Interview with Vinod Seshan (CSE - 2007 All India 3rd Rank )

DOB: 18th May 1983

Native: Villupuram, Taminadu. Currently at Chennai     

Father: Seshan.T.V, Divisional Manager, Ashok Leyland

Mother: S.Lakshmi, Housewife.

Brother: S.Vivek, Engineer, Wipro

Education: Schooling: Airforce School, Bangalore

PUC: Seshadripuram College Bangalore
B.E. in Electronics (2004 passout) from Siddaganga Institutue of Technology, Tumkur

Work Experience: Software Engineer by profession. 4 years experience. Currently working with HCL Technologies at Chennai Part time freelancer with a few websites. Write articles part time

Hobbies: Writing and Trekking
Have attached a photograph

2. Your interest in CSE:
Purely accidental. Had no ambitions of coming to Civil Services. Just wanted to give it a shot because I was interested in rural development affairs.

3. Subject Selection
I choose public administration and geography.
Choose them after discussions with friends. Both are scoring options

4. Coaching if any
I joined Prabha IAS Academy (www.prabhaiasips.com) at Chennai. Shifted to Chennai from Bangalore as family shifted some years before me.

5. Preparation Strategy
No thought-provoking strategy at all. Just gave 100% possible effort. Had to manage proper time management as I was working. That is a difficult point I had to work on.

6. Book List :: Read the following books for Public Administration.

Rajni Goyal : Indian Administration
D. D. Basu: An Introduction to the Constitution of India
Mohit Bhattacharya: New Horizons of Public Administration
Stephen P. Robbins : Organizational Behavior (5-6 chapters)
Lakshmikanth
Prasad and Prasad - Administrative thinkers
Rumki Basu: Public Administration, concept and theory
Ferrel Heady : Public Administration-A Comparative Perspective (First 2-3 chapters reference)
Nicholas Henry : Public Administration and Public Affairs (some 3-4 chapters)
and the following for geography
Certificate Physical and Human Geography - Goh Cheng Leong
NCERT books
Physical Geography by Savindra Singh
Geography through maps
Physical Geography by Strahler & Strahler (Reference book)
Climatology by D.S.Lal
Hindu's Survey on Indian Industry
Atlas

6. Examination Experience

Experience is worth documenting. One of those exams that require a high level of tolerance as it is a long process. Since it is a three step process, it is very challenging and requires persistent efforts. I reckon, I did that.

7. Interview Experience.

Interview is a scoring step and decides the rank to great extent.
I had never attended interviews with more than 3 members in the panel in private companies.
For UPSC I had a 5-member board and I was asked questions on Software management to wildlife to Economics.
I was throughly superfast-30 minute experience. Went at rocket-speed.
Close to 50 questions were asked and I could answer about 43-44 of them.

8. Tips to share:

Just give 100% effort. Civil Service exams are easy though they are very competitive. Read a lot and build a knowledge base. It shall help a lot. Have Plan-B for life and don't waste your youth taking n-number of attempts. Of course financial stability plays an important role while taking successive attempts.
Hope I have answered most questions. Please do get back for any details needed.
Wishes to the www.threeauthors.com team

A GOAL ACHIEVED

MOHAMED NAZEER

Focus, dedication, determination and perseverance — these can sum up how S. Harikishore secured a top rank in the Civil Services Examination 2008.

S. Harikishore It has been his dream since school days, and he has worked hard for nearly two years to transform it into reality. For 27-year-old S. Harikishore, hailing from Cherukunnu, Kannur, who got the 14th rank in the Civil Services Examination 2008, a career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) had been a distant dream till he joined the Indian Institute of Technolo gy, Kanpur, for doing his M.Tech. He became motivated to aim for the IAS during those days.

He acknowledges the inspiration received from the success of six Malayali candidates figuring among the top 20 in the Civil Services Examination 2007. Their success instilled confidence in him and motivated him to set high goals.

Mr. Harikishore, son of K.H. Subramanian, former Registrar of Kannur University and former Head of the Department of Sanskrit, Payyanur College, and P.K. Sarala, Malayalam teacher at Durga Higher Secondary School, Kanhangad, has seen academic achievements come his way in the past. Winner of the first rank in B.Tech. mechanical engineering at the Government College of Engineering, Kannur, he secured a GE Foundation Scholarship at the IIT, Kanpur. He did his M.Tech. with specialisation in material science and metallurgy.

“Initially, the respect IAS officers get from society attracted me to this career, but later, when I learnt more about the IAS career, its variety, its ability to make a difference to the lives of people, scope for interacting with people, it became the driving force,” he says when asked why he has opted for the civil services.

After completing his M.Tech., he decided not to join any private company and became a lecturer at the Amrita School of Engineering, Amritapuri, Kollam, to get time for studies, in addition to money.

Later, he went on loss-of-pay leave for devoting time for preparing for the examinations. His optional subjects were mechanical engineering for the preliminary and geography and Malayalam literature for the main examination. Mechanical engineering was a natural option as it was his B.Tech. major. Passing the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering gave him confidence to choose the subject. For the mains (descriptive), he switched to geography and Malayalam.

“I have interest in both the subjects. I like travel because I have an inclination for geography. Also, my hobbies include reading Malayalam fiction, history of Malayalam literature and schools of thought,” says Mr. Harikishore adding that there is good scope for writing creatively in both these subjects. About his preparation for the Civil Services Examination, he says that he mostly studied on his own with minimal support from coaching institutions. He attended a five-month course at a coaching centre for the preliminary and a 20-day class on Malayalam literature for the mains. He attended mock interviews.

