The Civil Services Forum had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Chandrajyoti Singh, AIR 28, 2019, and a Stephanian. Read on as she talks about her UPSC journey, and her sources of motivation.
1. For starters, we would love to know your inspiration behind embarking upon this journey. When, and how did you decide upon the same?
"As a daughter of army officers, I was always motivated by my parents’ dedication to the country and their service. I, too, wished to contribute in some way and soon enough, my mother steered me in this direction. The seed was sown sometime between 4th-6th grade, however, the decision to prepare seriously for this examination came much later in my college years."
2. How did you deal with the delay in the examination process and the late results, due to the advent of COVID-19?
"The pandemic delayed the result by about 4 months. This was, indeed, a trying time for me as I kept getting worked up about the future possibilities of the examinations. I found comfort in focusing on my preparation for the next attempt, reading books and watching documentaries and TV series. The latter two allowed me to take my mind off the results and the pandemic; and greatly calmed me."
3. How did you feel when the results were announced? What were your expectations?
"I was extremely stressed on 4th August as there were rumours about the result being declared that day. At about 11.30 am, I received a call from my mother who simply blurted out that the results are out and I had secured the 28th rank. After rechecking on the official website, my joy (and relief that I didn’t have to appear for the exam again!) knew no bounds. I expected my name to be in the final list but I didn’t think I’d do so well."
4. Could you share your journey of attempting the CSE with us? Did you have a backup plan, or was this your singular goal?
"I began my journey in June 2018 when I moved to Old Rajinder Nagar. I had just graduated and since I was only 20 (the required age for one’s first attempt is 21), I decided to take a gap year and prepare for the exam. Civil services was my singular goal and I didn’t have a backup plan. I had planned to look into other options only after my first attempt was over."
5. Can you share with us your experience of the personality test? How may a candidate prepare for it?
"My personality test was conducted by Professor P.K. Joshi’s board. It lasted about 30 minutes and about 25 questions were asked. The experience was extremely pleasant as the board was cordial, the members were smiling throughout and were listening with rapt attention. I was able to answer all but 1 (and a half!) question. The best way to prepare for this stage of the exam is to delve deep into your Detailed Application Form (DAF), focus on current affairs and take about 5-6 mock interviews."
6. What were your service preferences in the DAF, and why?
"My first preference was IAS, followed by IPS, IFS, IRS (I.T.) and IRS (C&E). IAS was my first preference because of the wide array of opportunities it presents. There are multiple sectors of the government one can work in as an IAS officer. Since my interests lie in the area of women, health, education and preservation of culture, IAS attracted me the most."
7. What are the sources and books you consulted for this examination (prelims, and the mains inclusive of the optional papers)?
Note: For History and Culture, you can also refer to NCERTs from 9th to 12th (new).
8. How did you structure your GS and Essay answers in Mains?
"For my mains answers, I followed a simple structure in answer writing –
introduction, body and conclusion. I added examples from current affairs, cited constitutional articles wherever possible and often, provided statistics to improve the quality of my answers. For essay writing, I used to provide a basic introduction to the topic, analyse the issue from various angles – historical, social, economic, political, legal etc and then provide a conclusion. To improve my essays, I added quotes, statistics and anecdotes."
9. What all societies were you a part of in college, and were they conducive to your personal growth? Do you think a council position in any society benefits college students in the interview process?
"I was a part of multiple societies in college – The Quiz Club, History Society, Team Yearbook, Gender Studies Cell were the major ones. I don’t think a council position actually helps in the interview stage as it provides an opportunity to board members to ask even more in-depth questions!"
10. What were your sentiments on the days of the examination (prelims, mains and interview)? How did you maintain your emotional and mental equilibrium under tense situations?
"The days of the examinations began with anxiety, fear and stress. However, I kept calm during the exams and usually, felt content as I came out of the hall. The period leading up to the exams or between the exams was more mentally draining. Here, I used to continuously motivate myself by thinking about the bigger picture, seek my parents’ guidance and rely on my friends. I also listened to motivational songs, Eminem’s Lose Yourself being one of them!"
