UPSC IAS Topper 2021 Samyak Jain Preparation Strategy, Booklist, Optional Subject

Samyak Jain secured All India Rank 7^th in the UPSC CSE 2021 despite being visually impaired. Read further to know more about his life journey, biography, booklist, optional subject, education and preparation strategy.

UPSC Civil Services Exam is known for being the toughest examination in the country. However, it is not tough for those who are ready to work hard and give their best in the exam. Every year, several candidates appear for the exam. However, in this article, we'll discuss a person whose journey serves as motivation for many people. Samyak Jain secured All India Rank 7^th in the UPSC CSE 2021 despite being visually impaired. Let’s see his life journey, biography, booklist, optional subject, education and preparation strategy.

UPSC Topper Samyak Jain Journey

While speaking with Shiksha, Samyak said that he was diagnosed with a significant eye condition at the age of 18, and by the time he was 21 he had lost the ability to read and write. Both his mum and father are employed by Air India. He currently lives with his mother, while his father is posted in Paris. He says that during his preparation, his family gave him unwavering support.

Samyak’s mother Vandana Jain wrote the UPSC prelims examination for him while one of his friends wrote his main exams for UPSC. Samyak’s is thankful to his mother for helping him in preparing notes and for undying support during his journey.  

He read books in digital format. Samyak started his preparation for UPSC civil services exam during COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020 as he had a lot of time to study due to home isolation. He cleared the examination on second attempt.

When asked what motivated him to study for and pass the UPSC CSE exam, Samyak responded that while he was pursuing MA in International Relations at JNU, he was surrounded by many students who were preparing for UPSC exam. Following that, he had an understanding of the exam and began preparing for it.

UPSC IAS Topper AIR 7 Samyak Jain Education

Samyak obtained a BA in English (Hons) from Delhi University. After that, he earned a Postgraduate Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication in Delhi. After completing this, he enrolled in Jawaharlal Nehru University to pursue a Master's in International Relations.

Also Read: UPSC Topper 2021 Gamini Singla Preparation Strategy, Book list and Tips

UPSC Topper Samyak Jain Optional Subject

He choose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as an option subject for the UPSC Civil Services Examinations as he had done MA in International Relations from JNU.

UPSC IAS Topper Samyak Jain Marksheet

IAS Samyak Jain received 1031 out of 2025 points, including 838 in the Civil Services (Main) written test and 193 in the Personality Test, popularly known as the interview.

UPSC Topper 2021: List of Books used by Samyak Jain to clear UPSC 

Samyak prepared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in digital mode only. As many books are not available digitally, Samyak said, his mother curated study materials and resources for the exam. “She literally scanned every page of some books, and tried to make available every study material in digital copy by any means, be it searching on the Internet, contacting different coaching, or just scanning into soft copy,” he said.  Apart from the list of the books mentioned below, he read NCERT books from Classes 6 to 12 thoroughly to clear the concepts and build a strong base. The books he referred to for preparing for UPSC Exams 2022 are:

• Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
• Indian Economy by Nitin Singhania
• Ancient History by RS Sharma
• Modern History by Spectrum
• Geography by GC Leong

UPSC IAS Samyak Jain: Vision

While speaking about his vision for the country, he said, “To change the system, you have to be part of the system. When I went to IIMC Delhi, I came to know the problems faced by people on ground level.  I felt that the IAS service can give a better opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people.”

“Government is working its best in formulating policies but they are not getting implemented properly on the ground level in the right way. I want to bring a change in that. Along with this, I also wish to work towards education and women empowerment,” he added.

UPSC IAS Samyak Jain: Message for aspirants

Don’t run around reading every book. Read and revise whatever notes or books you have. Self-study can be tough but will help you achieve your goal. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get the desired results in one go, keep working hard and you will definitely achieve your goals. Always keep evaluating yourself, opt for mock tests.

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