He prepared on his own using the library of the Kerala Civil Service Academy, Thiruvananthapuram. “Coaching classes were useful because I got an orientation and exposure about the IAS exam,” he says. Most important was the mental and financial support from his mother and father, who is now Director, Chinmaya International Foundation, Veliyanad, Ernakulam. His brother, S. Sreekiran, is a fourth year MBBS student at the Government Medical College, Kottayam.

“To succeed in the IAS exam one needs at least two years of preparation,” he says. The examination itself is a one-year process. Lack of proper guidance, orientation and support often discourages students to prepare for the IAS examination in which probability of success is less, he says. His message to future aspirants is that focus, dedication, determination and perseverance are essential for success. Equally important is priority-driven hard work, he says.

SUCCESS STORY- Dr. J. Ganesan.

The Indian civil service exam is a dream for lakhs of youth across the nation. For a very few, this dream comes true, for some it is partially fulfilled and for most of them it remains a dream forever. I think that any serious graduate from any college has the requisite intelligence to clear this exam but there are certain things that are paramount to realize the aspirations. In my view there are three kinds of support systems that a person needs, to be successful.

The first and the foremost is educational support or educational guidance . A fresh graduate coming into the fold of the civil services is completely baffled , at least it was true in my case. I didnot know where to start from, what to read and how to read,but it is nothing uncommon for any fresher in the civil services. My problems were eased to a large extent after i joined "vajiram and ravi", as i got the right kind of guidance, the right kind of material and all my doubts were addressed well and the only job left to me was to pull up my socks. So i think, joining an institution committed to civil services teaching would be very important.

During the course of preparation , there are lot of mental pressures and a low degree of depression can always be found among the aspirants. This is because the fear of failure always haunts us and there is absolutely no positive reinforcement. In these hard times it is very important to find an emotional solace so that we can rejuvenate ourselves. The best people we can depend on is our parents. A good friend with whom we can share ourselves will also be a good relief (friend of the "same sex" is always advisable, it can always be the other way round after clearing the exam !!)

The last and the most important support system is "self support". It is immaterial that we have joined the best coaching institute in the country or we have dumped all the books in our room, unless we are prepared to work. This exam requires a concentrated study of 8-10 hours for atleast one and a half years. Nobody can work on a 24*7 schedule. We can always take a break in the week ends but on the other days there has to be a whole hearted study.

There are certain qualities we need to develop in order to come out with flying colours. We should be a very balanced person. Before choosing our optional subjects we can consult anybody but the final decision has to be ours only. Once we have zeroed on a specific subject we should think no more and start working. It was the third attempt in which i got into the IAS and my optional subjects have always been psychology for the prelims and psychology and anthropology for the mains.

Once we have cleared this exam, people will heap us with praises and all blah blah blah about us but the situation is completely different during the preparation period. We are fed with all negative information, we may even be cornered as a laughing stock at times, but it is up to us to mentally reject all these humiliations. And it was the toughest task to transfrom all those difficulties in to oppourtunities and concentrate on work.

All these might sound very high but i think most of us have these qualities inherent and what is required is the will to rediscover ourselves. Having said and done,the pithy saying becomes true ie.."It is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration,behind any success".

All the very best.

Name: Dr. J. Ganesan.

Age : 25yrs

Education: Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Attempts: 3

Previous Service: IRS (Customs&Central Excise)..2004 CS.,

Optional Subjects: Psychology and Anthropology

Marks obtained in 2005 CS, Essay-110, GS-295,Psycho-400,Anthro-347,Intrv-195.Total-1347 ,RANK-04.

Marks obtained in 2004 CS, Essay-120, GS-315,Psycho-342, Anthro-273,Intrv-129.Total-1179,RANK-325.

(SUCCESS STORY) IAS topper Ashima Jain(7th Rank): I want to motivate students

Ashima Jain celebrating with her family at her house in Karol Bagh in New Delhi on Friday.

Adapa Karthik of Khammam in Andhra Pradesh, who has topped the Civil Services Examination-2007 conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, is playing down his achievement.

“I am still thinking whether to opt for the Indian Administrative Service or continue with my training at the National Police Academy in Hyderabad. Honestly, I am a little indifferent to the result. The civil service is such an exam where there is not much difference between the person who has topped and the one who has secured the 200th rank.”

“It is an academic achievement. My real accomplishment would be when I am able to sustain my hard work and even 30 years later my work is recognised,” said the 28-year-old achiever, who wants to interact with students and motivate them to work for rural development of the country.

An MBBS graduate from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Karthik is now undergoing training at the National Police Academy. He cleared the Indian Police Service in 2004 and 2006 when he secured the 166th and 148th rank respectively.

Delhi girl Ashima Jain, who secured the seventh position in the qualifying examinations, is the highest ranked among women.

Having cleared the examination in her very first attempt, an excited and elated Ashima was the cynosure of all eyes. Her residence at Karol Bagh was abuzz with activity till late on Friday evening with visitors and telephone calls pouring in.

“I did not even know about the result till the time journalists started coming to my home. I feel on top of the world and don’t have words to express my feelings. My dad has planned a big party. I am very excited,” she told The Hindu.

Giving credit for her parents’ support, 25-year-old Ashima said: “My father is my role model. Three things worked for me. Faith in god, family support, hard work and dedication. I owe a lot to my family.”

A student of the government-aided Dayanand Model Senior Secondary School on Mandir Marg, she has been an outstanding student throughout her academic life at Delhi University’s Shri Ram College of Commerce and Delhi School of Economics.