11. How did you let off steam amidst the various examination levels? What are your hobbies and/or interests? Did you have any rules against indulgence?
"Letting off steam is extremely important during this exam or you will face a burnout. I used to read fiction, watch a movie or a series (The Office, Brooklyn Nine Nine, Parks and Rec), talk at length to my friends or even meet them. My hobbies include reading, quizzing and swimming. I was able to keep up with the first two during the preparation."
12. How did you stay committed to your decision when faced with adversities? What are some tips for candidates who may require multiple attempts in order to pass the exam?
"When faced with adversities, I would vent to my family and friends! I also reminded myself of my goals and motivations to clear the exam, which enabled me to tide over difficult times. To those who may take multiple attempts, I would say, do not give up and stay motivated. At the same time, figure out where one is going wrong. If one is feeling extremely insecure, one can attempt other UPSC exams to provide themselves some security and stability. Since multiple attempts can take a toll on one’s mental health, I would suggest seeing a counsellor."
13. What role does parental or social support play, as far as the examinations are concerned? What would you suggest for those who may not have the aforementioned support systems?
"Parental support was the backbone of my preparation. I talked to my parents daily, who kept my spirits up in the trying times. My mother would accompany me to the exam centres as well as reach the centres a day before. Her monthly visits gave me great joy and home-made food, enabling me to clear this exam in my first attempt. Since I did not the have the experience of lacking social support, I cannot comment about alternate support structures. I would advise looking inwards for motivation and think of the service one shall be able to provide to the country by clearing this exam."
14. Since the pandemic, prelims has been postponed. Seeing the air of ambiguity, what advice would you give to the candidates to keep persevering?
"Uncertainty in the civil services examination is a blow to one’s efforts. My preparations for the next attempt were also derailed due to the general melancholy of the situation. I would suggest that those who aim to take the prelims this year should not let the pandemic get in the way of their preparation. Instead, keep your eye on the exam and seek emotional support from your loved ones, if one feels especially demoralized."
15. What advice would you give to candidates who are uncertain about their optional subject?
"My advice would be to check out the syllabus of the shortlisted optionals. Have a look at the books and the past year question papers. If you feel a subject is easy to grasp and you can study it for long hours, go for it. However, don’t choose an optional just because it has been scoring according to the past trends."
16. Has the knowledge you gained through your degree(s) been of any help? Did you structure your college coursework according to the needs of UPSC? If so, how?
"Yes, my graduation in History proved to be extremely beneficial. My graduation notes helped me out a great deal in adding to the basic sources in my optional preparation. History also provides you with a wider perspective about the past, present and the future. This definitely helps you in the exam (GS and Essay) and hopefully, later in the career."
17. Are there any one or two golden rules that you feel ensured you sailed through the examination with such colours?
"The two golden rules that I swore by were – read, record (makes notes) and revise; and combining smart work and hardwork so as to not exhaust my efforts."
18. Which basic issues do you suppose hinder the empowerment of women, and what solutions would you propose as an administrator for the same?
"According to me, women’s empowerment is hindered by the mental barriers against it that exist in the society to this very date. This can then manifest as social, institutional and infrastructural barriers to their empowerment. So, I would focus on the root of the problem by ensuring equal access to education for one and all, followed by other measures such as adequate safety, hygiene, reproductive rights, proper childcare institutions as well as rights in the workplace. Role models also important for young women and their families, to show that if given a chance, the sky’s the limit for women."
19. As the interview in the examination is about personality assessment; what qualities, according to you, are discerned in an interviewee?
"In my opinion, the qualities being tested are your general awareness, cool-headedness, honesty, presence of mind and balance of viewpoints. Therefore, one definitely has to work towards imbibing these qualities. I think that through the course of the examination such qualities also develop naturally as the previous stages do test you on the above criteria."
20. Popular belief says administration is all about balance between different opinions. How do you think that one may maintain a balance between personal opinions and administrative responsibility?
"I feel administrative responsibility should always come first. Impartiality and objectivity are important characteristics of a good civil servant. Let the Constitution and the Code of Conduct guide you. A balancing act has to be maintained but the scales should always be tilted in the favour of one’s administrative responsibility."
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