Practice and revision is the key to success, says Dr. Saif Anees (UPSC CMS Rank 22)

PrepLadder congratulates Dr. Saif Anees on achieving Rank 22 in UPSC CMS exam(2016). We wish him all the best for his career and future ahead. In this exclusive interview with PrepLadder, he shares tips on how to clear the UPSC CMS exam just like he did. PrepLadder: Hello, please tell us something about yourself. Dr. Saif: I am Dr. Saif Anees MBBS from GSVM Kanpur and MD in Community Medicine from IMS BHU Varanasi. In my first attempt at UPSC CMS exam for 2015, I got Rank 117. However, I wanted to re-take the exam and have now got UPSC CMS Rank 22 in 2016. PrepLadder: What do you think is the correct approach to study for UPSC CMS? Only Medical content or Medical content + General ability? Dr. Saif: I think medical content is more important, for general ability you can read only UPSC CMS previous 6-7 year papers explanations. PrepLadder: When should the preparation ideally be started? Dr. Saif: Right now, if you are preparing for PGMEE or NEET-PG, then two months time is usually sufficient for UPSC CMS exam preparation. PrepLadder: Please list the books you studied for each subject. Dr. Saif: First and foremost is Elsevier's CMS guide (4^th) edition and for the rest you can use any PGMEE preparation book for medical subject wise. Also read: Everything you need to know about UPSC Combined Medical Services 2017 Exam PrepLadder: Have you attempted UPSC CMS previously? If yes, what did you do different this year that lead to your success. Dr. Saif: Yes, I have qualified 2 times in UPSC CMS; there was no change in strategy for the preparation. The 1st time, I wanted to improve my rank and also I could not join due to my junior residency. At that point, I didn’t even apply for extension because I wasn’t sure that I will take up a Central Government job or not? PrepLadder: How big is the role of practice and revision while preparing for UPSC CMS and how much time should be dedicated for it? Dr. Saif: I think key for a good rank is PRACTICE and REVISION only. For me, I did 1 year paper with explanations daily and the time for the same depends on your speed. PrepLadder: Did you use a time table/study plan to keep your preparation on track? Dr. Saif: Yes, I followed a study plan since I was doing my MD in Community Medicine. I studied according to the study plan. PrepLadder:Were you a topper or a mediocre student during MBBS? Dr. Saif: I was a mediocre student during MBBS. PrepLadder: List the most difficult and easiest subjects for you. Dr. Saif: For me, the most difficult is medicine, and the easiest is Obs & Gynae. PrepLadder:Do you think Online test series is required for UPSC CMS exam preparation? Dr. Saif: I did not have the option of taking an online test series as the same was not available while I was preparing for UPSC CMS. If I would have got the option, I would surely have enrolled for it. Mock Tests are vital to success in UPSC CMS. They help you gauge your preparation level throughout the preparation. Further, they will help you in developing acquaintance to the Software Platform. A key factor is to review performance after each Mock Test and analyze strengths and weaknesses.  Attempt at least 1 Full-Length Mock Test each day in the last 30 days. Further, you must aim to gradually boost your performance by rectifying your mistakes.You must emphasize on factors such as Speed and Accuracy while attempting Mock Tests since they are the ultimate drivers of success. Unique features of PrepLadder's UPSC CMS Pro Pack:

• Questions prepared by experts on expected exam pattern.
• Personal mentorship from recent UPSC CMS toppers (you can ask them anything like study schedule, best books, exam strategy, doubts).
• Exactly same software as real UPSC CMS.
• Artificial intelligence that recognizes your weak areas and gives you a topic wise improvement plan after each exam.
• Real- time connect with the faculty (all doubts answered by subject experts within 24 working hours).
• Revise offline using PrepLadder app.

For more info, feel free to drop a mail at medical@prepladder.com PrepLadder: One mistake that you believe everyone must avoid while preparing for UPSC CMS. Dr. Saif: Don’t underestimate general studies and community medicine. Prepare these along with other subjects and it will give you an extra edge. Always make notes while studying in such a way that you are able to revise at the last moment. PrepLadder:Some last tips for our readers preparing for UPSC CMS?  Dr. Saif: Be confident and attempt more questions by practicing previous years question papers. More Updates will follow. Stay Tuned to this Spaceǃ!