The UPSC Civil Services Examination is often described as one of the toughest and most prestigious exams in India. Every year, lakhs of aspirants put in their best efforts, yet only a few make it to the final merit list. Among those few, some stand out not just for their rank but for the clarity and precision in their preparation strategy. One such name is Rithika Rath, who secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 48 in the UPSC 2024 exam. Ritika Rath was a classroom student of APTI PLUS Academy.
What made Rithika’s preparation unique? How did she approach the UPSC Mains, which is known for testing the aspirant’s depth, analytical ability, and expression skills? This blog attempts to delve into Rithika Rath’s strategy to clear the UPSC Mains, drawing from her interviews and shared experiences, to offer meaningful guidance for future aspirants.
Before jumping into her preparation methods, it’s important to understand why the Mains exam is so crucial. Unlike the Prelims, which is objective, the Mains is descriptive and demands a comprehensive understanding of topics, along with the ability to present answers coherently and succinctly.
Rithika often emphasized in her discussions that Mains requires consistent effort over time. It is not about last-minute cramming but about cultivating a habit of regular writing, conceptual clarity, and analytical thinking.
One of the hallmarks of Rithika’s preparation was her relentless focus on answer writing. She believed that reading and understanding the syllabus is just the first step. The bigger challenge is to express your knowledge effectively in the limited word count and time given in the exam.
“I used to write 1–2 answers every day, even when I was tired or not in the mood. Consistency in answer writing is the game-changer in Mains.”
She practiced answer writing extensively, starting from early stages of her preparation. Instead of randomly writing answers, she followed a structured approach:
This approach turned her answers from mere information dumps into well-structured, precise, and relevant responses appreciated by the examiners.
“Mains answers are not about writing everything you know. It’s about writing what is asked, in the best possible manner within the word limit.”
UPSC Mains demands an extensive understanding of diverse topics—ranging from Indian polity and economy to ethics and international relations. Rithika’s preparation stood out because of her ability to cover this vast syllabus methodically.
Rithika recalls, “Prelims is the entry gate, but it is the Mains where the real battle is fought and won. This is the stage that truly determines your rank.”
She adopted a layered approach to study:
Her notes were not mere repetitions but smartly curated content that helped during quick revisions and answer writing.
Rithika strongly recommended making the analysis of previous years’ question papers an integral part of preparation. This helped her identify important themes, recurring questions, and the kind of depth expected in answers.
She dissected the last 10 years of mains questions, not just to know what was asked but to understand the nuances behind each question:
This exercise gave her clarity on answer framing and prioritizing relevant information, saving her precious time during the exam.
A significant takeaway from Rithika’s preparation was the balance she maintained between static syllabus and current affairs. While many aspirants often focus heavily on current affairs, she treated the static portion as the backbone.
Her reasoning was simple — static knowledge provides the foundation on which current affairs analysis is built. For example, understanding the constitutional provisions helped her better analyze contemporary political issues.
She dedicated fixed hours weekly for revising static topics and simultaneously stayed updated on current developments through reliable sources like The Hindu, PIB, and Yojana.
The Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude paper is considered one of the trickiest parts of UPSC Mains. Rithika’s approach was to understand concepts deeply and relate them to real-life examples.
Her answers were appreciated for being balanced, practical, and rooted in principles rather than abstract definitions.
“Ethics is not just about definitions; it’s about real-life relevance. How you think, how you respond to dilemmas, and how honest you are with your answer—that matters.”
Rithika believed that presentation matters almost as much as content. A well-written answer with proper headings, subheadings, and neat handwriting attracts examiner attention.
She focused on:
Rithika’s success was also built on effective time management. With such a vast syllabus, she divided her time wisely among reading, notes making, answer writing, and revision.
She allocated dedicated revision slots close to the exam and ensured that she revised her notes multiple times rather than starting new topics at the last moment.
According to her, revision is the key to retention and confidence. She followed a strict timetable, balancing study with rest to avoid burnout.
"I knew I’d have just 2–3 days per paper before Mains. My notes had to be micro but powerful," she says.
UPSC preparation is not just about strategy and hard work, but also about mental resilience. Rithika openly talks about the challenges, self-doubt, and moments of stress she faced during her journey.
She recommends:
Her balanced approach to mental well-being helped her stay consistent and focused throughout.
As UPSC Mains 2025 and 2026 app8roach, aspirants should draw meaningful insights from Rithika’s journey, not by copying it blindly but by understanding its spirit.
“Everyone’s journey is different. You don’t have to copy someone else’s plan. But you can always learn how they navigated the challenges.”- Rithika
APTI PLUS was not just a coaching center for Rithika—it was a complete support system.
"The accessibility of mentors at APTI PLUS is what makes the difference. I never felt lost. Someone was always there to guide me—academically and emotionally," Rithika reflects.
Here’s what future aspirants can take from her success:
Don’t wait for Prelims results to start Mains preparation. Start writing answers early, even if they aren’t perfect.
Mentorship matters. Institutes like APTI PLUS help you remain focused, offer personalized feedback, and push you when you’re slacking. Rithika herself was a classroom student of APTI PLUS academy. Their tailored courses like:
Abhyudaya & Utkrishti for those preparing for UPSC Mains 2025
“Your first answers will be bad. Mine were too. But I kept writing, improving, and building that confidence.” —Rithika
No single topper’s journey is a formula. Understand what works for you. Some prefer detailed notes, others prefer minimal notes. You must choose your tools.
One of her strongest points was her consistency. Even on the toughest days, she didn’t skip her writing or revision sessions.
Rithika Rath’s journey to securing AIR 48 in UPSC is a testament to smart work, strategic planning, and unwavering dedication. Her preparation strategy for the Mains exam offers valuable lessons:
For aspirants aiming to crack UPSC Mains, adopting these tried and tested methods can significantly boost their chances. As Rithika Rath’s example shows, success in UPSC is not about studying more but studying right, with consistent effort and smart strategy.
© 2025 iasgyan. All right reserved
