UPSC Prep and Life as an IFS -  

In this video we have Vikram Grewal, an Indian Foreign Service officer, who is currently posted to the Indian Mission in Paris, with us. We will discuss what life is like in the IFS, how he cleared the exam in his first attempt and other things he finds interesting in this conversation about UPSC preparation and the foreign service. Join us for this wide ranging conversation about UPSC preparation, being in the IFS and some key insights about the Civil Services Exam from someone who aced it at the age of 22.
Vikram's twitter: / vikramgrawol
Vikram's blog: besankahalwa.blogspot.com/
00:00 Start
01:58 Life as an IFS
04:40 Languages in IFS
09:20 About batches
10:35 Language choices and postings
13:50 Postings in India
16:35 Essay approach
21:50 On his handwriting
23:30 Clearing UPSC CSE in 1st attempt
27:30 On family support
30:00 On the WHY of UPSC
37:00 Vikram's background
41:00 Environment through documentaries
42:30 Approach to UPSC
46:00 Beauty of NCERTs
51:30 Life in IFS
58:00 Choosing between IFS and IAS
Other Social Media:
Telegram: t.me/AbhijeetUPSC
Twitter: / abhiwhy
Instagram: / abhi.why
My notes:
GS fact sheets: blog.upscprep.com/p/making-notes
Sociology Notes: blog.upscprep.com/p/choosing-...
UPSC Civil Services Exam is one of the most prestigious exams in the country. Because of this, there is a lot of competition in this exam. Hence, your UPSC preparation should be strategic, informed and well planned.
Your UPSC preparation should not be based on blind adherence to any program. Rather you should give a thought about how your are preparing. The best way to go forward is to study the blogs and tips given by previous year toppers about how to go about UPSC CSE, and then make your UPSC preparation strategy accordingly.
Doing static subjects like polity, economy, environment, geography and history for your UPSC preparation is a solid bet to increase your chances of clearing this exam. But this must all be supplemented by current affairs for best effect.
There's no shortcut to success.
Do the work.
Abhijeet Yadav
AIR 653, CSE 2017