Watch Rekha Siyak AIR 176, CSE 2024 | IAS TOPPER 2024 | IAS Toppers' Journey
Meet IAS Topper 2024 Rekha Siyak (AIR 176, UPSC CSE 2024) in this exclusive Kalam IAS interview. She shares her journey from multiple attempts to success, the mistakes aspirants should avoid, and practical UPSC preparation tips on answer writing, limited resources, PYQs, and Mains strategy. A must-watch for every serious UPSC aspirant.
The journey of IAS Topper 2024 Rekha Siyak (AIR 176, UPSC CSE 2024) is filled with lessons that every aspirant can learn from. Speaking with Kalam IAS Academy, Rekha recalls how she made mistakes in her early attempts and how correcting them finally helped her achieve success.
One key learning she shares is the danger of spreading yourself too thin with multiple resources. Many aspirants fall into the trap of “FOMO” when new content appears. Rekha emphasizes that it is far more effective to stick to a single, reliable source and revise it multiple times. This not only saves time but also builds strong recall in the exam hall.
Another common mistake she highlights is neglecting Mains preparation until after prelims. With less than 90 days between the two stages, aspirants must start practicing answer writing and covering Mains topics well in advance. For Rekha, preparing both Prelims and Mains simultaneously was the turning point.
She also advises giving priority to the optional subject. A strong optional preparation can significantly improve rank, and it is something aspirants should complete early in the preparation cycle.
Rekha’s journey shows that persistence, consistency, and smart planning are more important than perfection. She recommends defining sources, using PYQs as a guide, and creating weekly and monthly plans to stay on track.
This interview is not just about her success but about the mistakes you can avoid. For UPSC aspirants, Rekha Siyak’s experience is a reminder that clear strategy, discipline, and smart resource management are the keys to cracking the exam.