“She was a meticulous student and thorough in her work. She was a topper,” recalled Prof. S. C. Panda, Head of the Economics Department at DSE.

A total of 734 candidates have been recommended for appointment to the IAS, the Indian Foreign Service, the Indian Police Service and Central Services, Group “A” and Group “B”.

Appointment to the various services will be made according to the number of vacancies available, subject to the final decision of courts or the Central Administrative Tribunal on pending matters.

The UPSC has a “facilitation counter” near the examination hall on its campus where candidates can obtain information and clarifications.

Courtesy : hindu.com

'I scrolled up to find my name right on top!'(shubhra saxena)

Shubhra Saxena worked in an IT company, got married and efficiently ran a home. All this, till she could not bear the nagging dissatisfaction of the corporate world. It was then that she decided to resign from her job, bought a mountain of books and began cramming for the civil services examination. Of course, this was not without her husband doubting if she could manage. But she proved him and several others wrong, when she topped the examination this year.

Q. How difficult was it to let go of a well-paying job and sit and study for over a year?

A. It was not easy. I was earning well and working in the IT industry for about six years. My lifestyle changed when I stopped working, but I was motivated to see this through. In fact, when I started in the IT industry, I was convinced that it was a great career. But after a while, I realised that it was just a job and that I was not contributing to the society. The sense of dissatisfaction began to grow. It was difficult to convince my family that I could do it.

Q. Does the quality of the time spent studying matter more than the quantity? Did you have daily targets to meet?

A. Sure. I had very little time for the exam, so I did not have the luxury of time. Most people take about one to two years for the exam. I had to be very clear and focused. In all, it took me fourteen months to clear the exam.

Q. You were clear that you were writing this exam for 'social good'. How do you intend to put this into practice?

A. Yes, I do. I have certain priority areas: rural development, SC/ST, women and children. I grew up in Jharkhand and am aware of the impact of rural backwardness. Jharkhand is rich in minerals and forest areas, and still is backward. So yes, that affected me. It has been stagnant for 30 years. Bringing about change in such places is imperative.

Q. What were your optional subjects for the exam? How did you choose your subjects?

A. I picked Public administration because I thought I should know the basics of administration. And psychology, because I had very little time. I attended Mr Mukul Pathaks' excellent classes at the coaching centre in Vajiram and completed the syllabus in three months. Psychology is suited for my interests and attitude.

Q. Do you think your work experience helped in facing the board?

A. It did. The fact that I had professional experience may have had an impact on the board. Working instilled in me greater time management skills. I was used to deadlines and managing with less time and resources.

Q. How are you dealing with the euphoria of success? How are you coping with the attention from the press?

A. I am superstitious. Last year, when I was waiting for the results, I was with friends and family. I did not clear the exam. So this year, I told everyone I wished to be alone and I cleared! I did not expect to top though! It was only when I scrolled up that I saw my name in the number one position.

Careers360, is a complete career magazine.

Priya Naik

An interview with Bharat Chandra, IPS, Principal Secretary (Home) Government of Andhra Pradesh.

Mr. Bharat Chandra, former Director General of Police, who took charge as Home Secretary only a fortnight ago, firmly believes in the maxim that the All India Services should be just that - services rendered to the community.

Has the charm of Civil Services waned over the years, especially now in this new age of IT boom and quick money?

With everybody aspiring for the moon, someone has to aspire for the stars too. Till a few decades back, jobs and opportunities were limited only to some fields. Now, there is a huge and varied market - right from fun careers like advertising, television and media to the more serious ones. I will not put it as waning charm. The Civil Services are still a tough act to follow but now there is definitely an urban/rural divide. Not so much in Andhra Pradesh as elsewhere in the country. People are even now guided by local history, which colours the perception of the services making it different from place to place. For example, Delhi still contributes the largest number of successful candidates.

The All India Services are not merely a post or a job. It is a career made up of attitude and aptitude where 'service to the people' has to be a motto. Personally, it has been an extremely satisfying experience.

What is the single most criteria, one outstanding attribute, for selection in the services?

At the interview, we look for potential that could be developed into positive action, an evasive quality at best. So, during training, we focus on inculcating officer-like-qualities (OLQ) in the candidates. We expect decency, a sense of honour, self- esteem, and a certain humility in them. We tell them not to stoop low, not to abuse the power vested in them by virtue of their jobs, not to be arrogant and to let their actions speak for themselves. They have to learn to be responsible officers. And this comes with education, training and a sound value system.

What are the challenges faced by the IPS/IAS officers in today's changed scenario?

The Services have to be tuned continuously to meet the aspirations of the people. Aspirations which are being fuelled by the media implosion and the rapid spread of technology. What the people in the villages and small towns were unaware of earlier, they are more than aware of them now. There is this huge aspirational change in them. This has placed us in a delicate position. We have to cater to these aspirations. We have to create the skills, the infrastructure, the resources to fulfil their aspirations. Another serious problem dogging us is how to manage obsolesence in men, machine and matters. We have to learn the art of backward integration as one way of managing this.

Better management of resources and personnel, transparent dealings and right implementation of government policies - these are some of our priorities as of now.

How do officers deal with political interference?

Interference is the wrong word to use. I believe there has to be a healthy and balanced interface between the politicians and the bureaucrats. After all, the elected representatives and we are supposed to work towards similar goals. Service and power is a conundrum. We have been given power to work for the larger good of people.

Has the role of Civil Service officers changed over the years? If so, how?

