“Is this struggle worth it?” Parth Chavda often questioned himself while looking in the mirror.
Having been preparing for one of the most challenging examinations, the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission), he gained 13 kilograms, and his reflection no longer reflected the vibrant man he once was.
At 30, Parth had made a bold decision to pivot his life from his banking job towards civil service. In his first attempt at the UPSC exam, his diligent preparation paid off when he cleared the prelims stage. However, he was unable to clear Mains.
Undeterred, he studied harder, but both his second and third attempts ended with roadblocks at the Prelims. “UPSC is like the board game of snakes and ladders,” says Parth, “where victory seems elusive, no matter how close you are to winning.”
He continues, “The preparation for the UPSC is akin to running a marathon. It requires endurance, strategy, and most importantly, the ability to withstand repeated setbacks.”
Throughout his preparation, Parth faced more than just academic challenges. A diagnosis of retinal detachment during his third attempt led to surgery, adding a physical and emotional burden to an already daunting journey.
A turning point came when he embarked on a journey of physical transformation. In just four months, Parth lost over 13 kilograms. This physical victory invigorated him with confidence and a renewed belief that if he could triumph in this area, nothing was beyond his reach.
“I started documenting my weaknesses and set about conquering them one by one, erasing them from my digital record once overcome. This practice became a beacon of motivation for me,” Parth adds.
In his fourth attempt, he finally crossed the elusive finish line. In 2023, he cleared the exam with an All India Rank of 932. Every drop of sweat, every tear of frustration, and every heart-pounding setback had been worth it.
Parth, now an IRS (Indian Revenue Service) officer, works as an Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax.
One resource he consistently recommends is the effective use of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) books. In conversation with The Better India, Parth explains why NCERTs hold such significance in UPSC preparation, drawing from his personal experiences.
Understanding the foundation: The role of NCERTs
NCERT books are specifically designed for school-level learners, making them an excellent starting point for any aspirant looking to build a strong foundational understanding of various subjects.
Parth emphasises that NCERTs “concretise your base”, enabling candidates to grasp complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner. “The first essential step remains to master the well-crafted, concise, and educationally robust NCERT books,” he shares.
One of the key reasons NCERT books are invaluable is their consistency in structure. Parth found that these books helped him establish a disciplined study schedule. “The structured content of NCERTs allows you to focus on strengthening your basics before advancing to more complex material,” he adds.
Another significant point Parth highlights is the direct correlation between NCERT content and the topics covered in the UPSC syllabus. “There are some direct questions asked from the NCERTs even now,” he notes.
Considering the vastness of the UPSC syllabus, such direct references can be advantageous. Parth recalls how focusing on NCERT geography and history books from classes 11 and 12 provided a strong foundation for tackling more advanced UPSC preparation resources.
Revisional study is another key to mastering the content required for the UPSC exams. “You should read the same NCERT books about 30 to 40 times. There are no shortcuts in UPSC preparation. This approach is not unique to me; many toppers follow a similar pattern,” he mentions.
The frequent revisitation of these books ensures that the aspirants can recall information quickly while writing the Mains exam, which is critical given the time constraints during the test.
For Parth, NCERT books were more than just study material; they were tools that boosted his confidence. His strategy was more systematic and disciplined. He dedicated time to focusing exclusively on one subject category. For instance, when studying geography, Parth concentrated on NCERT geography materials for consistent periods, ensuring a comprehensive understanding before moving to another subject.
While NCERTs form the backbone of UPSC preparation, Parth acknowledges the need to complement them with other advanced resources. He used them as a stepping-stone to tackle more complex study materials such as Indian Polity by M Laxmikant, which he also revised multiple times to gain deeper insights into governance and political systems.
“They are important in laying down a sturdy foundation upon which aspirants can build their knowledge framework. By committing to the basics, revisiting key concepts, and using NCERTs as a confidence booster, aspirants can equip themselves with the necessary tools to face the tumultuous journey of UPSC preparation,” Parth shares.
Edited by Khushi Arora; All images courtesy Parth Chavda
