Tina Dabi, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who topped the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) in 2015, did not start her formal preparation for the UPSC from Class 8. Preparing for the UPSC exam is a rigorous process that typically begins after completing graduation, although some candidates may start their preparation during the last year of graduation or immediately after.

Tina Dabi started her serious preparation for the UPSC CSE after completing her graduation in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University. She cracked the UPSC CSE in her first attempt at the age of 22.

While Tina Dabi may have been academically inclined from a young age, and her interest in current affairs and political science might have contributed to her success, formal and intensive UPSC preparation usually takes place during the post-graduation or after graduation. Aspirants often dedicate a few years to focused study, covering the UPSC syllabus, current affairs, and practicing answer writing.

For serious UPSC aspirants, the preparation journey involves:

1. Understanding the UPSC Exam Pattern:

   • Familiarizing oneself with the three stages of the exam: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview.
   • Understanding the syllabus and exam pattern for each stage.

2. In-Depth Study of Subjects:

   • Systematic and in-depth study of subjects such as History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science and Technology, Environment, and Current Affairs.

3. Current Affairs Preparation:

   • Regular reading of newspapers, magazines, and online sources to stay updated on current events.
   • Analysis of current affairs topics in the context of the UPSC syllabus.

4. Answer Writing Practice:

   • Regular practice of answer writing to improve expression, articulation, and time management.
   • Analyzing and reviewing mock tests and previous years' question papers.

5. Optional Subject Preparation:

   • Choosing and thoroughly studying an optional subject as per the UPSC guidelines.

6. Mock Interviews:

   • Participating in mock interviews to improve communication skills and gain confidence for the final interview round.

It's important to note that Tina Dabi's success is a result of her hard work, dedication, and strategic preparation during the crucial years leading up to the examination. Aspiring UPSC candidates should seek guidance from experienced mentors, join reputable coaching institutes if needed, and maintain a disciplined study routine to increase their chances of success.