The Civil Services Forum had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Chandrima Attri, Stephanian, with AIR 72 in the UPSC CSE 2019. Read on, as she talks about her preparation strategy, college life and the importance of mental and physical well-being for the aspirants.
1.Congratulations on clearing the UPSC CSE ! For starters, we would love to know your inspiration behind embarking upon this journey. When, and how did you decide the same?
When I entered college, I was a part of many societies including the Social Service League. I took active part in organising blood donation camps & visiting orphanage homes /shelter homes in and around Delhi. I also taught kids of karamcharis in the evening classes. These were my first two years that made me realise that I have an inclination towards activities where I could make a positive change in the lives of people. It was in the third year that I made up my mind & decided to prepare for the services.
2. How did you deal with the delay in the examination process and the late results, due to the advent of COVID-19?
It was a little frustrating, to be honest, but again, it was a blessing in disguise. As my interview got postponed from 26th March to 21st July, I got enough time to assess my personality and became more aware of my mind's inner workings. So, the entire lockdown period was very gainful.
I included meditation in my daily routine to centre myself & balance my attitude towards the delay. I also took a little break from preparation (almost 1 month) and watched some good web series on Netflix, did painting, practiced journal writing and took some online mocks and classes to better utilise my time.
3. How did you feel when the results were announced? What were your expectations?
I was expecting a rank but getting under 100 was a dream come true. I will hopefully get my first preference, which is IAS. When I saw the results, I was overjoyed and happy tears started streaming down from my eyes. It was a very surreal and emotional moment for me. My parents were elated and they started telling everybody. And I still couldn't believe that I had cleared the exam. It will take some more days for the feeling to sink in :)
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 took law after grad and enrolled in the Faculty of Law, DU as I wanted to continue my academics and simultaneously prepare for civil services. This choice of having a backup plan is a personal call. If you are fully confident and have only CSE in your mind, you can take 1/2 years off after graduation and prepare full time. Because of law college classes, I couldn't devote much time for self-study in my first two attempts. Also, I did not plan and strategize well. After I completed law in 2018, I gave one full year to CSE with no distraction and secured rank 72 in my fourth attempt.
5. Can you share with us your experience of the personality test? How may a candidate prepare for it?
Personality test is a very crucial element and the last stage.
Advice –
1) Don't take too many mocks.
2) Prepare and research your DAF (Detailed Application Form)
3) Honesty is the key. So, be yourself.
5) Be polite, calm and think before you speak.
My experience was good. It was my first UPSC interview so I enjoyed the moment. They asked me questions on my educational background, hobbies, optional, home state and on India's development.
6. What were your service preferences in the DAF, and why?
IAS > IFS > IPS > IRS(IT)
I was in a dilemma as to whether but IAS or IFS as my first preference. IAS gives more opportunity to bring grassroot level change and one can positively impact lives of people directly IFS, I kept my second choice as I am also fond of travelling and it gives you a wide experience of the entire world.
But ultimately, I chose IAS as first because that's what initially motivated me to join the services. So, do what your heart says.
7. What are the sources and books you consulted for this examination (prelims, and the mains inclusive of the optional papers)?
For sources, you can refer to any toppers list. But, don’t read too many sources for 1 subject. Identify them & stick with them till the end alongwith revision.
For Mains, I relied on note making to cover the syllabus holistically.I followed NCERTs and basic standard books along with some online sources like civils daily and vision for mains.
Optional (PSIR) :- Relied on Shubhra Man's class notes & newspapers along with test series. If one has time, can refer to books such as OP Gauba, Andrew Heywood & Oxford politics.
8. How did you structure your GS and Essay answers in Mains?
For Essay:- Practice, simple language which makes it lucid, easy to understand, flow should not be broken till end, analysis of issues from all aspects and I started and ended the essay - with quotes.
For GS:- Introduction and conclusion should be impactful. I used data in intrduction and forward looking suggestions alongwith committee names in conclusion.
For my body, I used both pointers and paragraphs to express my views. I, again, analysed the issue from all angles and incorporated diagrams, flow charts, maps, etc. to make answers more presentable.
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 college societies in my first 2 years of college-
Informal Discussion group, Social Service League and Sabha.
