Achieving success in competitive exams, especially the Bihar Public Service Commission Examination, is often seen as a daunting task that requires professional coaching, months of preparation, and constant guidance. In this article by The Hinduzone, we will discuss the Success Story of Riya Verma: Cracked BPSC in 2nd Attempt with Self-Study. The common perception is that it’s impossible to clear such exams without enrolling in coaching institutes. However, Riya Verma’s story proves that success is within reach even in the toughest of state-level exams with determination, a focused mindset, and self-study.
Riya Verma, a resident of Medininagar, Jharkhand, cleared the 69th BPSC exam on her second attempt, securing an impressive rank of 107th. What’s even more remarkable is that she secured the 22nd rank in the OBC category, proving that hard work and self-study can lead to extraordinary results. This article sheds light on Riya’s journey, offering motivation and insights for all BPSC aspirants.
Early Life and Background
Riya Verma hails from Palamu district in Jharkhand, where she completed her schooling. Raised in a family that valued education, Riya developed a keen interest in academics from an early age. She completed her schooling from CBSE boards and then went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in the commerce stream. After finishing her undergraduate studies, she moved to Patna to begin her preparation for the BPSC exam.
The Challenge of the First Attempt
Riya’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Like most aspirants, she also faced the uncertainty and pressure of cracking such a competitive exam. In her first attempt at the BPSC exam, Riya was just a few marks short of making it. She missed the cut-off by a narrow margin of 4 marks. While the setback was disheartening, Riya did not give up. Instead, she took it as a lesson and made a firm resolve to do better in her second attempt.
She realized that while hard work was important, she needed a more focused and structured approach to improve her chances in the exam. This meant dedicating herself more seriously, identifying her weaknesses, and putting in extra hours of self-study.
Strategic Preparation for the Second Attempt
Riya’s success in the second attempt can be attributed to her well-planned strategy and disciplined approach. She adopted a systematic routine that focused on clearing her fundamentals and honing her exam-related skills.
- Focus on NCERT for Basics:
In her second attempt, Riya decided to concentrate on building a strong foundation. She paid special attention to the NCERT textbooks, particularly for subjects like History, Geography, and Polity. The NCERT books helped her develop a clear understanding of basic concepts and provided the clarity she needed on various topics. By revisiting these foundational texts, Riya was able to solidify her knowledge base, which ultimately proved beneficial during the exam. - Structured Study Schedule:
Riya firmly believed in the power of a structured study schedule. She devised a timetable that balanced her preparation for both the Prelims and Mains stages of the BPSC exam. Every day, she devoted time to each subject while maintaining consistency. The key to her success was sticking to the routine without letting distractions or fatigue break her focus. - Answer Writing Practice:
One of the most critical aspects of the BPSC Mains exam is answer writing. To improve her answer writing skills, Riya dedicated several hours each day to practice. She not only focused on improving her writing speed but also worked on the quality of her answers. She set a timer while writing to gauge her speed and refine her technique. Riya knew that this practice would allow her to answer within the time limits of the exam and also present her thoughts coherently and concisely. - Mock Interviews and Personality Development:
Another important part of Riya’s preparation was the mock interviews. After clearing the Mains exam, she understood the significance of being well-prepared for the interview stage. The BPSC interview can be nerve-wracking, with panellists asking a wide range of questions to test an aspirant’s knowledge, personality, and presence of mind.
To prepare herself, Riya practised mock interviews regularly. She simulated real interview conditions and sought feedback to improve her responses. This practice helped boost her confidence and reduced her anxiety during the actual interview. According to Riya, mock interviews are a crucial element in cracking any civil services exam as they give you an idea of what to expect and help you develop a more calm and composed demeanour. - Self-Study and Research:
Riya was highly disciplined in her approach to self-study. She dedicated significant time to revising important topics, making notes from study materials, and referring to previous years’ question papers. She even created a database of notes from BPSC exams held between 2013 and 2023, which helped her understand the trends in the questions asked. This not only made her preparation more targeted but also gave her an edge during the exam.
Riya used various online resources and social media platforms to stay updated with the latest trends in exam preparation. The online study community and forums provided her with useful insights, tips, and guidance that complemented her self-study efforts.
The Role of Dedication and Mindset
Riya Verma’s story emphasizes the importance of dedication, discipline, and a clear mindset. Despite facing a setback in her first attempt, Riya did not lose hope. She turned her failure into motivation and refined her approach for the second attempt. Her dedication to self-study, coupled with a structured and focused preparation strategy, played a crucial role in her success.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Riya’s journey is her unwavering belief in the power of a focused mindset. She believes that success in exams like BPSC is not just about hard work but about working smart and maintaining a positive outlook. Riya stresses that if you are truly dedicated and focused on your goals, you can achieve your dreams, no matter the challenges.
Final Thoughts
Riya Verma’s success in the BPSC exam is a testament to the fact that self-study and perseverance can lead to outstanding achievements. Her story highlights the importance of building a strong foundation, focusing on answer writing skills, and practising mock interviews. Additionally, Riya’s disciplined approach to following a study schedule, coupled with the use of online resources, shows how modern tools can enhance exam preparation.
Conclusion
For BPSC aspirants, Riya’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, self-belief, and the right strategy, success is achievable. It also underscores the importance of staying focused, learning from past mistakes, and constantly working towards improvement. Riya’s story is not just about cracking an exam; it’s about overcoming challenges, staying positive, and achieving your goals, no matter how tough the journey may seem.
Her achievement is truly inspiring and a great source of motivation for all those preparing for the BPSC exam.