Qualitatively, very little has changed. We still counsel the government, bring problems to its notice, draft and implement policies. The job has not changed. What has changed is the methodology, the skills. Moving with the times has become a prerequisite. Working in a free, democratic country has become more complex and challenging now, particularly work on field jobs.

Is it a norm for an IPS officer to hold an administrative post?

There is nothing unusual in an IPS officer holding an administrative post. In Andhra Pradesh ,Gujarat and even at the Union government, there are IPS officers who are working with the Home department. IPS officers are not necessarily bound to their department. They can and have been managing a wide spectrum of roles. It really depends on what your skills are and what the government feels you are competent at doing. The Service has undergone changes over the last few years. It has a much wider canvas and areas of specialisation now. The same goes for officers too. In my case, the state government felt that a police officer in this post (Home Secretary) would be better placed to appreciate the department's problems. There is a constant requirement to appreciate and facilitate their needs, to put forward their perspective at the government level. The division between IAS/IPS is only functional. In Andhra Pradesh for instance, the director of APSRTC and tourism and travel is an IPS man.

What kind of experiences and sensibilities as a police officer, do you bring to your present job?

My experiences as a police officer have been of tremendous help to me in all my postings. No other profession gives one as much insight into human nature as this. One sees all kinds of human depravity but this gives you a different exposure. No wonder, many of the officers turn extremely spiritual, as they grow older.

Padma Ramesh

TIPS BY SANTHOSH KUMAR MISRA (IAS TOPPER2000)

Hard Work, Focussed Approach And Faith In God Are Instrumental In Achieving Your Goal - Santosh Kumar Misra, IAS Topper 2000 (2nd Rank). www.upscportal.com

1. Focus on Mains : Always target the Mains Exam and make passing the Prelims a critical but incidental objective. If you always focus on Prelims result and don't think of Mains till the Prelims result are out, you will end up as a loser because there is hardly any time left for a thorough preparation. So always aim at the Mains.

2. Revision is a must : Always remember "anything you could not revise prior to the examination is as good as not having prepared at all" So always make sure that you're able to revise whatever you've prepared just prior to the examination. www.upscportal.com

3. Practice, Practice and Practice (Especially for maths) : Go through the unsolved papers of the previous years and solve them. Try to monitor you speed. Speed is of utmost importance in this examination

4. Have a Small Group : Preparing alone is extremely boring and at times frustrating. So form a small group with your friends, and have regular discussions, e.g. in History, Polity, etc. it helps to keep your tempo up. www.upscportal.com

5. 'Dare-to-Bare' Attitude for your Personality Test : Given the extremely short time (25-30 minutes) in which your personality is assessed, it is your responsibility to bring out your very best in front of the board. This should be done in a very modest way and it should not appear as if you are boasting. The risk in baring yourself in front of the board is that you will also be exhibiting your weakness. So do it in a pre-planned and well-planned way. www.upscportal.com

6. General Do's & Don'ts for the Interview: (i) Be utmost respectful to the board. They are usually very senior and learned people. (ii) Have no biases for any Board . Don't go by any stories doing rounds in your campus corridors. (iii) Never make any sweeping statement (iv) Accept your mistakes boldly. www.upscportal.com
7. Overall : Be patient and maintain your pace. This examination is all about tenacity and perseverance. Don't lose heart and work hard. Your efforts are bound to succeed.

INTERVIEW WITH DR. BASANT GAURD

Q. What is the secret of your success in this examination?

A. I stared preparation three years back during my MBBS course. This allowed me to prepare steadily and kept things stress-free at all times.

Q. How much time do you think one requires for serious preparations for this examination?

A. Two years of dedicated hard work is necessary. If one starts preparation during one's studies, it may be three years.

Q. Which journals and newspapers have you been reading for the General Studies and other papers?

A. Newspaper : The Hindu, Magazines : Competition Success Review, General Knowledge Today, Yojana, Frontline, Hindu Year Book and CSR Books.

Q. Do you remember any remarkable incident of your life that motivated or promoted you to go for a career in the Civil Services?

A. Once I complained to my father that there were very few seats for Medical entrance. He said, "You need only on". There is always room at the top.

Q. What prompted you to chose Civil services as your career?

A. Civil Services provides to the aspirants the opportunity to serve the people from a position where on can influence decision making.

Q. How did your parents, family and friends contributed to your success?

A. My father ahs been a big motivator. My mother and my brother have been great supporters. Besides, friends and relatives have also contributed by giving me a lot of time for preparation, often taking the burden upon themselves.

Q. Had you not been selected in the Civil Services examination, what would have been your reaction? Which other service/career would you have gone in/opted for?

A. I would have been unhappy and would have continued in my field.

Q. How do you visualize your success?

A. My success is the success of my parents' efforts. It reflects upon my schooling, my teachers and the society I come from. There are God's blessing to me and my family.

Q. What were your optionals at the Civil Services Examination?

A. Prelims : Medical Science, Mains : Medical Science and Zoology.

Q. How many attempts had you made earlier before you got selected?

A. This was my first attempt.

Q. What was your criterion for the selection of the optional subjects?

A. In order of priority : 1. Background, Interest, Availability of quality material, Syllabus - how specific.

Q. how did your prepare for the compulsory papers?

A. I largely depended on my schooling, newspaper reading for English Paper. For Hindi Paper, I read Hindi newspaper for about a week.

Q. What is your impression about the Interview Board?

A. The Interview Board was friendly and comforting since I largely presented balanced and rational views.

Q. What do you think is a better way of preparation between selective intensive study and wide extensive study?

A. One should be highly selective for optionals. in General Studies, one can be selective with respect to History and Polity. Rest of General Studies requires extensive study, especially Economy and Current Affairs.

