CSC: What were the basic mantras of your success?

Sahil: Repeated revisions and smart work were the basic mantras of my success.

CSC: When did you start preparation for IAS Examination? When should one ideally begin thinking about preparing for this exam?

Sahil:I started my preparation for the IAS Examination during third year of my Graduation. I think it is great idea to start preparation as soon as possible. College days should be used for preparation.

CSC: How did you start your preparation for the IAS Examination?

Sahil: I started with basic NCERT books. First, I finished Optional subject and then moved to General Studies preparation.

CSC: What was your optional subject? What were the basis of selecting this particular optional subject?

Sahil: ‘History’ was my optional subject. I selected it as my optional subject because it covers a major part of syllabus of compulsory papers of General Studies and Essay. Good performance of ‘History’ optional over last few years was another reason behind selecting it.

CSC: Tell us something about preparation of ‘Essay’ paper.

Sahil: I wrote many Essays for practice to get command and expertise.

CSC: How did you manage your time in both Prelims and Mains examinations?

Sahil: I focussed on extensive coverage of topics for Prelims examination. For Mains examination, I studied deeply with limited coverage of topics.

CSC: What should be best strategy to tackle negative marking in Prelims Examination?

Sahil: One should practice as much as possible. Last years’ UPSC question papers of Prelims examination should be solved properly. I did not guess much to avoid negatives in Prelims Examination.

CSC: Did you prepare notes? How helpful are the notes? What is your advice on notes-making?

Sahil: I did not make separate notes. I relied on class notes which were dictated by S. Baliyan Sir and other teachers in Class. Notes are extremely valuable for last minute revision at the time of exam.

CSC: Did you attend any coaching institute? How helpful are the coaching institutes? What is your overall opinion about the coaching institutes?

Sahil: I attended INSIGHT IAS ACADEMY of S. BALIYAN Sir at Delhi. The classes were just awesome. I could get selected only because of personal guidance, constant support and motivation provided by S. BALIYAN Sir.

CSC: What are your suggestions for freshers who want to join coaching institutes for preparation?

Sahil:Coaching classes are necessary but one should join only good coaching institute. Joining any institute randomly just by looking at the advertisement could be disastrous.

CSC: What was your style of writing in Mains examination? How was it distinct from the general writing style? How did you develop this writing style?

Sahil: I wrote point-wise in Mains examination to ensure that I do not exceed word limit. I learnt it during test practices at the time of preparation.

CSC: How helpful is one’s academic background in his/her success in Civil Services Examination.

Sahil: I believe that one’s academic background does not play much role in this examination. Anybody having determination and dedication can succeed in Civil Services Examination.

CSC: Does this exam provide a level playing field for the rural and economically poor background candidates?

Sahil: Yes. This exam demands persistence and focused effort. Rural students do not lack these qualities in any way.The questions being asked by UPSC do not discriminate between the urban and rural candidates. Anybody can succeed in this competition with good guidance and hard work.

CSC: How did you prepare for interview?

Sahil: I took a lot of mock interviews to get rhythm and confidence. I practiced every dimension of DAF (Detailed Application Form).

CSC: Which types of questions were asked in the interview? Did you answer them all?

Sahil: Questions in interview were purely analytical and I answered only 60% of the questions.

CSC: Was there any specific area they emphasized upon?

Sahil: My subjects of graduation were main focus area. Many questions were asked from graduation subjects.

CSC: Before getting down to actual preparation, what kind of reading should one do to improve one’s suitability for this exam? What is the outside reading one should do?

Sahil: One should be aware of general happenings around him/her. Habit of reading newspapers should be cultivated to gain awareness of national and international affairs. One can also read good magazines like Frontline and Civil Services Chronicle to have an in-depth understanding of current affairs.

CSC: To whom would you give credit for your success?

Sahil: My family, teachers, friends and God.

CSC: What is your advice to the freshers who are going to appear in this exam?

Sahil: They should study regularly and smartly. Understand the syllabus and nature of questions being asked by UPSC to anticipate correctly. Read one thing ten times rather than ten things one time.

CSC: What is your advice to the candidates who have failed in this exam?

Sahil: Do not lose your hope and do not stop until you arrive at your destination. Persistence always pays.

CSC: Had you thought of any other alternative apart from the Civil Services?

Sahil: No. I was confident that I will crack it.

CSC: Since when have you begun reading Civil Services Chronicle magazine? What are your suggestions to make it more useful for civil services aspirants?

Sahil: Civil Services Chronicle is a very good magazine though I could not read it much. I got to know about it during my coaching classes. I think it is a complete magazine for IAS examination preparation.