They definitely help you in opening up and make you grow as a person
The council position is not a deciding factor. They are not looking at your past achievement to award you marks in the interview.
They are looking whether your personality aligns with what you have mentioned in your DAF, are you honest and have the qualities of a good civil servant. The rest does not matter.
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?
I was very happy and committed and calm on the day of pre as well as mains and that confidence was because of my preparation. I also took the help of meditation to calm myself before the D-DAY at every stage of the exam preparation. Also, stay away from negativity and pessimism and focus only on yourself and your well-being. I also took the help of music to remain calm and confident. And, if you are prepared and honest to yourself, you will feel confident on the D-day.
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?
In my 2019 attempt, I wanted to give my all so I permanently deleted all my social media platforms, stayed away from bad habits such as drinking (I quit in 2018), involved myself more in physical exercise, nature walks, meditation.I love painting so I used to paint. Also, every 15 days, I used to go out for a day off. I visited many monuments and museums in Delhi and also visited good food places. Music was another way to let off steam. But as the exam neared, I stopped going out and devoted my entire time to 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?
The ‘Why’ behind civil services will sustain you till the end. Your passion for your dream is the most important. Furthermore, a firm belief in my own capabilities and in God helped me tide over adversities.
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?
Social support also helps in tiding over adversities. This could be your family, friends, teachers and even your peer group.
If one is not having any support system, it becomes very difficult. For such people, I would advise that they openly talk about it & not get isolated or closed off. They can form a group of people who are preparing for civils and keep themselves connected.
14. Since the pandemic, prelims has been postponed. Seeing the air of ambiguity, what advice would you give to the candidates to keep persevering?
Amidst the pandemic, the situation has changed and there is an element of uncertainty. But remember, it is for all candidates, you are not alone. So, keep putting efforts and don't be so harsh on yourself.
Be patient and believe that things will turn out to be good. It is also important to avoid feeling burnt out as the preparation is a long process. So, take adequate breaks, recharge yourself and don't think too much about the future. Take one day at a time and finish your daily targets.
15. What advice would you give to candidates who are uncertain about their optional subject?
Shortlist 2-3 optional subjects that you are interested in, go through the syllabus, past year question papers, toppers strategy and talk to the teachers of those subjects. Only after thorough research and informed analysis, choose your optional.
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 Law degree gave me the knowledge about constitutional law which helped in polity. Also, case judgements and their reading is very interesting
My college degree did not help much in CSE prep but I am sure that it will help somewhere in the future as no knowledge goes to waste.
As I have said, I did not get the time in college so I put more focus on college
life & studies which is also very important.
17. Are there any golden rules that you feel ensured you sailed through the examination with such colours?
I) PRACTICE - a) Pre mock tests
b) Answer writing
II) PLANNING - Formulating weekly, monthly targets help.
III) MINDSET - A positive, patient and calm attitude is a must
alongwith hard work,discipline and consistency.
18. Which basic issues do you suppose hinder the empowerment of women, and what solutions would you propose as an administrator for the same?
Basic issues -
a) Patriarchal mindset
b) Burden of unpaid domestic work which results in lower economic participation and more dependence on family members
c) Safety of women
To address these issues, I would like to focus on grass root change wherein women gain agency in their lives and can take their own decisions. I would like to improve their health, education & political participation.
Formation of SHGs and also inducing behaviour change by innovative techniques will be my focus.
19. As the interview in the examination is about personality assessment; what qualities, according to you, are discerned in an interviewee?
The board is looking for qualities that will make a good civil servant-
(i) Integrity and Honesty
(ii) Leadership
(iii) Compassion
(iv) Alertness of mind
(v) Power of assimilation of different viewpoints.
(vi) Ability to take decisions with effective communication.
So, basically, you have to be yourself because under that pressure, your natural self will automatically shine through. Most importantly, be positive and cheerful.
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?
Sometimes, one has to make a decision. Though balance is desirable but one cannot always be completely balanced. So, one has to understand the responsibility towards the people as a civil servant and make the most effective decision based on sound reasoning.
So the thought process is more important than taking a stand. The same applies in case studies in Ethics paper. You have to see every aspect but ultimately have to make a decision based on pros /cons, logic, duties etc. It will vary from case to case.
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