Dr. Shena Aggarwal is a Haryana-based candidate who attempted CSE in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Dr. Shena Aggarwal successfully topped her third attempt i.e. the UPSC CSE 2011 Exam and secured rank 1. Before Knowing what really helped her achieve her most awaited success, let us know about her and her early life.

• Dr. Shena Aggarwal is from Yamunanagar, Haryana, and was a doctor by profession before appearing for the UPSC exam.
• Dr. Shena Aggarwal’s father, C.K. Aggarwal is a dentist and his mother is a homemaker.
• She also managed to secure a medical degree from AIIMS, Delhi, and also topped CBSE Pre Medical Test (PMT) in 2004.
• Dr. Shena secured 95% in X and 92% in her XII standard exams.
• Dr. Shena didn’t score well enough in her very first attempt i.e. in 2009 and ranked 305 in her second attempt.
• After the second attempt, she was eligible for the Indian Revenue Services National Academy of Direct Taxes, Nagpur. Meanwhile, she was planning to take her 3rd UPSC CS IAS attempt.
• Dr. Shena Aggarwal chose medical science and psychology as her optional subjects.
• Dr. Shena mostly used self-study for her preparation and used to study 5-6 hours a day.
• She regularly used to keep a track of the latest news and Current Affairs for UPSC.

Read ahead to know what all tips Dr. Shena Aggarwal shared with the UPSC exam aspirants and they can be helpful in your preparation.

Dr. Shena Aggarwal Preparation Strategy

• Dr. Shena relied on self-studies mostly but also took advice and guidance from experts when required.
• She studied for 5 – 6 hours per day. She says, “When it comes to preparation for UPSC, there can be no shortcut.”
• She relied on newspapers and magazines for the daily current affairs segment.
• She took optional subjects in which she was comfortable. Her optional subjects were Medical science and Psychology. She chose not to experiment.
• She believed that UPSC civil services exam aspirants should live in isolation to stay focused.
• One must take part in sports, cultural activities, and watch movies.

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This is how Dr. Shena Aggarwal successfully topped the UPSC IAS CSE Exam and to know more of such inspiring and motivating success stories then do check out the Testbook App.