Q. Is this pattern of the examination appropriate for selection? Would you recommend any other improvement?

A. I think it is appropriate for selection, since each step of the examination brings out certain strengths and endeavours of aspirants.

Q. Do you feel that there should be no restriction on the number of attempts?

A. I feel the number of attempts should be restricted so that unsuccessful candidates can move on in life and be productive to the nation.

Q. To what extent, you think, Model Test Papers can be useful for the aspirants of Civil Services?

A. They, sometime, give you an idea of the pattern of the question paper, thus helping in time management during exam.

Q. What is your advice to the future aspirants?

A. Start preparing early, plan accordingly, develop a perspective about various issues, interact with various people and peers with due care. Be selective in the optionals.

Courtesy : rajputbrotherhood

INTERVIEW WITH "R.SANGEETHA IAS"

Q. What is the secret of your success in the Civil Services Examination?
A. Persistent hard work, proper planning and strategy, self-confidence, cordial support of parents and friends and above all, God's grace.

Q. How much time do you think one requires for serious preparations for this examination?
A. Two Years of hard work.

Q. Which newspapers, magazines and journals have you been reading for the General Studies and other papers?
A. Newspaper : The Hindu, Magazines : Competition Success Review, General Knowledge Today, CSR Year Book, etc.

Q. Do you remember any remarkable incident of your life that motivated or prompted you to go for a career in the Civil Services?
A. I am from a village where girls are married at an early age. Whenever I came to know of such an incident I used to tell the villagers that what they were doing was wrong. They used to retaliate and ask me, 'Are you a collector?' This attitude of the villagers prompted me to become a Civil Servant one day.

Q. What prompted you to choose Civil Services as your career?
A. When I was in my school, my uncle motivated me to become as IAS officer. Later I learnt how instrumental the bureaucrats are in the development of a country. This power of bureaucracy to bring change drove me to achieve my goal.

Q. How did your parents, family and friends contribute to your success?
A. Though we belong to the middle class, my parents gave all necessary support, without which y success would have been impossible. My friends also motivated me.

Q. Had you not been selected in the Civil Services Examination, what would have been your reaction? Which other service / career would you have gone in / opted for?
A. I was confident of clearing the UPSC Civil Services Exam, but if I would have been unsuccessful, I would have started practicing as an advocate and would have become a judge

Q. How do you visualize your success?
A. I believe in hard work as it never fails. God has given me an opportunity to serve the needy and I see my success as an instrument to bring a change in the society.

Q. What were your optional at the Civil Services Examination?
A. Prelims: Law, Mains: Law, Tamil Literature

Q. How many attempts had you made earlier before you got selected?
A. Three attempts.

Q. What was your criterion for the selection of the optional subjects?
A. Basic understanding of the subject, one's interest in the subject, availability of necessary study material and proper guidance.

Q. How did you prepare for compulsory papers?
A. I did not prepare separately for these papers. Just the knowledge gained at the school level was sufficient.

Q. What is your impression about the Interview Board?
A. The Interview Board is very cordial. Within the stipulated time, they try to bring out one's individuality and it is an opportunity to show one's personality.

Q. What do you think is a better way of preparation, between selective intensive study and wide extensive study?
A. For Preliminary Examination, one has to do extensive study and for Mains, selective intensive study will help.

Q. Is this pattern of the examination appropriate for selection? Would you recommend any other improvement?
A. The present pattern for selection is most appropriate.

Q. Do you feel that there should be no restriction on the number of attempts?
A. There should be restriction for the number of attempts.

Q. To what extent, you think, Model Test Papers can be useful for the aspirants of Civil Services?
A. The Model Test Papers help the aspirants to improve their performance and to practice time management.

Q. What is your advice to the future aspirants?
A. Do proper planning, work hard, do not lose heart, be confident, dream as a civil servant and one day you will certainly fulfill your dream.

HOW TO BECAME AN IAS/IPS OFFICER by p.c.vinoj

Remember 'Udaan', the teleserial, where a village belle aspires to be an IPS officer? The hugely popular soap was based on the real-life story of young IPS officer, Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya, who was portrayed on screen by her sister, actress Kavita Chaudhary. With role models like Kanchan and Kiran Bedi, the IPS has broken the gender barrier and is the ultimate dream for millions of across rural and urban India. But how do you go about realising your dream? What are the qualifications you need? Here's the low down on how to enter the services.

Civil Services Exam: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Exam every year. The Civil Services Exam holds the key for entry into a number of prestigious jobs in the country including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS).

IAS, IFS, and IPS are the top three services of Group A, Central Services. The other Group A services include Indian Customs and Central Excise Service, Indian Revenue Service, and Indian Postal Service.

Civil Services Exam consists of preliminary exam (prelims), main exam (mains), and interview. The prelims are usually held in May /June. Mains are held in October/November. The exam is notified in December. Application forms can be obtained from designated post offices around the country and the exams are held in major cities.

A candidate is allowed to make four attempts. However, candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste can make any number of attempts. Other Backward Class candidates are allowed seven attempts.

