Kshitij Aditya Sharma: UPSC AIR 58 2024 — A Journey of Dedication and Artistry

Kshitij Aditya Sharma, who secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 384 in the UPSC CSE 2023, provides valuable insights into his preparation journey, particularly highlighting the transition from a corporate law career to preparing for one of the toughest exams in the country.

Kshitij Aditya Sharma Early Life and Education

Kshitij Aditya Sharma’s academic journey began at the prestigious NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, where he completed his graduation in law in 2019. Post-graduation, like many of his peers, he embarked on a career in corporate law, securing a position in a corporate law firm in Mumbai.

For two and a half years, he immersed himself in the demanding world of corporate litigation, gaining valuable experience along the way. But the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 marked a pivotal moment in his journey, compelling him to reevaluate his career path.

Kshitij shares that being confined at home during the pandemic offered him a rare opportunity for reflection. It was during this time that he began to question the long-term direction of his professional life and what truly mattered to him.

Witnessing the widespread uncertainty and hardship around him, he started to reconsider his priorities. He realized that his aspirations had evolved—he now sought a career that would allow him to create a deeper, more meaningful impact on society.

This period of introspection ultimately led him to resign from his corporate job in October 2021 and dedicate himself to preparing for the Civil Services Examination.

UPSC Journey and Achievement

The personality test stage of the UPSC CSE is often the most unpredictable, but Kshitij had a favorable experience. His interview focused largely on his area of expertise—law—with nearly 40% of the questions covering environmental law, competition law, and international humanitarian law.

He observed that candidates questioned extensively on their optional subjects often scored higher, likely because the panel could assess their depth of understanding. Kshitij stresses the importance of mastering one’s optional subject, as it can give a crucial edge in the interview.

Kshitij recommends having a backup career plan due to the uncertain nature of the exam. However, he warns against letting it dilute one’s dedication, as overreliance on Plan B can lead to complacency.

For prelims, Kshitij advises sticking to the basics. He believes 30–40% of the paper is still based on standard sources, and the rest can be managed with peripheral knowledge from newspapers and other readings.

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