#ishitakishore

Complete Analysis of Ishita Kishore’s UPSC 2022 Mock Interview Performance

Learning from UPSC toppers can be truly inspiring, as they show the way to success with firsthand experience. One such example is Ishita Kishore, who secured AIR 1 in the 2022 UPSC Civil Services Exam after three attempts. Her UPSC Mock Interview Video highlights patience, determination, and smart preparation. Ishita is not just an achiever in academics, but she is also a national-level football player. She has worked at Ernst & Young, one of the ‘Big 4’ companies. Driven by a strong desire to serve the country, she left a promising corporate career to pursue her dream of joining the civil services. She is also passionate about women’s empowerment and is committed to making a positive impact on women’s lives through her work. 

Personal Details and Background

Ishita Kishore, the 2022 UPSC Civil Services Exam topper (AIR 1), comes from a professional family with a military background. She grew up in Bihar and Delhi. Her father, Wing Commander Sanjay Kishore, was a former Indian Air Force officer who passed away in 2004, and her mother is a retired teacher. Ishita holds an Economics degree from Delhi University’s Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) and worked at Ernst & Young before clearing UPSC on her third attempt. As per her IAS mock interview, she is passionate about women’s empowerment and serving the country. In her free time, she enjoys playing squash and practising madhubani painting. For her UPSC optional subject, she chose political science and international relations (PSIR). 

Challenges faced by Ishita Kishore Before Success

Ishita Kishore faced several challenges on her journey to success. In the UPSC mock video, she shared that she was unable to clear the UPSC prelims in her first two attempts, which was discouraging and tested her confidence. Managing self-doubt and coping with the pressure of the exam were major challenges for her. She also had to work on improving her answer-writing skills and managing her time effectively. Following a disciplined routine of 40–45 study hours per week while balancing her mental well-being to avoid burnout was another challenge. Overcoming these difficulties helped her build adaptability, discipline, and resilience. 

Analysis of Ishita Kishore’s UPSC Mock Interview 2022

In the IAS Topper Mock Interview, Ishita Kishore discusses the Chief Justice of India’s remark that collegium is imperfect but currently the best system for judicial independence. Ishita agrees it is the best possible solution for now but suggests it could be improved with more transparency and expanded selection panels. Ishita highlights India’s continued loyalty to a mixed economy model. She doesn’t agree with the idea that India is entirely moving toward capitalism like the USA, stating historical and ongoing government roles in economic dealings. Like an ideal aspirant, Ishita honestly disagreed where she felt the need to along with stating her opinions with authenticity. 

Ishita views the Supreme Court’s establishment of a collegium for appointing Election Commissioners as a reaction to the void in the system, since the constitution granted power to parliament but never specified clear procedures. She highlighted the need for defined mechanisms to ensure transparency and independence in the judicial system. Ishita supported her answers with logical facts to make the panellists understand her point of view. 

She also shared that improvements post 2012 brutal Delhi gang rape incident include increased police vigilance, women patrols, pink police stations, and promoting self-defence training. However, infrastructure for women’s safety (lighting, urban planning) needs enhancement. Ishita Kishore shared that women’s empowerment is visible through self-help groups and enhanced participation of women in the defence forces. 

Preparation Strategies of Ishita Kishore 

In the IAS Topper Mock Interview, Ishita Kishore advises UPSC aspirants to begin preparing for the interview stage during their mains preparation phase itself. She found that practising mock interviews with mentors and peers helped reduce anxiety and sharpened her communication skills. Emphasis was placed on being well read beyond just the syllabus, including knowledge of national and international events, and awareness of social and economic issues. Confidence and honesty were key attributes she maintained throughout her interview. 

She also highlighted the importance of maintaining a calm and composed demeanour, irrespective of challenging questions. She referred to NCERTs for foundational knowledge and subscribed to daily newspapers and monthly current affairs compilations for current affairs preparation. She trusted utilisation of government reports and committee findings for accurate information. To give a good performance in the IAS mock interview, she focused on ethical values, awareness of current affairs, and general aptitude, not just academic excellence. Speaking clearly and confidently while maintaining humility. 

Important Qualities Highlighted by Ishita Kishore in UPSC Interview In the IAS Topper Mock Interview, Ishita Kishore highlighted certain important qualities to create a good impression and prove herself to be a potential civil servant. Let’s take a look at some of her important qualities: 

Clarity of Thought: Ability to articulate thoughts logically.

Consistency: Regular and dedicated study routines.

Self awareness: Understanding personal strengths and weaknesses.

Adaptability: Modifying preparation strategies based on feedback.

Humility: Willingness to accept mistakes and having an eagerness to learn continuously.

Mental Resilience: Managing stress and staying motivated despite a demanding preparation timeline.

Conclusion