Coaching ಇಲ್ಲದೆ UPSC Clear ಮಾಡಬಹುದಾ? Podcast with IFS AIR 122 Abhishek Nayak

In this episode of Kannadaology, we sit down with Abhishek Nayak, who secured All India Rank 122 in the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination. Hailing from Srirangapatna, Mandya, Abhishek shares his five-year UPSC journey, from studying Mechanical Engineering at SJCE to preparing for UPSC entirely from home without joining coaching institutes or moving to Delhi or Bengaluru. He opens up about the mistakes he made in his early attempts, why neglecting CSAT became a major setback, and how he changed his preparation strategy. We also discuss IFS Mains preparation, managing two optional subjects, smart work versus hard work, answer-writing techniques, Prelims elimination strategies, and interview preparation. This episode is packed with practical insights for UPSC and KPSC aspirants, especially those preparing through self-study. If you're preparing for civil services or planning to start your UPSC journey, this conversation is worth watching. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 02:00 – Meet Abhishek Nayak | IFS AIR 122 03:00 – His Background and Engineering Journey 07:00 – Five UPSC Attempts: The Journey So Far 13:00 – Preparing Alone: Motivation and Consistency 14:00 – UPSC Preparation From Home Without Coaching 16:00 – Clearing Assistant Commandant (CAPF) 22:00 – IFS Mains: Preparing Two Optional Subjects 25:00 – Smart Work vs Hard Work in UPSC 27:00 – Common Mistakes UPSC Aspirants Make 31:00 – NCERTs and Building Your Foundation 32:00 – Mains Answer Writing: Speed and Strategy 42:00 – Prelims Elimination Techniques 49:00 – UPSC and KPSC Interview Preparation 54:00 – How Many Months Are Needed for UPSC Preparation? 57:00 – How to Handle Failure and Stay Consistent 1:00:11 – Why Every UPSC Aspirant Needs a Plan B #Kannadaology #UPSC #IFS #AbhishekNayak #UPSCPreparation #UPSCInterview #CivilServices #KPSC #UPSCJourney #SelfStudy