Securing a top rank in UPSC CMS while simultaneously achieving a 2-digit rank in NEET PG is no small feat.
​In an exclusive interview with Dr. Varun Agarwal, Dr. Rashi (UPSC CMS AIR 2 & NEET PG Rank 72) shared her blueprint for success. With 14 Gold Medals during her MBBS and a stellar performance in competitive exams, her approach focuses on smart study, resource limitation, and effective time management.
​Here is a breakdown of her strategy for future aspirants.
​1. The 6-Month Preparation Roadmap
​Dr. Rashi emphasizes that you don’t need years of preparation if you are strategic. She started her serious prep during her internship around March when the CMS forms were released.
​Phase 1: Foundation (The Textbooks)
- ​Strategy: Don’t skip standard textbooks. For the first few months, stick to your 3rd and Final Year standard textbooks.
- ​Why? UPSC CMS questions often test clinical depth that coaching notes might miss. Reading standard books ensures you can handle conceptual questions even if the options are tricky.
​Phase 2: The “Sprint” (Targeted Resources)
- ​Strategy: As the exam approaches, switch to focused resources like the Target CMS Book or concise coaching notes.
- ​Why? UPSC CMS is known for repeating topics. Instead of reading bulky books cover-to-cover, focus on mastering the “Repeated Topics” in depth.
| Feature | NEET PG | UPSC CMS |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | OMR Based (Offline) |
| Content | Image-based questions common | No Image-based questions |
| Syllabus | All 19 Subjects | Focus on Clinical Subjects (Med, Surg, OBG, PSM, Peds) |
| Challenge | Recall & Speed | Time Management (Bubble Filling) |
​2. UPSC CMS vs. NEET PG: Understanding the Difference
​While the medical concepts remain the same, the pattern of testing is vastly different.
3. The “Two-Phase” Exam Hall Strategy
​One of the biggest challenges in UPSC CMS is filling the OMR sheet within the 2-hour limit for 120 questions. Many students fail to complete the paper.
​Dr. Rashi’s Golden Rule for Time Management:
Divide your 2 hours into two distinct phases:
- ​Phase 1 (First Hour): Attempt all the easy questions you are 100% sure about. Spend the last 10 minutes of this hour filling their OMR bubbles.
- ​Phase 2 (Second Hour): Tackle the tougher/confusing questions. Spend the final 10-15 minutes filling the remaining bubbles.
- ​Tip: Never leave OMR filling for the very last minute; it leads to panic and errors.
​4. Decoding the UPSC CMS Interview
​Dr. Rashi’s interview lasted nearly 45-50 minutes, a sign that the board was engaged. Here is what you need to know:
​The Dress Code
- ​Myth: You must wear a Saree.
- ​Reality: Dr. Rashi wore a Suit because she was more comfortable in it. Comfort and neatness matter more than the type of traditional wear.
​The Panel & Questions
​The panel typically consists of an IAS Officer (Chairperson) and Medical Professors.
- ​Medical Questions: Treated like a Final Year Viva (e.g., Difference between Infection & Infestation, Endemic vs. Pandemic).
- ​General/Situational Questions (by IAS Officer):
- ​“Will AI replace doctors in the future?” (Answer: No, AI lacks empathy and surgical hand skills).
- ​“You are a CMO. How will you manage a COVID-19 outbreak in your district?” (Answer focuses on Teamwork, Task Forces, and Administration).
- ​Current Health Topics: Nipah Virus, COVID-19 trends.
​5. Final Motivation
- ​Ignore GT Scores: Grand Test scores are just for practice. They do not define your final rank.
- ​Stay Calm: The UPSC Bhawan has an aura that can be intimidating. Maintain your composure; a calm mind can answer questions that a stressed mind cannot.
​Conclusion
Dr. Rashi’s journey proves that with a mix of standard textbooks, targeted previous year question practice (Target CMS), and a calm mindset, you can crack both UPSC CMS and NEET PG in the same year.
​For the full conversation and detailed insights, watch the interview on the Dr. Varun Agarwal Orthopaedic Surgeon YouTube channel.