Eligibility:
Nationality: For IAS and IPS, only Indian nationals are eligible. For other services, subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees, (who arrived in India before January 1, 1962), and persons of Indian origin, who migrated from specified countries, are eligible.
Age limit: Between 21-30 years as on August 1 of the year of exam. Relaxation of age limit is available to SC candidates and a few other specified categories
Education: A degree from a recognised University

Prelims: You have to clear the prelims to qualify for the mains. You got to write two papers in prelims: General Studies, and a subject chosen by the candidate from a specified list of 23 subjects. Both papers are in objective type and are of two-hours duration each. Optional subjects include Civil Engineering, Commerce, Geography, Medical Science, and Indian History.

Mains: Marks in the written exams and the interview will determine your ranking. Based on your ranking and preference, you will be allotted one of the Services.

Mains comprise nine papers in all.
I.English (300 points)
II.Any one of the languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. (300 points)
III.Essay (200 points)
IV & V. General Studies (300 points for each)
VI-IX. Two papers each from the two optional subjects chosen by the candidate each paper 300 points.

The interview carries 300 points.

How to prepare:

General knowledge books and IAS guidebooks are available in plenty in the market. Besides, there are also magazines that provide tips to IAS/IPS aspirants. You may have to watch Indian and international news channels, and read newspapers/ magazines that deal with politics, economics, and business to keep abreast of current affairs.

It would be a good idea to enrol in a good institute for professional guidance. Many institutes offer IAS coaching classes. But before enrolling, make sure to check the credibility of the institute. Get information about the institutes and choose one that has consistently produced IAS toppers.

You may also want to get together some serious aspirants and form study circles. You could hold discussions, and debates on burning topics to sharpen your analytical skills, and learn to present your thoughts and ideas in a coherent manner.

While preparing for Mains, you need to practice writing your answers, so that you could learn to present your answers in a coherent manner

Courtesy: Sify.com

TIPS FROM SREENIVASAN NAGARAJAN(IAS)

Methodical preparation is vital for those who want to do well in the Civil Services examinations. Three lakh candidates sit for the preliminary test every year, hoping to be among the top 5,000 to be selected for the main examination. Hence, there is a need to study thoroughly and efficiently.

"Follow different approaches of study for the preliminary and the main exams. For the preliminary test you can choose either the subjects you studied in college or areas in which you are interested. Anyway, you should be a `master' in the subject," said Srinivasan Nagarajan, the all-India topper in the 2005 batch.

While the aim of going through college might be just to pass an examination and get a degree, the objective in getting through the Civil Services examination was to make it to the top in the face of competition from some of the best minds in the country. Addressing students at the Government Arts College in Coimbatore, Nagarajan said that the first step to doing well would be to thoroughly analyse the syllabus prescribed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and determine the subdivisions in which the examiners were most likely to frame questions.

Though questions were never repeated, those preparing for the test would be able to gain a fairly good idea of the general trends by going through the questions asked in previous years.

INTERVIEW WITH MONA PRUTHI

You plan to give a national level competitive examination -- like the Indian Administrative Services test.

Many of you want to know: what is that secret ingredient for success?

Does luck play a role?

According to this year's IAS topper Mona Pruthi, who chatted with Get Ahead readers on May 12: 'Lady luck smiles only when you work hard. Luck may knock at your door but you have to get up and open the door.'

Mona, who lives in Haryana, has an M Phil in English Literature and currently works with the Indian Revenue Service. This is her third attempt at the IAS examination. She will start training for the post of an IAS officer shortly.

For those of you who missed the chat, here is the transcript:

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Mona Pruthi says, Hi I am Mona Pruthi

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sai asked, civil service is no longer the first option of the best and the brightest/perception is taht almost all are corrupt ur reaction pl

Mona Pruthi answers, The importance of civil service will always remain. It is a wrong assumption that everyone is corrupt. Lots of good work is being done in the government also.

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sanjeev asked, CONGRATULAtions........ What is the secret of ur success.

Mona Pruthi answers, Lots of blessings, God's grace and strategic hard work.

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Khokon asked, Hi Mona. Hearty congratualtions for topping the country's most coveted service. Did you attend any coaching class to improve your chances, after all it is fairly OK to that. Regards, smj009@rediffmail.com

Mona Pruthi answers, No.

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anupam_srivastava@rediffmail.com asked, what should be the exact age or class when one decides this goal

Mona Pruthi answers, About matriculation.

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Vishwa asked, Then wats your aim after winning that exam?

Mona Pruthi answers, Do a lot of good and purposeful work.

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ganesh asked, Hi Mona, Congrats. Tell me how to manage time in those exams?

Mona Pruthi answers, Have a time-table. Cover all areas simultaneaously.

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gooddude asked, Hello Mona for your success. My question is that how many marks you have you got in graduation? what are your main subjects.

Mona Pruthi answers, Sociology and English Literature.

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Jagvir asked, hi mona, pls tell how many hrs per day are enough for preparation

Mona Pruthi answers, Eight hours.

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sastry asked, is there any person behind u to get this success

Mona Pruthi answers, My father, late NL Pruthi.

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Rajshar asked, Anytime did u feel lack of confidence?

Mona Pruthi answers, Never. Confidence clinches this exam.

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prashant_k_001 asked, congrats for topping , but why not to choose IPS,

Mona Pruthi answers, Preferred IAS as it has a very broad and general orientation. IPS is a great service though.

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SibiDelhi asked, What you have to say about the double standard in the Education System in India? What steps will you take to correct that, if you get an opportunity?

Mona Pruthi answers, Would you clarify double standards?

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Kopal asked, I am doing my graduation in Geography honours from Pune Universty, will sit for the IAS exam in 2008...do you think this is a good subject for the preliminaries & main?

Mona Pruthi answers, Good and scoring.

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mads asked, Hi, as this was your 3rd attempt, how did u manage to keep patience?