CSC: Mr. Sahil, thanks a lot for giving your valuable time and sharing your insight on Civil Services Examination.

CSC: Achieving top slot in the coveted Civil Services Examination is no small feat; accept our heartiest congratulations on your splendid success.

Sampada: Thank You.

CSC: What preference in services you had opted for and any particular reason for priority?

Sampada: I had opted for administrative services as it provides a greater opportunity to serve the masse.

CSC: 'Success is sweet' - Were you confident of your success with top ranks and how did you react to this news?

Sampada: I was confident after my last selection and had therefore filled only one post preference of Deputy Collector. But RANK-1 came as a pleasant surprise.

CSC: Can you recall the exact moment when you realized the importance of Civil Services?

Sampada: I used to have discussions with my mother during my school days regarding ways to address the problems of the society. It was during one of these discussions that I realized that civil services is one of the best mediums to work for the society.

CSC: Finally, at what point of time did you make up your mind to make a career in 'Civil Services'?

Sampada: I started my preparation during my college days.

CSC: Was CSE a planned decision or your parent's wish?

Sampada: My parents guided me towards this field but never imposed anything. Motivated by their guidance, I decided to opt for it as my career.

CSC: 'Time Management'- is a key factor making preparations as well as in writing examination papers, be it Prelims or Main Examination. How did you manage things?

Sampada: I practised a number of Mock Tests for both Pre and Mains Examination and tried to improve my writing speed and quality of answers.

CSC: The first step is the most difficult; how to prepare? Which optional subjects to pick? What to read? How much to read? Many such questions come to your mind when you really get serious about Civil Services Examination. From where, did you get the right advice?

Sampada: My mother provided me with the initial guidance regarding the Newspaper and Books to read. After this, the core guidance was provided by DHYEYA IAS, for General Studies and Goutam Academy Jabalpur (for MP Special) for a holistic strategy to crack CSE.

CSC: What was your approach towards Paper I (General Studies) and Paper II (Aptitude Test) during Preliminary Examination preparation? How much time and effort you divided for each?

Sampada: I have been pretty confident about the aptitude test, hence just used to revise the main formula for Paper-I, I used to solve previous years papers and revised NCERTs and other standard books.

CSC: What shift did you adopt in your strategy for Mains Examination (Written)?

Sampada: I tried to manage my time better by practising answer writing. I compiled my own notes for the topic of the syllabus which were hard to get from anywhere.

CSC: Was there any special for effective preparation for ESSAY Paper? Which topic you picked up this time and why did you choose this particular topic?

Sampada: The essay had to be written in Hindi. I assembled some quotes from various sources and tried to cover every topic from multiple dimensions.

CSC: How did you prepare yourself for Interview (Personality Test)? When and which Board did you face? How did your interview go on, how much time it lasted and which type of questions were asked during the Interview?

Sampada: I believe personality isn't something that can be built over a period of a few weeks. It can however be polished well. This polishing was done by revising the key point of all subjects and working on my presentation skills under the guidance of Siddhartha Gautam Sir.

My Interview was in Mehra Sir's Board. It lasted for 20-25 mins. Questions were mainly focussed on my views regarding various contemporary issues, especially related to women.

CSC: In your opinion at which Educational Level should one start preparing for Civil Services and what should be the minimum period of time required to prepare for Civil Services Examination?

Sampada: Starting early
definitely gives an advantage but it is not a sufficient condition. Minimum 8-10 months is required.

CSC: What is the importance of medium of examination for exam like CSE?

Sampada: I believe the perceived difference is only a myth. As far as I know, this is the first time an english medium student has achieved the top rank in MPPCS. Thus, both mediums have equal chance at success.

CSC: In your opinion what role do the Competition Magazines play when you are preparing an examination like Civil Services?

Sampada: They provide a summary of the month's current affairs and touch certain topics. Which prove useful for both Pre and Mains Exam.

CSC: How do you rate Civil Services Chronicle Magazine? Do you find it close to your expectation?

Sampada: Civil Services Chronicle Magazine is certainly helpful for state services exams.

CSC: To whom would you like to give the credit for your success?

Sampada: I credit all the successes of my life to my mother, father and brother who have supported all my decisions throughout. I am also grateful to all my teachers for providing me knowledge beyond books.

CSC: Any suggestion/advice you would like to give to the future aspirants.

Sampada: Never consider studies to be a burden. Enjoy learning new things and take pleasure in this journey of CSE preparation and sooner or later your will certainly reach your destination.

CSC: Thank You very much and wishing you all the best for your future endeavors.

