Toppers’ Talk | Kiran Kamate | AIR 53 | UPSC CSE 2025 | VisionIAS

What does it take to secure a top rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination? In this episode of VisionIAS Toppers’ Talk, we interact with Kiran Kamate (AIR 53, UPSC CSE 2025) to understand his preparation journey, strategy, and key lessons for aspirants. Kiran shares practical insights on his Prelims, Mains, and Interview strategy, along with guidance on optional selection (PSIR), current affairs integration, mock test strategy, and answer writing. This session is highly useful for aspirants preparing for UPSC CSE 2026 & 2027. ⏱️ Key Moments from the Conversation 00:00 - Beginning 02:00 – Introduction 02:25 – Feeling after seeing the result 02:57 – Academic Background 03:45 – Motivation behind UPSC CSE 07:20 – Challenges & Opportunities (Tier-2/3 Cities) 09:56 – Learnings from a Long UPSC Journey 13:07 – Major Changes in This Attempt 15:11 – Approach Towards Resources 16:34 – How to Choose Optional 18:27 – Approach to PSIR 20:30 – Prelims Strategy 22:26 – Integrating Current Affairs with Static 24:12 – Mock Test Strategy 26:05 – Mains Subject Strategy 27:37 – Essay Strategy 30:34 – Ethics Strategy 33:43 – Personality Test Strategy (corrected from 3:343) 36:19 – Hobbies for De-stressing 37:38 – Role of Family & Friends 38:26 – Mental Health & Wellness 40:44 – Message to Prelims Aspirants 🚀 Watch more topper strategies to improve your UPSC preparation. #UPSC #UPSC2025 #UPSCTopper #UPSCPreparation #UPSCStrategy #IASPreparation #UPSCPrelims #UPSCMains #UPSCInterview #UPSCMotivation #CivilServices #VisionIAS #UPSC2026 #UPSC2027