Profile Snapshot

Paramita Malakar, AIR 812 (CSE 2023)

The Journey of Resilience: A Four-Attempt Marathon

Paramita’s story is a masterclass in resilience, time management, and the power of expert guidance, especially for working professionals.

The Long Road

She began her UPSC preparation in 2018 while working at TCS. Her journey involved multiple attempts and the constant challenge of balancing a full-time government job with intensive studies.

The Turning Point (2022)

After her fifth attempt, she missed the final cut-off by a mere 4 marks. Dejected but not defeated, this near-miss became her catalyst. She approached Educrat IAS Academy for a structured path forward.

The Comeback (2023)

With a clear strategy from her mentors, Paramita showcased extraordinary dedication. She appeared for an astounding 28 Mains mock tests, scheduling them on Sundays after fulfilling her work commitments.

AIR 812

This combination of her unwavering grit and structured guidance led her to secure AIR 812 in the 2023 exam.

The Winning Strategy: From Zero Mocks to a Victorious Formula

Paramita’s strategic shift between her attempts was the key to her success.

Structure over slog:

Weekly targets; 3 mocks/weekend (Essay + 2 GS) in exam-like conditions.

Prelims pivot:

PYQ-first approach + Educrat test series + error log.

Optional edge:

Bengali Lit via self-made notes (scarce material, curated tightly)

Interview lift:

DAF deep-dives, multiple panels; 70% Qs mirrored academy discussions.

Working-professional discipline:

Sunday tests, even when unwell—consistency > excuses.

Stage-wise Action Plan

Prelims

Relied on PYQs initially

Realized gap & joined Educrat test series

Boosted accuracy & confidence in prelims

Mains

From 0 to 28 mocks in one year

Practiced in simulated exam settings

Mock tests became key to her success

Optional (Bengali Lit.)

Chose subject out of passion

Compiled her own detailed notes

Enjoyed studying despite limited material

Interview

Focused on overcoming weak area

Marks jumped from 170 → 187

70% of final questions matched mocks

How I Aced my Mains Exam! Download My Answers to Know More

Essay	GS Paper I	GS Paper II	GS Paper III	GS Paper IV
Essay Mock Test 1 & 2	GS Paper 1 – Mock Test 1	GS Paper 2 – Mock Test 1	GS Paper 3 – Mock Test 1	GS Paper 4 – Mock Test 1
Essay Mock Test 3 & 4	GS Paper 1 – Mock Test 2	GS Paper 2 – Mock Test 2	GS Paper 3 – Mock Test 2	GS Paper 4 – Mock Test 3
Essay Mock Test 5	GS Paper 1 – Mock Test 3	GS Paper 2 – Mock Test 3	GS Paper 3 – Mock Test 3	GS Paper 4 – Mock Test 4
Essay Mock Test 6	GS Paper 1 – Mock Test 4	GS Paper 2 – Mock Test 4	–	GS Paper 4 – Mock Test 4
Essay Mock Test 7	GS Paper 1 – Mock Test 5	–	–	GS Paper 4 – Mock Test 5
Essay Mock Test 8	–	–	–	–
Essay Mock Test 9	–	–	–	–

Interview Experience Highlights

The interview tested the breadth of her knowledge, linking her professional, academic, and personal background to current affairs.

Work & State Issues:

Questions on her role as a WBCS officer, the Singur-Tata issue, Nakshalbari, and the Rasgulla GI tag dispute.

Optional & Culture:

In-depth discussion on Bengali literature and cinema, including Satyajit Ray, "Pather Panchali," and a song related to Khudiram Bose.

International Relations:

India's global position, the Russia-Ukraine war, and UNSC membership.

DAF & Academic Background:

Questions linked to her Physics degree (nuclear power) and past work at TCS (anti-competition law).

Current Affairs:

Topics ranged from the Great Nicobar project and the situation in Myanmar to the controversy surrounding Muhammad Yunus.