From Navodaya to AIR 38: How Abhishek Sharma Cracked UPSC 2024 with a Unique Strategy
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is often described as India’s toughest competitive exam, and rightly so. But every once in a while, a success story comes along that challenges conventional strategies and inspires lakhs of aspirants. This year, Abhishek Sharma, who secured All India Rank 38 in UPSC CSE 2024, has emerged as a shining example of resilience, strategy, and unconventional wisdom.
From NDA Dreams to UPSC Resilience
Abhishek’s academic foundation was laid at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, and he went on to graduate from NIT Bhopal. His UPSC dream, however, was born out of a personal setback—after being recommended by AFSB Mysore for the Air Force, he was medically unfit. Rather than giving up, Abhishek chose to pivot: “If not NDA, then UPSC.”
The COVID-19 lockdown gave him the opportunity to act on that goal, and so began his journey.
Early Setbacks & the Power of Support
He failed to clear his first two Prelims, battled self-doubt, and even considered switching to CAT. But thanks to his family’s encouragement, especially his sister’s mantra — “Bhai tera nahi hoga to kiska hoga”, Abhishek stayed the course.
He openly talks about facing anxiety and emotional lows, and how he used poetry, ghazals, and films—not meditation—as his healing tools.
Prelims Strategy: Quantity + Quality + “Feel”
Abhishek’s third attempt at Prelims was a game-changer. Key takeaways:
- Attempted 100 questions to avoid doubt and maximize chances.
- Solved 10,000–15,000 MCQs in the months before the exam.
- Practiced logical guessing and mastered elimination techniques.
- Filled subject gaps via Forum Residential Coaching (FRC), Gurgaon.
- Used limited, repeated sources like ForumIAS current affairs docs.
His mantra: Prelims is not just knowledge, it’s aptitude + intuition.
Mains: Condensed Notes, Essay Artistry & Physics Optional
- Essay Paper: Leveraged his poetry and storytelling skills. Practiced 8 essays post-Prelims.
- GS Strategy: Focused on Paper 3 and Ethics as strong areas. Created 50–60 page GS notes for each subject.
- Optional (Physics): Took coaching from Dias (DP Vajpayee Sir) and relied heavily on PYQs, noting that 60% of questions were concept repeats.
- Revision: Multiple iterations of short notes, focusing only on new or difficult data in later rounds.
- Time Management: Could revise entire GS1 & GS2 in one day due to smart note-making.
Interview Prep: Confidence Over Content
Though his interview lasted only 15–20 minutes, Abhishek relied on:
- Mock interviews every 15 days.
- Deep analysis of DAF keywords and previous transcripts.
- No newspapers — instead used YouTube discussions and friend conversations to stay updated.
He emphasized natural confidence and communication over factual overload.
Myths Busted by Abhishek Sharma
- NCERTs are NOT mandatory: He never read them.
- Newspapers aren’t essential: Used alternative sources.
- Long study hours don’t guarantee success: 5–6 effective hours per day.
- Rigid daily schedules aren’t required: Flexible plans with deadlines worked best.
His Message Through Poetry
“Jo ladte hue na mile wo maut bhi khairaat hi to hai…”
A poetic farewell that encapsulates his resilience, this ghazal reflects the inner fire that drove him to AIR 38.
Final Takeaway
Abhishek Sharma’s story is proof that UPSC success is not about following the herd, but about knowing your strengths, being consistent, and choosing smart over hard. For aspirants struggling with doubts, his journey is a blueprint for self-belief and strategy.