Mona Pruthi answers, Patience is part of the testing strategy of UPSC.

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dilipchakma@rediffmail.com asked, Congrats, Mona. I am from the National Law School and I also aspire to be in the civil services. Is it confidence and self believe that matter the most(given that u topped without joining any institute)? what is it that attracted you to the civil services and that you have made it, what would be your first of all priorities?

Mona Pruthi answers, YES plus hard work. This service allows one to change things in 100s of ways. Get myself trained well.

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amitgheji asked, Mona, Why did you want to be an IAS? It doesn't pay all that well, unless you earn under the table. It gives great perks, but they dissapear post retirement. Involves transfers to unknown places (specially for a single woman). Why all this over a software engineer or a doctor or an MBA? You can be frank and tell us if its perks or even under-the-table earnings that attract...

Mona Pruthi answers, All these stakes are well taken to give back to society what we got from it. One has to be prepared for frequent transfers. The good thing about that being that one gets to know the problems of places whose names also were unheard of.

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amitjohar asked, Heartiest congratulation.. U cannot change the system since it governs u.. How will u stand if u are being posted in bihar. where there are lots of issues & problems related to terror, politics & violence

Mona Pruthi answers, The best way to change a system is to be situated within it. Bihar also offers lots of opportunities to bring about substantial change.

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executioner asked, MONA WILL YOU MARRY ME?

Mona Pruthi answers, Buzz off!

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Ashu asked, Mam whats ur opinion which is more lucrative IIM or UPSC as a career

Mona Pruthi answers, IIM is lucrative. UPSC is service of the government.

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raj1shekhar asked, Congrats mona, do you really belive that luck plays an important role in going to the top? And most importantly how do u define luck?

Mona Pruthi answers, Lady luck smiles only when you work hard. Luck may knock at your door but you have to get up and open the door.

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Gnanes asked, am an architect-urban planner, planning to appear UPSC in 2007...please advice me whe mains and optionals i could take up?

Mona Pruthi answers, You can take geography and sociology/ psychology.

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AshishKumar asked, Will it be correct to go for prep after M.Sc.

Mona Pruthi answers, No probs. Go ahead.

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atul.sondhi asked, Are you the eldest among brothers or sisters?

Mona Pruthi answers, Youngest.

Bakrishna asked, Mona ji, Sir Mark Tully has said in his book : "I have found so often in India that the government was the problem not the solution….and…that Indian police are only for the poor, they don't touch the rich and the influential…"…we all know that whatever he has written is a fact.How do you think this impression can be changed?

Mona Pruthi answers, In a crisis like the tsunami or while planning a venture like the Delhi metro, it is always the government which rises to the occasion. Change will come with more transparency in government and a more aware people.

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zub asked, Are you of the opinion that persons who top Civil Service Exams only by studying Very hard Will be Good Administrators also

Mona Pruthi answers, Only studying hard does not get you to the top. You must also be dedicated and committed to be a good administrator.

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chatursb asked, Hi Congrats,, how d u rate ur self.. whats the Success mantra

Mona Pruthi answers, Sincere hard work, clever thinking, time management and a balanced approach.

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SibiDelhi asked, You should study what Thampi Kannanthanam and TN Sheshan did in the past. You told me to clarify the double stantard in the Indian Education System. Here it is. There are all the facilities available for rich people and nothing for poor people. The situation is worse in rural areas. We have English medium and local language medium schools. We have Government and private management schools and colleges. Even after scoring 92% marks in maths in matriculation from a local language medium school, I struggled for my higher study. But I can see thousands acquiring seats even after scoring less in exams.

Mona Pruthi answers, Lots of people from rural areas are making it big in life. You can think of new ways and opportunities.

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manjit asked, mam i m final year student from PTU nd i want to appear for 2007 so how i can start?

Mona Pruthi answers, Start reading NCERT textbooks from class six to twelve. Select two good options that interest you and work on them. Read the The Hindu newspaper everyday.

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prachi asked, mona iam in 12th class commerce stream,can u tell me what areas should i focus upon to get through the iam?

Mona Pruthi answers, General studies, commerce and second optional like economics.

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amatnath asked, Hi Monaji. Congrats. My question is "I am working as a software professional and cannot quit my job for monetary reasons. But still I want to prepare for IAS while in the job. I know it is very difficult. But do you think sustained effort (as far as time devoted per day is concerned) over a longer period of time can possibly be a way for IAS preparation"

Mona Pruthi answers, I prepared while being in an employment. Concentration, clever use of available time and resources are important. Yes it is possible.

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Mahavir1 asked, Will it be Ok if I prepare for preliminary part time for 8 months and study dedicated for 4 months?

Mona Pruthi answers, More than enough.

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braje asked, How do you study? do yo read read and read.. or do you read and write. or some other way of study.. Do you do meditate..?

Mona Pruthi answers, Read, think, write and think again.

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amit nanchahal asked, hey mona i am ma eco...but everyone says eco is the most toughest to crack any advice and is it true.

Mona Pruthi answers, Tough but very good subject.

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karthikeyan_t asked, Is it more difficult for people who chose 'technical' subjects like medicine as their main subject in the ias exams to pass out?

Mona Pruthi answers, No, lots of doctors get in.

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rahul_9051 asked, hi mona............. congratulation Welcome to join our Group........... I am also an I.A.S. of 2004........I got 27th Rank and completed my training.

Mona Pruthi answers, Thanks.

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Kunal911 asked, hi, which thing has influenced you most in becoming the exam topper: Failing in the first two attempts or having MPhil in Literature?

