that stage. “Throughout this era I accomplished my Non-obligatory paper notes with none reply writing,” he recollects.
The Prelims pivot: Technique in motion
By January, Vibhor shifted gears to focus completely on the Prelims. With surgical precision, he tackled the static portion, reviewed present affairs magazines, and revised each day summaries. He didn’t leap blindly into mock exams—he staggered them neatly.“After one revision of every topic, within the second revision I began showing for the sectional exams. As soon as performed with second revision I shifted to the total size exams,” he says.He additionally swore by Earlier 12 months Questions (PYQs). “I used PYQs as a information for understanding the character of questions requested by the UPSC,” he provides, treating them not simply as apply materials however as a blueprint for examiner intent.
What modified within the third try
Vibhor’s journey wasn’t linear. After securing AIR 743 in 2022, after which failing to make the ultimate record in 2023 regardless of clearing the interview spherical, he did a full diagnostic on his weaknesses.His greatest improve? Reply writing. “I began to take reference from the toppers’ reply sheets and in contrast my reply to the identical query written of their sheets. This labored for me to scale back the time per query in addition to in bettering the standard of my solutions.”He additionally adopted a micro-level method to the syllabus. “I ready notes on every key phrase talked about within the syllabus having completely different dimensions,” he shares. This helped him achieve each depth and breadth—an edge that Mains evaluators search for.He didn’t work in isolation both. Discussions with friends turned a reminiscence device. “Dialogue with buddies on present affairs subjects and magazines, PYQs and different subjects usually helped me in retaining the data for lengthy and likewise in recalling through the Mains examination,” he provides.To additional sharpen his understanding, Vibhor turned to earlier toppers—notably Shruti Sharma (AIR 1, 2022). He intently studied her notes and used them as benchmarks for conceptual readability and reply framing. The concept was to not copy, however to calibrate.“These inputs,” he says, “helped me deepen his contextual consciousness and keep aligned with the evolving nature of the UPSC paper.”
Utilizing Google Gemini for interview prep
In his second try, low marks within the character take a look at had been a stumbling block. As a substitute of stepping again, Vibhor leaned into innovation. He used AI to simulate mock interviews.“I used Google Gemini by offering the background and particulars and requested it to conduct my interview round these subjects. It was tremendously useful,” he shares.
Mentorship issues
Vibhor credit Shubham Aggarwal of Vidyapeeth IAS Academy for giving construction to his preparation. “His one-on-one mentorship and private contact to cater particular person wants enriched my views on present occasions, controversial points and helped me body balanced solutions,” says Vibhor.
From the mentor’s desk
For Aggarwal, Vibhor’s success was a matter of when, not if. He recollects Vibhor’s distinctive self-awareness and strategic thoughts. “From day one, Vibhor knew precisely the place he stood. He was conscious of his weaknesses and had already mapped out find out how to overcome them,” says Aggarwal.Describing his method as “sensible and grounded,” he provides, “In all my years of mentoring, he’s among the many most honest toppers I’ve seen.”
