@Neyawn, I graduated (Dual 5 year degree) from IITD last year and gave my first mains in 2018. Have been preparing for UPSC since 4th year - First Vajiram in 4th year and then 5th year self study + PSIR coaching. In the Mains 2018, I missed the cutoff scoring 758 last year (when cutoff was ~774). I couldnt complete my papers - Left almost 60-70 marks in GS and 60 marks in Optional. Giving alongside college gave me less writing practise time.
This time for Mains 2019, I diligently prepared right after Mains 2018 since I saw a similar post for Post Mains period schedule last year. I had joined ForumIAS MGP B, was placed well in terms of rank (top 10-20) + joined two test series (one year long and one for Prelims to Mains period) for optional too .
In Mains, I attempted all questions in both GS/Optional almost to my expectation.
Now after consulting my seniors/friends like Atirag (Rank 15), Smith Lodha (Rank 80s) etc, I just recently came to Mumbai to work in a startup for the time till my interview or till around March-April after which I plan to resume studying for UPSC if the results are anything except IAS. Reasons being that I thought I would be able to prepare for Prelims and Mains after the interview result (although I have self doubts like everyone else) but seniors who knew me through the preparation phase assured that this time would be better utilised working since I have already given 2 Mains + theres less productivity here. Moreover, in my mind (and those of seniors who cracked the exam) now in the Oct-Jan period, unlike last year, this time should be reserved for interview prep and not next Mains prep, so I trusted myself that I will balance the job and interview prep.
I am hoping to receive an interview call this time (given the baseline of last year), and planned to devote few hours everyday for the interview prep.
Neyawn, can you advice me -
1. How should I prepare for interview - in terms of time/day, when should I come to Delhi for Mocks etc
2. Importantly, do you think (as per going through your advice to aspirants to prepare for next Mains in this Oct-Dec period), I took a wrong decision? I can still leave the job and come back in next 1-2 month or so.
3. Any other advice on how to manage my time for the next attempt or anything else. I am all ears.
Thank you so much.