Mona Pruthi answers, I didn't fail both. In fact I got IRS in 2004.

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kantha asked, Are you going to remove corruption in Public life?

Mona Pruthi answers, Yes, wherever I work.

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rajesh_841 asked, mam, pls let me know from where i can get the study material for GS and which books should be refer

Mona Pruthi answers, Libraries, NCERT books and bookshops in Ber Sarai, JNU, Delhi.

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TRIASHU11 asked, I WANT TO KNOW HOW TO PREPARE 4G.S.

Mona Pruthi answers, Two good newspapers, current magazines and standard texts like Bipan Chandra and DD Basu.

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kanti asked, Hi Mona How are you feeling now after clearing the examination of IAS. Please let me know that what are the major steps whiich you have taken to cross this exam.

Mona Pruthi answers, Feeling good and satisfied with my work. It has been a long journey.

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Mona Pruthi says, I'm sorry I couldn't take all the questions. Will chat again soon. Till then work hard, enjoy yourself and take care.

INTERVIEW WITH IAS TOPPER ANKUR GARG

A believer in divine blessing , dedicated to filial piety-these traits or qualities are not exactly associated with careerist modern bureaucrats enjoying the loaves and fishes of power . Yet, an element of surprise may be in store for you when you hear that IAS topper and a brilliant student Ankur Garg attributes his outstanding achievement to blessings of God and parental best wishes . A brilliant student all through, Ankur was pursuing his engineering studies in the premier institution IIT , Delhi and had two successive stints in internationally acclaimed institutes in Paris and Lausanne before graduating as an engineer . Even as offers of six digit salaries and perks commensurate with it started pouring in the young engineer opted for Civil Services only for the love of challenge and commitment entailed by the service. With another IAS topper Ashutosh Jindal (D.M. /West) as his friend , philosopher and guide Ankur Garg is currenly undergoing probation and planning to bring about incremental qualitative changes in the administration . Ankur however makes no secret of his conviction that he has a lot to learn and a lot more to unlearn as an IAS probationer. For the benefit of young IAS aspirants in Tripura Ankur is prepared to offer any help in preparatory studies . In this exclusive interview he spoke his mind with a candour and warmth that bowls you over .

Que : Being a topper in the civil service examination is a fantastic achievement . How could you achieve this , I mean, what was the secret of your success?Ans :Â There is no secret of success. It is something which is known to everyone. One just needs the blessings of God, the good wishes of parents, teachers and friends and sincere and single-minded devotion. That is he open formula for success. Que : Would you let us know a little bit about your early life with special reference to your academic record ? This may be inspiring to youths of Tripura.

Ans : I had been amongst the good students throughout my school and college days. I did my graduation in Electronics Engg. from I IT Delhi and passed out in the year 2002. I did the third year of my engineering studies from INSA, Lyon, France as an exchange student. Besides this, I also did a 3 month internship at EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland. I took the Civil Services Exam immediately after completion of my graduation and this was my first attempt. As Civil Services was always at the top of my mind, I did not take up any job with any of the MNCs and software companies that come to IIT campus for recruitment.

Que :With your caliber and academic achievements you could have joined other dignified and rewarding services. What prompted you to go for civil service ?

Ans : Civil Services is a career which offers you immense responsibility and authority to do good to large sections of the society at a very young age. Such an exposure is not perhaps available with any other service in India at present. Besides, there is a very high career status associated with the job. These were the two factors that prompted me to go for Civil Services.

Que : What specific contributions can you make to the civil service and the cause of people from the posts you will be holding ?

Ans : Presently, I am undergoing training in West Tripura. My aim right now is to observe and learn - how things work and how can they be made to work in the best possible way. I am sure that when I get my formal posting, I shall be able to utilize these learning's and I shall try my best to make whatever incremental or big changes I can make in the lives of people. But right now, I have lots to learn and am not in the best position to answer this question.

Que : What is your view of Tripura ? How do you think can the state develop in spite of the constraints of geographical isolation from the mainstream and lack of resources and infrastructure?

Ans : Tripura is a very beautiful and progressive state, which is so distinct from its other north-eastern neighbours in all aspects. So far, my short stay here (appx. 20 days) has been a fascinating experience. The more I learn about our state, the more I realize that I have to learn more. In these days of connectivity (physical or electronic), I do not think that geographical isolation will be a major inhibiting factor in the state's development in the coming future. Tripura has a huge base of literate and qualified youth and this should be exploited. Infrastructure development is coming to the state in a big way. Though lack of resources continues to be a hindrance, we must realize that we have to develop methods to utilize whatever we have in the best possible way. For this, we should identify and exploit the core competencies of the state in an optimal way.

Que :What are your suggestions to youths of Tripura aspiring to join the civil service ? How should the youths of the state prepare for this elite service ?

Ans : Civil Services is an excellent career option. Especially for the youth of Tripura, because the representation of our state in the Civil Services is already very low, and this needs to be increased. And Civil Services is an exam where hard work and dedication can see you through. For that, you don't need to have excellent academic background or education in elite institutes. I have seen good book shops in Agartala where many good books are available. They can always go in for self-study and take the assistance of their college or university teachers in case they find difficulties. Going through the newspapers regularly is another absolute essential. With the state well connected through internet and cable-TV, flow of information is no longer a problem. In case they need any specific guidance, they can always contact me. I shall try to be of whatever help I can to them. Mail me :garg_ankur@hotmail.com, tripurainfo@yahoo.com, Ph-0381-2380566