One of the most effective preparation hacks is to adopt strategies used by UPSC toppers. Their hacks to success never fail. Aspirants can get a truckload of inspiration from the UPSC Mock Interview Video of Aditya Srivastava(AIR-1). He appeared in the UPSC civil services examination 2023 and became the top rank holder with just two attempts. His passion for serving the nation motivated him to leave a lucrative job at Goldman Sachs, as public service brought him true happiness and the opportunity to create a meaningful impact. Aditya Srivastava’s focus on managing stress is his personal mantra to achieve absolutely anything one desires. Let’s dive deep into his UPSC preparation insights and get inspired.

Personal Background

Aditya Srivastava shares in the IAS mock interview that he is from Lucknow and is an engineering graduate (B.Tech and M.Tech) from IIT Kanpur. His father, Ajay Kumar Srivastava, is an Assistant Audit Officer by profession, and his mother, Abha Srivastava, is a homemaker. He has work experience as an analyst at Goldman Sachs, but left in 2020 to pursue his dream of joining the civil services in order to create a meaningful impact on the lives of people. He is also interested in studying dinosaurs and evolutionary science. In 2023, he showed up for his first UPSC interview and overall second attempt, which he successfully cracked by securing UPSC CSE AIR 1 in 2023. 

Previous Attempts 

Aditya Srivastava’s success in the UPSC CSE exam came through immense dedication and strategic effort. In his first attempt in 2021, he couldn’t clear the prelims. Then he evaluated his performance and gave his second attempt in 2022, securing AIR 236 and a position in the Indian Police Service (IPS). In the IAS Topper Mock Interview, Aditya Srivastava shared that he approached his second attempt in 2023 with better strategies. This time, his persistence paid off by earning him the top spot with AIR 1. 

UPSC Preparations Insights

Aditya Srivastava's UPSC Mock Interview Video offers insights about his preparation strategies, which include a focus on concept clarity and revision. He used limited but high-quality resources, practised answer writing daily and strategically used current affairs in his answers. He emphasised mastering his optional subject (Electrical Engineering) and used a combination of coaching and self-study. For the interview, he focused on gaining clarity in expression and maintaining a balanced viewpoint through mock interviews. Let’s take a look at Aditya Srivastava’s preparation insights:

Answer Writing Strategies

The answer writing strategy was one of the most notable aspects of Aditya Srivastava’s UPSC success, which contributed greatly to his achievement. The strategy included a structured approach. All of his answers exhibited a clear and precise structure. He made sure to mention important keywords relevant from the UPSC perspective, and his answer quality improved substantially. Aditya Srivastava substantiated his answers through diagrams and flow charts wherever necessary. He kept away from any unnecessary information and stuck to the word limit. Also, he practised writing within given time constraints, focusing on effective time management. 

Learning Strategies

In the IAS Topper Mock Interview, Aditya Srivastava enrolled in coaching only to prepare for a particular subject and for interview preparation. He was an independent learner who often revised topics. He used online resources to study current affairs and his optional subject. He actively participated in peer discussions to boost his understanding. He referred to NCERT books for a strong foundation and read newspapers for topical knowledge and current affairs. 

Interview Strategies

As per the UPSC mock video, in order to handle the pressure of the interview, Aditya Srivastava remained calm and confident throughout the interview. He used a structured framework for case studies, which made his answers logical and well-organised. His answers addressed all aspects of the question, highlighting a deep understanding of the syllabus. He prepared by practising mock interviews to refine his communication skills. His response to the power theft scenario in Uttar Pradesh is a prime example, as he persuaded the panellists that the practice is illegal and causing losses. 

Aditya Srivastava’s Mock Interview Answers

When asked about his hometown in the UPSC Mock Interview Video, Aditya Srivastava ordinarily explained Lucknow’s culture, talking about its food, architecture, and the idea of showing respect (Taz). He shared that he left a well-paid job at Goldman Sachs to pursue public service, hoping for meaningful social impact and a more diverse career. He honestly admitted that he needs to strengthen his basics in electrical engineering, especially concepts like voltage, current, and different energy sources.

In the IAS Topper Mock Interview, he explained the difference between nationalism and patriotism, noting that nationalism can create a sense of superiority, while patriotism stays positive without putting other countries down. He described India’s foreign policy after 1947, mentioning NAM and major wars, and suggested a deeper study. He explained the Right to Information (RTI) Act as an important tool for transparency and public accountability. He also pointed out its practical challenges, such as frequent rejections, pressure on RTI activists, and the exclusion of bodies like the judiciary and political parties from its scope. 

When explaining his mindset and temperament, he supported living simply, saving resources, avoiding fast fashion and cutting unnecessary spending. He also highlighted the importance of time management and long term planning for better discipline. In fact, he stated time management as one of the key points for his achievements.

Conclusion

Aditya Srivastava’s 2023 UPSC mock video offers valuable chapters for every UPSC aspirant. His reflection on personal background and previous attempts shows the power of perseverance. His effective preparation insights, practical learning methods, and calm interview strategies highlight what focused dedication looks like. The way he replied to mock interview questions, in a balanced and logical manner, demonstrates the maturity expected from future civil servants. Aditya Srivastava’s journey stands as an inspiration, reminding aspirants that discipline, clarity of thought and consistent effort can turn challenges into success and guide them toward becoming responsible civil servants.