The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), one of India’s most difficult exams, dreams of millions of candidates every year. But success is achieved only by those who understand the right strategy, hard work and answer writing skills. In our ‘Success Mantra’ series, today we are discussing the story of Dr. Ritika Aima, who succeeded in UPSC CSE 2023. After becoming IPS, he has now caught the way to become IAS by securing 33rd rank. During the interview, he shared the strategy behind his success and the correct technique of writing the answer.

IPS made in the first time, 33rd rank in second time

Dr. Ritika Aima is a doctor by profession. He has done MBBS from Dr. Sushila Tiwari Medical College, Haldwani.

• UPSC in 2022: He was selected for IPS service by securing 186th rank.
• UPSC in 2023: She secured 33rd rank, now she is preparing to become an IAS officer.
• She got a Gujarat cadre and is currently training in police in Hyderabad.

Inspiration from family, father has also been civil servants

• Education: Ritika did her schooling from Brightland School in Dehradun.
• Family Background: She is the daughter of retired IFS officer Dr. Ramesh Aima.
• Administrative heritage in the family: His father has been an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of Nagaland cadre.
• Doctors in the family also: His mother Rekha Aima and younger sister Riya Aima are also doctors.
• Inspiration of UPSC: Since childhood, she was inclined towards civil service and she wanted to do something for the society.

UPSC’s Answer Writing Skills got success

Ritika said that the UPSC exam is not only knowledge, but is a game of presenting it correctly. The following strategies should be followed while writing the answer:

1. Adopt the correct format of the answer

• Give short and clear introduction.
• Give all the necessary information related to the question in the main answer.
• Write the conclusion in the end.
• This makes the answer balanced and systematic.

2. Technology to bring good numbers in UPSC

• Make the answer small and effective.
• Use simple words instead of heavy language.
• Use diagram, charts and florcharts.
• This makes the examiner understand the answer quickly and increases the chances of getting good marks.

Write the answer from 2W 1h Strategy

Ritika Aima believes that logical and balanced approach is very important in the UPSC exam.

• The examiner not your personal opinion, but looks at your logical thinking and balanced approach.
• 2W 1h (What, What, How) Adopt Strategy:
  • What is the question asking?
  • Why is it important?
  • How can this solution be found on this?
• This strategy makes the answer structured and effective.

Do not write the answer

• The nature of each question is different, so the answer should also be accordingly.
• The examiner is not affected by writing a rich answer.
• Understand the question well and answer.

Adopt these habits for the success of UPSC

1. Practice the answer writing regularly

Ritika said that she made a habit of writing at least one answer every day.

• This improved speed and accuracy.
• He gave mock tests regularly, which made time management easier in the examination.

2. Stay mentally strong

• The preparation of UPSC is long and difficult.
• It is necessary to maintain patience and confidence.
• Enjoy the preparation process, only then success is possible.

3. Keep learning continuously

• Analyze your mistakes and improve them.
• Read newspapers, pay attention to current affairs and add contemporary issues to the answer.

Ritika AIMA tips for UPSC Aspirants

Tips	What to do?
Understand exam pattern	Understand the syllabus and pattern of UPSC well.
Write short and effective answer	Avoid long and curved north.
Use diagram and chart	Make the answer more attractive and easy to understand.
Adopt 2W 1h Strategy	Prepare the answer depending on What, What, How.
Practice the answer writing daily	Necessary to improve time management and speed.
Maintain mental strength	Confidence and patience are necessary.
Keep an eye on new issues	Include current affairs in the answer.