Archit Dongre's UPSC strategy: How AIR 3 cracked the exam with VisionIAS' guidance, smart planning and passion

Hindustan Times

16-05-2025

Cracking a competitive exam like the UPSC is a delicate blend of talent, hard work, and smart strategies. Natural aptitude can provide a strong foundation, but consistent effort and intelligent planning truly make the difference. Hard work builds endurance and deepens understanding, while smart work ensures efficient use of time and resources. Analysing past papers, refining answer-writing skills, and staying updated with current affairs are crucial elements. Talent may open the door, but only perseverance and strategy can lead one through. Ultimately, success in UPSC lies in the synergy of innate ability, relentless dedication, and a well-structured approach.
For aspiring candidates, learning how All India Rank 3 Archit Dongre achieved success can offer valuable insights and serve as a true eye-opener. Archit, who ranked third in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, is among the best performers in all India. His achievement shows a path defined not only by intelligence but also by clarity of thought, disciplined effort, and a consistent approach over all stages of the exam.
Archit, a student of the VisionIAS Classroom Foundation Course, recently spoke with candidates at VisionIAS during a Topper's Talk event. He revealed in this insightful discussion important techniques that influenced his exam readiness.
Watch: Archit Dongre (AIR 3) – VisionIAS Topper Talk
A careful review of Archit's long-term goals helped him to define his path to civil services. Working in the IT industry, he discovered he was attracted to the larger influence and variety of public service. Following a first effort that barely missed the Prelims cutoff, he persisted with fresh intensity and obtained All India Rank (AIR) 153 in his second effort, joining the Indian Police Service (IPS).
Driven to help more broadly and armed with insightful knowledge, he gave it another go and came out with All India Rank 3.Underlying this consistent performance was a well-crafted UPSC preparation path anchored in foundation-building, time management, and frequent assessment.
Archit credits the disciplined learning and thorough support he received at VisionIAS for a major component of his success. The basics he needed to succeed was regular classroom sessions, planned test series, and tailored mentoring feedback.
Speaking at the VisionIAS Toppers' Talk, Archit Dongre (AIR-3) explained: "Fundamental concepts and clarity will come from your Foundational Class Notes.'
VisionIAS General Studies Foundation Course
Consistent, high-quality study hours should take front stage. For GS, a set schedule including optional answer writing, even physical exercise helps build momentum.
Equally crucial is the extensive post-test analysis, in which strategy is refined and gaps are found to indicate actual improvement. Using high-intensity simulations like Abhyaas, which improve mental readiness to negotiate uncertainty, help exam temperament. At last, PYQ's analysis reveals UPSC's main areas of concentration, thus guiding more intelligent and coordinated preparation.
While using reference to toppers copies can help further improve content depth and presentation, regularly practicing with PYQs helps match your writing with UPSC's expectations.
From a working professional to IPS and ultimately securing AIR 3, Archit Dongre's UPSC preparation path reflects the power of strategic planning, consistent effort, and real passion. His UPSC strategy was based on structure, introspection, and a delight of learning rather than on short cuts. Archit's timeless UPSC guidance—stay disciplined, enjoy the process, and never stop evolving—offers whether you're just starting or honing your road map.
After reviewing his long-term objectives, he quit his IT job, joined VisionIAS foundation course and cracked UPSC in his third attempt with AIR 3 after securing AIR 153 in his second.
He focussed on conceptual clarity, practiced PYQs and mocks like Abhyaas to develop exam temperament, and improved through detailed post test analysis.
Archit's sincere interest in philosophy led him to pursue it, which supported extended periods of concentrated study and a deeper comprehension.
He started writing answers early, used diagrams and statistics, organised them logically, and improved the content with daily practice and PYQs.
To stay consistent, he prioritized mental fitness through exercise, breaks, and peer support, used cyclical revision, and took brief notes.
Disclaimer: This article has been written in collaboration with Vision IAS.