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Gaurav Ojha, AIR-204, UPSC CSE 2025: Preparation Journey, Attempts, Optional
Gaurav Ojha, an electrical engineering graduate from BHU, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh has secured an All India Rank 204 in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2025 in his 4th attempt. This demonstrates his disciplined preparation, focussed approach, and determination required for this exam.
Personal Details of Gaurav Ojha
| S.No. | Detail | Information |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Name | Gaurav Ojha |
| 2. | Rank | AIR 204, CSE 2025 |
| 3. | Hometown/State | Uttar Pradesh |
| 4. | Optional Subject | Mathematics |
| 5. | Attempts | 4 (cleared Prelims in 3rd) |
| 6. | Graduation | Electrical Engineering from BHU |
Journey of All India Rank-204, UPSC CSE 2025
- Gaurav was born and raised in a family of modest origins & completed schooling in his hometown.
- He graduated in Electrical engineering from Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
- Gaurav cleared Prelims in his 3rd attempt and realized that he wasn't adequately prepared for the Mains stage, prompting a change of strategy.
- He finally cleared UPSC CSE in 2025 through a holistic approach of Prelims and Mains integration, a command over Mathematics Optional subject.
Educational Background of Gaurav Ojha
| S.No. | Level | Institution/Board | Year/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Schooling | Local school | Strong foundation in science |
| 2. | Graduation (B.Tech) | Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Electrical Engineering | Strong foundation in Engineering |
UPSC CSE 2025 Marks of Gaurav Ojha (AIR-204)
Gaurav's detailed marks information is available in the table below.
| Roll No. | Name | Written Marks | Interview Marks | Total Marks | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2635169 | Gaurav Ojha | 796 | 187 | 983 | 204 |
All India Rank 204, UPSC 2025 - Preparation Journey
- Gaurav's preparation for UPSC CSE commenced after his graduation.
- His initial attempts were heavily Prelims-oriented, leaving Mains untouched, then, he realized the mistake by adopting a ‘holistic approach’ to both stages of the exam.
- Gaurav focused on consolidating his preparation by using few sources and revising them repeatedly.
- He devoted 6-8 hours daily for focused study.
- The unpredictability of the Prelims exam was the major challenge for Gaurav but he overcame the challenges by focusing on high-yield topics & seeking guidance from mentors.
- Spirituality books helped Gaurav with the Essay section.
Preparation Tips for Civil Services Examination
- Prepare for both Prelims & Mains holistically.
- Be Mains ready at all times.
- Read & Revise through limited sources.
- Try to attempt more questions in Prelims for a safe score.
- Weekly revision of facts before sleep.
- For Optional like Mathematics, focus on predictable syllabus for high score.
- Study with full attention for about 6-8 hours daily.
- Take breaks in between, go for walks, spend time with friends, read spiritual books to keep a positive mindset.
- Don't be overconfident & seek early mentor guidance for the right direction.
FAQs about AIR 204, UPSC 2025
How many attempts did Gaurav Ojha take to achieve AIR 204 in UPSC CSE 2025?
Gaurav succeeded in his 4th attempt after clearing Prelims in his 3rd attempt.
What were Gaurav Ojha's daily study hours during UPSC CSE 2025?
Gaurav focused on 6-8 hours a day during his UPSC CSE 2025 preparation.
How many marks did Gaurav Ojha get in UPSC CSE 2025 to achieve AIR 204?
Gaurav got 796 marks in Written Mains, 187 marks in Interview, totalling 983 marks, securing an AIR 204 in 2025.
Which Courses were taken by Gaurav Ojha at Next IAS?
Gaurav Ojha (AIR 204, UPSC CSE 2025) had undertaken Mathematics Optional Foundation Course and GS Mains Advance Course (MAC) from NEXT IAS. These courses have played a very significant role in his systematic preparation of technical optional and Mains answer writing. The weightage of these courses is much higher for Mains, where answers require a static-cum-current approach using data and examples. The course handouts have played a very significant role for Gaurav Ojha in his Personality Test, where he could answer DAF-based questions on engineering applications with confidence. The NEXT IAS courses have helped in a way linking topics from the syllabus, resulting in more precise revision and answer enrichment. Approximately 40-50% of the UPSC CSE syllabus, including Polity, Economy, International Relations, Environment, Social Issues, and Mathematics optional-related topics, can be supplemented using these course materials.