“I have seen failure before and today, I am completely overwhelmed. This sense of achievement has come with the burden of responsibility”
Junaid Ahmad has secured the rank three in the 2018 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination. An alumnus of Aligarh Muslim University, Ahmad obtained the third position in this year’s IAS exam. Read more to know about the preparation journey of IAS topper 2018.
Junaid Ahmad Background
Junaid is a resident of Nagina in Bijnor. He obtained Electronics engineering degree from Sharda University, Noida. Junaid’s father is a lawyer and, his mother is a homemaker. He has an elder sister who is married and two younger siblings — a brother and a sister. This was his fifth attempt and previously in 2017, he was appointed in Indian Revenue Service.
Preparation Journey
“I had a few books suggested by seniors, that helped in creating a base.” – Junaid.
Junaid depended mainly on the internet and also appreciated the availability of free content. To prepare for the civil services exam, he used to study for five-six hours every day.
Ahmad was preparing for this exam since 2014 and he was disappointed with the initial failure but never lost hope and continued with preparation. He considers NCERT books to be the basis for the preparation of IAS.
He stated that the three Success Mantra for the civil services exam that is Aim, Hardwork, handle failures. His strategy was to avoid unnecessary study materials and save time in that way. He specifically said that the IAS aspirants should understand what to be avoided and a focused approach will make the preparation simpler.
Junaid Ahmad chose Geography as the optional Subject for his mains exam. Since Geography had overlap with the general studies subjects it was easier to cover.
Future endeavour
The UPSC third topper said he would now be able to solve people’s problems directly.
“In IRS, one deals with taxation and that is also related to people but an IAS officer can solve people’s problems directly. More than an achievement, it is a responsibility,” Junaid Ahmad
Junaid Ahmad (UPSC Topper 2018) Marks
The UPSC released the marks scored by the successful candidates indicating the subject-wise breakup of the marks. Junaid Ahmad scored a total of 1077 marks out of a total of 2025 marks.
UPSC Topper Junaid Ahmad Marksheet
| Subject | Marks |
| Mains Written | 893 |
| Interview | 184 |
| Total | 1077 |
To know more about IAS Toppers, check the linked article.
| Junaid Ahmad Marksheet of Mains 2018 | |
| Essay paper | 132 |
| General Studies 1 | 108 |
| General Studies 2 | 110 |
| General Studies 3 | 111 |
| General Studies 4 | 111 |
| Optional Paper 1 | 148 |
| Optional Paper 2 | 173 |
| Total Marks | 893 |
Junaid Ahmad Facts
| UPSC Rank | AIR 3, CSE 2018 |
| Number of Attempts | 5 |
| Optional Subject | Geography |
| Education | Electronics Engineering from Aligarh Muslim University |
| Age | 27 years |
Junaid Ahmad IAS book list
- In the initial stages, focus on NCERTs (especially the books of the 9th to 12th class).
- Later, focus on reports for Mains GS Paper 2 – for example – Administrative Reforms report, Budget document, Economic survey.
- For GS Mains 3 – NITI Aayog document – 3 years and 7 years document. This will help in preparing for the exam in a comprehensive manner.
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