Mohammad Muneeb Bhat of Mir-Dantar, Anantnag, who secured the 131st rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, said that passion, not pressure, should guide aspirants to the exam. “Stick to the syllabus and NCERTs. Do not compromise on newspaper reading,” Muneeb said in an exclusive interview with Younus Rashid of Rising Kashmir.
If you could take us through your journey to securing 131st rank in the UPSC examination?
The journey to cracking this examination started way back in 2017, immediately after my B.Tech in Civil Engineering. I applied in 2017 but couldn’t clear prelims. In 2018, I cleared prelims but couldn’t get through mains. In 2021, I again got a chance to write mains but missed the interview call by a narrow margin. I then settled for state services in 2023 and got selected for the J&K Police Service. Finally, I mustered the courage to appear for the UPSC exam one last time. By God’s grace and with the support of my parents, I succeeded. This journey has been long and arduous, but achieving the goal I had set for myself brought a deep sense of satisfaction.
What factors influenced your choice of optional subject, and how did you approach its preparation?
The choice of my optional subject was purely based on my interest. I chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) because, even during the last year of my B.Tech, I started reading newspapers and found the international relations section particularly engaging. When I looked at the PSIR syllabus and analyzed previous years’ questions, I felt comfortable with the subject. Also, the significant overlap with GS made it even more appealing. I relied heavily on Shubhra Ranjan ma’am’s notes and classes (2017–18), her booklets available in the market, and the test series she conducted. I also consistently read The Hindu and Indian Express, as the subject is dynamic. I compiled short notes by combining newspaper insights with the coaching materials.
How important were mock tests and previous year question papers in your preparation strategy?
Mock tests and previous year question papers are extremely important, especially for clearing prelims. They help in understanding the nature and language of questions, identifying important topics, and practicing time management. Multiple revisions of 20–25 years’ worth of prelims papers are essential. For mains, PYQs help you align your preparation with the demands of the exam. I suggest always reviewing at least the past five years of PYQs before making notes for any mains topic.
Mock tests improve accuracy for prelims and enhance your answer-writing and time management for mains, making them a crucial part of preparation, especially in the last two months before the exam.
What was your approach to answer writing practice, especially for Mains?
My approach to answer writing was simple. Once I was done making handwritten notes for each GS paper (GS 1 to 4) and the optional subject, I began practicing mains PYQs from the past five years to test my understanding and recall. After prelims, I joined a good test series and focused on revising my notes repeatedly. I incorporated feedback from the test series and compared my answers with topper copies to improve my writing. I believe answer writing becomes effective only after completing the syllabus and making solid notes.
How did you keep yourself updated with current affairs in a consistent way?
I relied heavily on newspapers—especially The Hindu and Indian Express. I carefully followed every article and commentary relevant to the syllabus. Understanding the mains and prelims syllabus, along with PYQs, helped me filter and prioritize content. Newspapers provide a broader understanding of topics and should be the primary source of current affairs. Monthly magazines can supplement your preparation, but they cannot replace newspapers. Once you have a good grasp of the syllabus, start making concise, syllabus-oriented notes from newspapers.
What was your typical study routine and how did you manage stress during preparation?
My typical study routine was like any serious aspirant’s—starting around 6 AM and ending at 10 PM, covering 10–12 hours a day. I spent 2 hours on newspapers, 2–3 hours on static GS content, 2–3 hours on the optional subject, and at least 1 hour on practice questions. Depending on the exam phase, I adapted my focus—for prelims, more MCQs and CSAT practice; for mains, more note revision and answer writing.
To manage stress, I stayed motivated by remembering that I had chosen this path myself. I prayed regularly to stay positive and also tried meditation. Occasionally, I interacted with friends, went out to relax, or took half a day off (especially Sundays) to refresh myself.
With UPSC prelims becoming more unpredictable, how did you adapt to the changing pattern?
Prelims has indeed become unpredictable. The key is to stick to the basics: thoroughly revise NCERTs from Classes 9 to 12, and practice 20–25 years of PYQs multiple times. Join a good test series of 30–35 papers and take each test seriously. Repeat these tests twice or thrice if possible. This improves your precision, risk-taking ability, and confidence. Use one standard book per subject (e.g., Polity, Modern History) and don’t neglect CSAT. Practice CSAT PYQs from the last 12–13 years and use free online resources to improve weak areas. Time-bound practice is essential to simulate exam pressure.
What key advice would you give to new aspirants starting their UPSC journey?
Only choose this path if it’s your passion—don’t follow it due to external pressure. This journey demands self-discipline, motivation, and focus. Seek proper guidance from seniors or those who’ve cleared the exam. Coaching may help in some areas like the optional subject, but real value lies in mentorship and self-study.
Stick to the syllabus and NCERTs. Keep your sources limited and focus on maximum revision. Make detailed, handwritten notes for every mains paper and your optional subject. Do not compromise on newspaper reading; monthly magazines are supplementary at best.
Do you think self-study is still effective in today’s UPSC landscape, given the rise of coaching and online content?
Yes, self-study is even more relevant today due to the abundance of online resources. You can access topper strategies, answer copies, and expert talks easily. However, despite all the content available, the core preparation remains unchanged: NCERTs, newspapers, and PYQs. Use the internet smartly, but don’t lose track of the basics. Self-study allows you to tailor your strategy based on your understanding and pace.
Would you recommend aspirants have a backup plan alongside UPSC preparation?
Yes, I strongly recommend having a backup plan. If you’re serious, start preparing during your 2nd or 3rd year of college. But if you don’t clear the exam in 2 or 3 attempts, consider switching to state services or other jobs for financial and mental stability. After gaining stability, you can return to UPSC with renewed focus. A backup plan gives you peace of mind and makes your UPSC journey more sustainable in the long run.
All the best to all the aspirants who are appearing for or preparing for this examination. My best wishes are with you.
