How Persistence, Strategy, and Self-Discovery Led Abhishek Saroha to Rank 1 in Haryana Civil Services
Success stories are always inspiring, especially when they come from repeated attempts and setbacks. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to finally crack the UPSC or state civil services exams after multiple failures, then Abhishek Saroha’s journey is a must-watch. In an exclusive interview with Sleepy Classes IAS, Abhishek reveals how he transformed his approach, managed stress, and ultimately secured the top rank in Haryana Civil Services (HCS). His story is a testament to resilience, strategic planning, and continuous self-improvement.
Whether you’re preparing for UPSC, HPSC, or any competitive exam, this interview offers invaluable insights into answer writing, revision techniques, managing pressure, and staying motivated through failures. Let’s dive into the key lessons from Abhishek’s inspiring journey.
Abhishek Saroha’s Journey: From Multiple Failures to Top Rank
Abhishek’s story begins with a humble background—his family comprises teachers, and he hails from a small town in Haryana. Despite his dedication, he faced repeated setbacks: five attempts in UPSC Mains, two interviews, and several setbacks in other exams. Yet, what stands out is his unwavering determination.
His first breakthrough came after years of perseverance and learning from his mistakes. Abhishek emphasizes that failure is a stepping stone, not a dead-end. His resilience, combined with a refined strategy, allowed him to turn his fortunes around and achieve the coveted Rank 1 in Haryana Civil Services.
Lessons from Repeated Attempts and Failures
One of the most relatable aspects of Abhishek’s story is his honesty about failures. He openly talks about the disappointments, demotivation, and the moments when giving up seemed tempting. But what kept him going was his focus on learning from each setback.
Key takeaway: Failure is not the end; it’s a lesson. Abhishek suggests analyzing each attempt meticulously—what went wrong, what could have been better, and how to adapt your strategy. This iterative learning process is crucial for continuous improvement.
He also stresses the importance of not blindly copying others but understanding your own strengths, weaknesses, and learning style. Self-awareness is the foundation of effective preparation.
Mastering UPSC Mains Answer Writing: The Four Stages
Answer writing is often considered the most challenging part of the UPSC Mains, and Abhishek breaks down his approach into four essential stages:
1. Coverage (Syllabus and Content)
Abhishek highlights that a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus is vital. Covering the entire syllabus ensures that you can answer questions confidently. He advises aspirants to integrate cross-disciplinary links and think critically.
2. Understanding the Question (Demand)
He emphasizes the importance of carefully analyzing what the question is asking—what are the keywords, what is the demand (discuss, analyze, compare), and what context is required. This clarity helps in framing precise answers.
3. Speed and Quantity
Time management is critical. Abhishek recommends writing 4–5 answers daily, focusing on speed without compromising quality. The idea is to strike a balance: practice enough to be quick, but also maintain accuracy.
4. Quality and Customization
Finally, he advocates for personalized answer writing—adding specific data, examples, and keywords relevant to the question. Abhishek shares how strategic keyword collection and tailored content can fetch extra marks.
Pro tip: Practice writing introductions and conclusions well. Abhishek suggests starting with a hook and ending with a strong, concise conclusion that summarizes your main points.
Overcoming Guilt and Demotivation
Many aspirants struggle with feelings of guilt when they can’t study for long hours consistently. Abhishek admits he initially tried to push himself for 8–10 hours daily but realized that quality beats quantity. His advice: be flexible, set realistic goals, and focus on consistent, focused study sessions of 4–6 hours.
He shares that maintaining mental health, taking short breaks, and engaging in light activities like walking or meditation helps keep motivation high. The key is to avoid burnout by balancing study and relaxation.
Daily Routine: Quality Over Quantity
Abhishek’s routine is a perfect example of how disciplined yet flexible study habits can lead to success. He studied around 4–6 hours daily, with longer sessions before exams. His focus was on revising smartly, practicing answer writing, and staying updated with current affairs.
He stresses that every aspirant should customize their routine based on personal strengths and lifestyle. Some prefer early mornings, others work better at night. The important thing is regularity and purposefulness.
Current Affairs: Newspaper vs. Magazine
A common dilemma among aspirants is whether to focus on newspapers or current affairs magazines. Abhishek advocates reading the newspaper thoroughly every day. He claims that newspapers are your best source for real-time, unique examples and data, which can help you stand out.
He suggests supplementing newspapers with monthly or yearly magazines, especially for detailed analysis and static content. The combination ensures comprehensive coverage and saves time by focusing on relevant, exam-oriented content.
Pro tip: Avoid rote memorization of facts. Instead, develop a habit of understanding issues deeply, which enhances answer quality and interview responses.
Handling Stress and Demotivation
Abhishek openly discusses the mental challenges during preparation—stress, anxiety, frustration, and doubts. His secret? Acceptance and strategic planning.
He recommends practices like deep breathing exercises, meditation, and talking to peers or mentors. Keeping a positive mindset and accepting that failure is part of success helps reduce pressure. He also emphasizes the importance of having backup career options, which alleviates the fear of failure and keeps motivation alive.
Interview Preparation: Confidence and Composure
Interview is often feared the most. Abhishek shares that his approach was to stay calm, be honest, and focus on his profile. Practicing mock interviews, analyzing questions, and improving body language helped boost confidence.
He advises aspirants to treat the interview as a casual conversation rather than an interrogation. Being genuine, composed, and well-prepared about your own background makes a significant difference.
Haryana GK and Sleepy Classes Notes
A unique aspect of Abhishek’s preparation was his use of Sleepy Classes’ Haryana GK notes. He mentions that these notes helped him revise efficiently and cover approximately 60–70% of Haryana GK questions. Focused revision with quality material was key to his success.
Final Words: Persistence Is the Key
Abhishek’s journey underscores that success is rarely a straight line. It’s about learning from failures, refining your strategy, and staying committed through ups and downs. His story encourages aspirants to be patient, adaptable, and resilient.
If you’re looking for practical tips, honest insights, and motivation to push through your own preparation, then don’t miss watching the full interview. It’s a treasure trove of wisdom for UPSC, HPSC, and State PCS aspirants.
Watch the Full Interview
Curious to hear Abhishek’s complete story and detailed advice? Watch the full interview here and get inspired to turn your failures into your greatest victories.
Remember, success belongs to those who persist. Keep learning, keep fighting, and your turn to shine will come!
Stay motivated, stay focused, and let Abhishek’s journey remind you that perseverance pays off.
