Q. What were your optional subjects in the Prelims and the Mains? What was your criteria for this selection?
A. For Prelims, Philosophy was my optional. For Mains, I chose Philosophy and Sanskrit. I have an excellent educational background in both these subjects. So I choose them at my optionals.
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Q. How did you prepare for this exam selective, intensive or extensive studies?
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A. One should know it very well what not to read. You have to study very deeply for Mains exams. For Prelims, extensive study is required.
Q. What were you strong points which enabled you to achieve this success?
A. Good time management and dedicated and clear approach. Fine expression also help a lot.
Q. How did you prepare for the interview?
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A. I joined several mock sessions in coaching Institutes. Along with it I took a lot of help from internet and tired my best to develop my own view on every issue.
Q. Which all coaching institutes did you attend for preparing for the interview?
A. ‘Nirman’ of Mr. Kamaldev; ‘Patanjali’ of Mr. Dharmendra Kumar and ‘Nistha’ in Allahabad of Mr. Avinash Tiwari.
Q. What is your impression about the Interview Board?
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A. The Interview Board is very good combination of well-experienced people to help one to express one self in the best way possible.
Q. Tell us something more about your Interview.
A. The Chairman started asking questions related to my previous selections, Shashastra Seema Bal and India’s relation with Nepal and Bhutan. After that one member asked about the need of electoral reforms. I replied that a card system (like in football) should be applied for checking the increasing trend of rogue speeches by political leaders and the Election Commission should be the regulating authority for it. The Chairman appreciated a lot for the answer. The other interesting question was related to my hobby of novel-reading. I got a cordial appreciation for my answer on this topic too.
Q. What do you think about your biggest mistake.
A. During the preparation. I felt that I was not in regular touch with the ongoing events and was not reading newspaper regularly and properly. It cost me dearly as I had to waste my previous two attempts to achieve this milestone.
Q. There is perception that Civil Services is very tough and once cannot prepare for it along with a job or pursuing a higher degree. What is your opinion?
A. Indeed the examination is very competitive. But there are several aspirants who have achieved success while doing a job.
Q. What is your advice to the future aspirants of Civil Services?
A. Be dedicated towards your goal. if you are sincere, then success is certain. So prepare with a good strategy and never surrender until you achieve the success.
Q. What is that one thing a Civil Service aspirant should definitely have?
A. Good time management sincere preparation along with exact expression.
Source:- Competition Refresher