Nitika Pawar obtained 18th rank in Civil Services Examination 2011 in her first attempt for the most prestigious position of Indian Administrative Services (IAS). A Manav Rachna International University alumnus, Nitika Pawar had completed her B.Tech in Biotechnology from Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET).
Nitika Pawar narrated her success story as it seemed as if Civil Services Examination was a child’s play and success in Civil Services Examination was not that difficult. With hard work reflecting in her eyes as well as in her talks, she recalls, “it is not as simple as it appears today. I am glad that I have enjoyed the complete journey and that is going to be conducted throughout my life, it is just the beginning. I have a long way to travel and I achieved this success at an age where actually many candidates start thinking seriously about Civil Services Examination” Nitika Pawar said.
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Marks Obtained
| Total Marks | Marks Obtained | |
| Total (Written) | 2000 | 1032 |
| Interview | 300 | 216 |
| Total | 2300 | 1248 (54.26%) |
Optional Paper
Nitika Pawar chose her optional subjects based on inter-relation between them as well as their similarity with General Studies syllabus. Nitika Pawar opted for Law and Political Science & International Relations as her optional subjects. She says, “If one makes the choice in such a manner, one can save a lot of time. Other factors that one should base their choices on, include availability of study material and personal interest too”.
Attempts
This was Nitika Pawar’s first attempt at UPSC.
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Preparation Strategy of Nitika Pawar
Nitika Pawar had adopted an unidirectional approach the moment she got serious about Civil Services Examination. From November 2010 onwards, it was nothing but CSE that occupied her mind. Nitika Pawar prepared full time for one whole year and had ample time for Prelims as well as Mains Exam. Year 2011 was the first time the Preliminary Examination was staged with the new pattern and there really were a lot of apprehensions about the changed Prelims pattern by the time she started her preparation. But, she decided to keep herself focused on her preparation based by her own understanding
As Nitika Pawar was well versed with the components of CSAT paper, she decided to go for regular practice of comprehension and quantitative aptitude. She focused more on Paper I (General Studies) and current affairs. And she was confident of doing really well in Paper II.
Nitika Pawar says, “UPSC’s decision to introduce the aptitude test is based on the fact that there are certain qualities a civil servant must have such as good decision making abilities, aptitude etc. I welcome the change introduced by UPSC”.
For Mains, Nitika Pawar focused more on optional subjects. She shifted her focus from factual contents to issues and concepts based learning for GS. Also, she started practicing answer writing regularly
Nitika Pawar relied on newspapers reading for Essay and to stay in touch with the current affairs. Apart from this, she brushed up her optional subjects and gave a few mock interviews for practice.
Tips for Young Aspirants
- Discover yourselves and consciously try to decide what they want to be in their life.
- Not to get disheartened by failures and constantly put efforts to achieve your goals.
- If you are preparing diligently, there is nothing that is obscure.
- Be an avid reader of newspapers.
- Gain self-belief that your success is in sight.
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