TIPS FROM TRICHI

GIFTED PERSONALITY: A student with S. Nagarajan, Assistant Collector (training), Erode, during an interaction organised in Tiruchi on Friday. Assistant Director of District Employment Exchange P. Suresh Kumar looks on. — PHOTO: R.ASHOK.

TIRUCHI: Getting familiar with old question papers of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC); understanding the question paper pattern, preparing a list of subjects or portions from which questions are asked; dividing broad topics of study for preliminary or main examinations; sharpening the art of note-taking and making precise presentations; and testing ability through mock examinations of one-hour duration before finally appearing for the examination. And maintaining honesty at the time of interview.

This was the formula for success advocated by S. Nagarajan, IAS, the first rank holder in UPSC examinations, 2005, during an interaction organised by the District Employment Exchange here on Friday.

Gaining valuable insight into adoption of a scientific approach to succeed in the UPSC from the national-level topper was indeed a rare opportunity for civil service aspirants in Tiruchi and neighbouring districts. They got the right inspiration to realise their dream career. At the outset, Mr. Nagarajan, who serves as the Assistant Collector (Training), Erode, explained `Olympic analogy' to the audience to drive home the need for sustained preparation running into years for the ultimate success.

"Just as a 100 metre dasher in Olympics prepares for 10 seconds of performance on the track for four years, as serious Civil Service aspirants, you must make it a point to plan a schedule and start preparing quite early." What cannot be measured cannot be controlled, he said, emphasising on a methodical approach to prepare for the examination, which, he observed, warrants study in voluminous proportions. Specifying the advantage of group study, he said at least 35 hours of preparation a week right from the early stage was a basic pre-requisite.

Later, in a brief interaction with presspersons, Mr. Nagarajan said that the success rate from Tamil Nadu has increased substantially over the recent years.

The awareness has increased, he said, referring to the patronage in Study Circles in District Employment Exchanges and universities. Notwithstanding the strides made by the IT sector, the charm of UPSC remains. Teamwork in Study Circles will fetch better results than undergoing full-time training in Coaching Centres, where the students are spoon-fed, he said answering another question.

The Assistant Director of Employment, P. Suresh Kumar, offered felicitations.