Gahana Navya James Rank-6: UPSC Civil services 2022-23: IAS Topper

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About Gahana Navya James :

Gahana Navya James, who secured the sixth position in the UPSC 2022 exam results, garnered attention for her outstanding achievements.
However she couldn’t even clear prelims in her first attempt back in 2021.
Gahana Navya James, originally from Pala in the Kottayam region of Kerala, has emerged as one of the leading contenders in the UPSC CSE 2022.
Her educational foundation serves as a robust platform for her achievements.
Gahana's path to attaining this remarkable milestone in the UPSC examination serves as a true source of inspiration.
Her fervour for learning, unwavering dedication to her studies, and resolute commitment to her objective have played a pivotal role in her triumph.
Throughout her academic journey, Gahana showcased a deep-seated thirst for knowledge, excelling in her chosen field of Political Science.

Quick Information Table

Name	Gahana Navya James
Age (at the time of qualifying)	25
Rank	6th
Attempt	2nd (did not clear Prelims in the first)
Optional Subject	Political Science and International Relations (PSIR)
Family Background	4 members – father Dr. C.K. James (retired professor), mother Dr. Deepa George (former professor), younger brother
Hometown	Pala, Kottayam, Kerala
School	Chavara Public School, Kottayam
College & Stream	BA in History, MA in Political Science – St. Thomas College, Pala; pursuing PhD at Mahatma Gandhi University
Selected for	Indian Foreign Service (IFS)

Educational Background :

Gahana comes from an academically strong family. She completed her schooling from Chavara Public School, Kottayam, and her higher secondary from St. Mary’s School. She went on to earn her BA in History and MA in Political Science from St. Thomas College, Pala, where she secured top ranks in both programs. Gahana also cleared the UGC NET exam and holds a Junior Research Fellowship. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in International Relations at Mahatma Gandhi University, focusing on her passion for geopolitics.

FAMILY BACKGROUND:

Gahana's family has played a significant role in shaping her aspirations. Her father, Dr. C.K. James, is a retired professor, and her mother, Dr. Deepa George, is also a former professor. Gahana credits her uncle, IFS officer Sibi George, as one of her major inspirations for joining civil services. Her younger brother Gaurav Amar James also supported her extensively during the preparation phase.

Why Chosen Civil Services :

Gahana always dreamt of joining the civil services since high school. Growing up in an educated and supportive environment, she developed a passion for public service early on. Her deep interest in geopolitics and global affairs, partly inspired by her uncle's work in the IFS, motivated her to pursue the same field. Gahana enjoys the idea of diplomacy and international relations and believes that being an IFS officer aligns with her interest in contributing to India’s foreign policy and global standing.

Marks Obtained

Written Total	861
Interview	193
Final Total	1054

Struggles and Challenges :

Gahana faced significant setbacks, particularly during her first attempt when she couldn't even clear the Preliminary exam. This failure was a wake-up call for her, pushing her to reassess her preparation strategy. Despite coming from Pala, a hub for UPSC coaching, Gahana did not attend any coaching centers or mock interviews. Her journey was one of self-study, and she relied heavily on newspapers, specifically English and Malayalam dailies, to build her general knowledge. Her resilience, discipline, and ability to adapt her strategy to her personal needs helped her overcome the challenges in her second attempt, ultimately securing the 6th rank.

Preparation Strategy

Ghana Navya James' success in the UPSC examination can be attributed to her thorough and well-planned preparation approach. Recognizing the intense competition and challenges associated with the exam, she approached her studies with unwavering dedication. Here are the key components of her strategy:

Comprehensive Syllabus Coverage: Ghana Navya James meticulously analyzed the UPSC syllabus and broke it down into manageable sections. She devised a detailed study plan to ensure she covered each topic thoroughly. This method enabled her to establish a strong foundation in various subjects, leaving no essential topic unexplored.
In-Depth Reading and Research: To deepen her knowledge and understanding, Ghana Navya James devoted considerable time to extensive reading and research. She relied on reputable sources like newspapers, periodicals, scholarly journals, and pertinent books to expand her knowledge on various subjects, including current affairs, governance, history, and more.
Efficient Time Management: Effective time management is crucial when preparing for a rigorous examination like the UPSC. Ghana Navya James adeptly managed her time by setting realistic study objectives and adhering to a strict schedule. She allocated specific time slots for each subject, ensuring a balanced coverage of the syllabus. Regular breaks and relaxation activities were also integrated to maintain focus and prevent burnout.
Practice Tests and Review: Recognizing the value of practice, Ghana Navya James regularly took practice tests to evaluate her knowledge and pinpoint areas for improvement. These tests helped her refine her time management skills, enhance her problem-solving abilities, and become familiar with the exam format. Additionally, she placed a strong emphasis on consistent revision to reinforce her learning and retain information effectively.
Seeking Guidance and Mentorship: Ghana Navya James actively sought advice from experienced mentors and successful UPSC candidates. Their insights and expertise provided her with valuable tips, strategies, and a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the examination. She attended workshops, seminars, and participated in online study groups to engage with peers and exchange knowledge.

A more categorical approach :-

For Prelims:

Gahana primarily focused on newspapers for her current affairs preparation, choosing to read both English and Malayalam papers to ensure a broader understanding. She also relied on NCERT books and standard reference materials but maintained a customized study plan. This plan was flexible, allowing her to adjust her daily targets based on her interests and energy levels, avoiding burnout.

For Mains:

Her strategy for Mains centered around her optional subject, Political Science and International Relations (PSIR). She believed in thorough self-study, choosing not to join any test series or coaching. Gahana focused on critical analysis and multi-dimensional perspectives while writing her answers. She also emphasized the importance of regular practice and revision.

For Interview:

During the interview stage, Gahana was asked questions about international relations, economics, and technology, specifically regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the job market. Her younger brother played a key role in helping her prepare for the interview by conducting mock sessions. Gahana advises aspirants to remain confident and stay up-to-date with current affairs, especially in their domain of expertise.

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GAHNA NAVYA JAMES UPSC 2022-23 Rank-6