CSC: When did you start preparation for the IAS Examination? When should one ideally begin thinking about preparing for this exam?

Aman: I started my preparations just after completing graduation in 2013. Ideally, if one has made up his/her mind to join civil services, then he/she should start at the earliest, say during last year of graduation.

CSC: How did you start your preparation for the IAS Examination?

Aman: I started my preparation by reading NCERT books and Newspapers.

CSC: What were your strategies for the lengthy syllabus of General Studies for both Prelims and Main Examinations?

Aman: I focussed on reading and revising again and again. I made short notes for difficult topics so that they could be revised easily.

CSC: What was your optional? What was the basis of selecting this particular optional subject?

Aman: I took ‘HISTORY’ as my optional subject. It has a well-defined static syllabus. ‘HISTORY’ is very interesting subject and it covers a major part of syllabus of compulsory papers of ‘General Studies’. Now a days ‘HISTORY’ optional is the safest and most scoring optional subject.

CSC: How did you come to know that which sources of reading materials are standard? Please give a list of books, magazines and papers.

Aman: I followed the guidance of my teachers and seniors. Newspapers – ‘The Hindu’ and ‘Business Standard’. Books: Indian Polity and Constitution – Laxmikant; Geography – NCERTs, G.C. Leong; Indian Economy – NCERTs, History – Bipan Chandra, NCERTs, Upinder Singh, Satish Chandra and B.L. Grover.

CSC: Tell us something about preparation of ‘Essay’ paper.

Aman: I collected important points and quotes for various topics. After that I prepared theme wise material for issues like education and women issues. I made the mistake of not focusing sufficiently on writing practice.

CSC: Which is the most difficult part of this examination and why? What was your strategy to tackle this difficult part?

Aman: I think Main examination is the most difficult part of civil services examination. Essay Paper and Ethics Paper (GS Paper-IV) have great fluctuation in marks. They can make or mar your rank and selection.

CSC: Did you attend any coaching institute? How helpful are the coaching institutes? What is your overall opinion about the coaching institutes?

Aman: I attended ‘INSIGHT IAS ACADEMY’ of S. BALIYAN Sir at Delhi. The coaching classes helped me a lot.Although there is no rule that one cannot succeed without coaching but correct guidance always reduces the effort. Continuous support, motivation and guidance provided by S. BALIYAN Sir played a crucial role in my success in Civil Services Examination.

CSC: What are your suggestions for freshers who want to join coaching institutes for preparation?

Aman: Coaching institute should be selected carefully. Don’t ever miss the classes and interact with teachers regularly to get maximum possible benefit.

CSC: The trend suggests that professionals are more successful in this exam. Does this exam prove difficult for Humanities and Social Science background candidates?

Aman: Everyone has equal chance of clearing civil services examination, although optional subjects do create disparities in marks sometimes. Subjects like History are fetching more marks now a days.

CSC: What should be the best strategy to tackle negative marking?

Aman: Do not guess in examination if you do not have any idea about the question. Do not have a pre-determined marks target in mind as the cut off marks vary from year to year. Attempt questions on the basis of their merit.

CSC: How did you prepare for interview?

Aman: I prepared my DAF (Detailed Application Form) properly. I attended mocks interview sessions at INSIGHT IAS ACADEMY.

CSC: Which types of questions were asked in the interview? Did you answer them all?

Aman: The questions were mainly based on my hobbies, optional subject, current affairs and economics. No, I did not answer all the questions.

CSC: Was there any specific area they emphasized upon?

Aman: Questions were more on my optional subject.

CSC: Before getting down to actual preparation, what kind of reading should one do to improve one’s suitability for this exam?

Aman: One should read books related to social and economic issues. Aspirants should inculcate habit of reading newspapers and good magazines.

CSC: To whom would you give credit for your success?

Aman: My family for their constant support and my teachers for their invaluable guidance.

CSC: What is your advice to the freshers who are going to appear in this exam?

Aman: They should be clear about goals and work hard with consistency.

CSC: What is your advice to the candidates who have failed in this exam?

Aman: Failure is part and parcel of this exam. Do not lose heart and tempo. Keep working hard and success will come certainly.

CSC: Since when you have begun reading Civil Services Chronicle magazine? What are your suggestions to make it more useful for civil service aspirants?

Aman: Right from the early days of preparation I am reading Civil Services Chronicle, though I could not follow it regularly. The special issues dealing with different subjects were very helpful.

CSC: Mr. Aman, thanks a lot for giving your valuable time and sharing your insight on civil services examination.

Aman: Thank you very much.