Why I Attempted 99 Questions in UPSC Prelims & Won-AIR 157 Dr. Wasim Ur Rahman

Introduction: Journey of Dr. Wasim Ur Rahman

In the LevelUp IAS podcast, Dr. Wasim Ur Rahman shares his UPSC preparation journey, highlighting the importance of discipline, clarity of strategy, and self-belief. His success was not based on shortcuts but on a well-planned and consistent approach. One of the most striking aspects of his preparation was his decision to attempt 99 questions in the Prelims, which became a defining factor in his success.

The 99-Question Strategy: A Calculated Approach

Dr. Wasim emphasizes that attempting 99 questions was a carefully calculated decision rather than a risky gamble. He developed this approach through rigorous mock test practice and deep analysis of previous year questions. By mastering elimination techniques, he was able to narrow down options and make informed guesses when he was not completely certain. This strategy shows that in UPSC Prelims, intelligent risk-taking combined with preparation can significantly improve performance.

Discipline Over Motivation: The Key to Consistency

According to Dr. Wasim, discipline plays a far more important role than motivation in UPSC preparation. While motivation can fluctuate, discipline ensures that an aspirant continues to study consistently every day. He followed a structured routine with fixed study hours, regular revisions, and dedicated time for practice. This consistency helped him maintain momentum throughout his preparation, even during challenging phases.

Smart Note-Making: Focused and Effective Preparation

Dr. Wasim believed in keeping his study material limited and his notes concise. Instead of collecting excessive resources, he focused on summarizing important concepts in a clear and organized manner. His notes were designed for quick revision and easy recall, which proved extremely helpful during the exam. This approach prevented information overload and allowed him to revise multiple times efficiently.

Handling Failures: Building Resilience

He openly discusses his earlier setbacks and how they shaped his preparation. Rather than getting discouraged, he treated failures as learning opportunities. Each unsuccessful attempt helped him identify his weaknesses and refine his strategy. Maintaining emotional stability and persistence allowed him to come back stronger and more confident in subsequent attempts.

Anthropology Optional: Structured Guidance and Practice

Dr. Wasim chose Anthropology as his optional subject and credits his improvement to structured guidance and consistent practice. His involvement in a dedicated test series helped him strengthen his conceptual clarity and improve answer writing skills. Regular evaluation and feedback played a crucial role in enhancing his performance and ultimately contributed to his success in the examination.

To know his strategy in detail, watch-https://youtu.be/bRSNWjKjNFo?si=YVQrjz_l-g7hX5P3