IAS Topper 2018 - Junaid Ahmad (AIR 3)

“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.

Daily News

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.

Related Links:

UPSC Calendar 2023 UPSC Books
UPSC 2023 UPSC Notes
Meet UPSC 2017 topper Anudeep Durishetty Ira Singhal: A Success Story in UPSC Civil Services
Meet 2016 IAS Topper Nandini K.R. IAS Toppers Who Cleared in First Attempt
UPSC Question papers UPSC Syllabus

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