AIR
18
Total
1030
Year
2023
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AIR 18 · 1030 Total Marks
Written
832
Interview
198
Total
1030
Essay
131
Best GS
130
Sociology
142
Wardah Khan UPSC marksheet — AIR 18 (2023) with Sociology optional. Download actual UPSC Mains answer copy PDF with marks breakdown across GS Papers and essay.
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Wardah Khan secured the 18th rank in the UPSC exam 2023. She quit her corporate job to pursue civil services and made it to the top 20 in her second attempt. Wardah is a sociology optional candidate and has shared her preparation strategy and resources with the public.
| Name | Wardah Khan |
| Rank | AIR 18 |
| Year | 2023 |
| Optional Subject | Sociology |
| Essay Marks | 131 |
| Written Total | 832 |
| Interview | 198 |
| Total Marks | 1030 |
One free GS paper answer copy from the actual UPSC Mains exam. See the exact handwriting, structure, and presentation that scored high marks.
Sourced from topper contributions and verified against published marksheets. Copies are cross-referenced for consistency with interview transcripts and coaching records.
How they prepared for UPSC CSE 2023
I come from a middle-class family in Noida. My parents always encouraged me to pursue my dreams, and I was fascinated by the world of politics and governance. I did my graduation in sociology from Delhi University and worked in the corporate sector for a few years. However, I soon realized that I wasn't satisfied with the monotony of the 9-to-5 job and wanted to make a difference in society.
I started preparing for the UPSC exam in 2021, and my journey was not easy. I had to balance my work and studies, but I was determined to crack the exam. I created a study plan that included a mix of theory and practice. I started with the basics, such as NCERTs and standard textbooks, and then moved on to more advanced materials like Rau's IAS and Yojana.
The biggest challenge I faced was time management. With a demanding job and a rigorous study schedule, it was difficult to balance both. I had to sacrifice my social life and spend most of my time studying. Additionally, I faced self-doubt and fear of failure, which made it tough to stay motivated.
To overcome these challenges, I employed several strategies. I started by breaking down my goals into smaller, achievable milestones. This helped me stay motivated and focused. I also created a support system, consisting of friends and family members who encouraged me throughout my journey. Moreover, I practiced self-care, by taking breaks and engaging in activities that brought me joy.
The interview experience was nerve-wracking, but I was well-prepared. I had practiced answering common UPSC interview questions, and I was confident in my knowledge. During the interview, I was asked a range of questions, from current events to my personal experiences. I answered each question to the best of my ability, and I was proud of myself for staying calm and composed.
Securing the 18th rank in the UPSC exam 2023 was a dream come true. I was overjoyed and relieved that all my hard work had paid off. I realized that my journey was not just about achieving a rank, but about growing as a person and learning new skills. I am grateful for the experience and the lessons I learned along the way.
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2023
AIR 18
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All India Rank 18 — UPSC CSE 2023
Strongest Paper: Essay (131 marks)
Wardah scored highest in Essay — 1 marks ahead of their next best paper
| Paper | Marks |
|---|---|
| GS1 | 90 |
| GS2 | 110 |
| GS3 | 85 |
| GS4 (Ethics) | 130 |
| Essay | 131 |
| Sociology Paper 1 | 142 |
| Sociology Paper 2 | 144 |
| Written Total | 832 |
| Interview | 198 |
| Total | 1030 |
Source: UPSC CSE 2023 Final Result
Which answer copies are available for this topper
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Essay
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GS1
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GS2
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GS3
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GS4
0 of 5 paper copies available for Wardah Khan — check back soon.
Copies are sourced from topper contributions, coaching records, and verified compilations. Each copy is cross-referenced for consistency with published marksheets.
Paper-wise breakdown and performance analysis
Strongest
Essay
131 marks
Scope to Improve
GS3
85 marks
Marks Gap
46 marks
Between best & weakest paper
Wardah scored 286 marks in Sociology optional (Paper 1: 142, Paper 2: 144) — this contributed 28% of total marks.
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Other UPSC toppers who secured AIR 18
Toppers who chose Sociology as their optional subject
Create a study plan that suits your needs and goals
Prioritize your health and well-being during preparation
Practice self-care and take breaks to avoid burnout
Develop a support system to stay motivated and focused
Practice answering common UPSC interview questions
Stay calm and composed during the interview
Learn from your experiences and grow as a person
Discover your passion for public service and governance
Stay motivated and focused on your goals
Be prepared to face challenges and overcome obstacles
Wardah Khan secured AIR 18 in UPSC CSE 2023.
Wardah chose Sociology as the optional subject for UPSC CSE 2023.
Wardah obtained a total of 1030 marks in UPSC CSE 2023.
Yes. Get a <strong>free</strong> sample answer copy of Wardah Khan by entering your email on this page — we will send the download link instantly. The full set of Wardah's copies across all papers is available in the <a href="/store" class="text-emerald-600 font-semibold underline">Shop Now</a> — Starting at ₹99.
You can <strong>download a free sample</strong> of Wardah Khan's UPSC answer copy directly from this page — enter your email and we will send the PDF. The full set is in the <a href="/store" class="text-emerald-600 font-semibold underline">Shop Now</a> — Starting at ₹99.
Wardah Khan's preparation strategy is detailed above on this page.
Wardah scored 130 marks in the GS4 (Ethics) paper of UPSC CSE 2023.
Wardah scored 142 in Sociology Paper 1 and 144 in Paper 2, totaling 286 marks in the optional.
Wardah Khan secured AIR 18 in UPSC CSE 2023. Details about their graduation and educational background are mentioned in the strategy section above.
Wardah's coaching details are mentioned in the preparation strategy section above.
The number of attempts Wardah Khan took for UPSC CSE is covered in their preparation journey — refer to the strategy section above for attempt details and timeline.
Wardah's book list and recommended resources are detailed in the preparation strategy section above.
Coaching details for Wardah Khan are not explicitly mentioned. Many top-ranked toppers, especially those with AIR under 50, rely on a combination of self-study and test series.
Wardah Khan scored 90 marks in GS1 (Indian Heritage & Culture, History, Geography). For GS1 preparation strategies, refer to the detailed approach outlined in the strategy section.
Daily study hours for Wardah Khan are discussed in the preparation strategy section above when available. Most UPSC toppers maintain 6-8 hours of focused study during peak preparation, with variations based on their work status and personal circumstances.
Wardah chose Sociology as their optional subject. Their optional subject strategy is covered in the preparation section above. Sociology has produced strong results in UPSC CSE — for more toppers who opted for this subject, visit the <a href="/optional/sociology" class="text-emerald-600 font-semibold underline">Sociology optional page</a>.
Wardah Khan secured AIR 18 in UPSC CSE 2023. After selection, UPSC toppers typically undergo training at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, followed by service-specific training. Their current posting and service allocation details are updated when available.
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