Winning isn’t everything but it is the only thing. This statement is true for those who aspire to crack the Union Public Service Commission Civil Service Exam (UPSC CSE).Not only a prestigious test but this exam is also a way to get the topmost designation of an Indian Administrative Officer (IAS). More than 8 lakh candidates appeared for the exam for the year 2019 but only few manage to add feathers to their caps. Meet these future administrators of India who not only earned success in the exam but also dream to make a positive impact in the society after joining services.
Preserving India’s historical sites will be my priority: Chandrajyoti Singh (AIR 28)
Her parents have served the Indian Army and Chandrajyoti Singh too wanted to serve the country in any possible way. After discovering the myriad of opportunities offered by civil services, she shifted her focus and started preparing for the entrance exams. Chandrajyoti graduated in History from Delhi’s prestigious St. Stephens College in 2018 after which she dedicated a year for preparations. Talking about her preparations, she said,” Coming from a history background helped me a lot. I joined a coaching institute but after 3 months I left and started preparing at home. I dedicated 6-8 hours initially and later increased to 10-12 hours a day. My basics were clear so I focused more on answer writing, mock interviews, online tests series, etc. I added technology to my advantage and made notes digitally which saved a lot of time and also kept all information sources together.” The future officer has lived substantially in Delhi and is aware of challenges being faced by women in urban and rural India. She wants to work for women’s health and also wants to take steps to preserve India’s historical sites and ancient heritage. She advises UPSC aspirants to take care of their mental health and maintain positivity while preparing for the exams. After her success, Chandrajyoti Singh has been receiving love, praise and applauds from her family, friends and relatives and is in the state of perfect happiness.
My focus is on the use of technology in rural India: Navneet Mittal (AIR 69)
Motivated by his father since his school days, Navneet quit his job and started preparing for civil services in 2017. A B.Tech from IIT Jodhpur, he got inspired by looking at his seniors who also joined civil services and did exceptional work at the village level. Talking about his preparations, he said,” I joined coaching after quitting my job and made my first attempt in 2018. My basic strategy was to keep it simple for every subject. I used to read multiple times and focused on giving as many exams before the real exam.” A technocrat himself, Navneet wants to work to develop technology in rural India like E-commerce which can provide employnment opportunities to many. Sharing his success mantra with those preparing for exams during a pandemic, he said,” Online platforms like Unacademy compliment offline modes. There’s no need to panic and no need to be sad due to the pandemic. The advantage of online classes is that they are very flexible and one can schedule classes as per his or hers choice”. Navneet shared that everyone in his family was on cloud nine after his success and his success has also motivated his younger siblings to achieve their dreams.
I want to work for women empowerment: Muskan Jindal (AIR 87)
Coming from Baddi in Himachal Pradesh, Muskan’s inspiration came from her father at an early age who wanted one of his four children to become an IAS officer and contribute towards the betterment of the society. Muskan, who secured 87th rank in the entire country started preparing for her exams in the final year of her B.Com (hons.) from Panjab University in 2018. The future civil servant who wants to work for women empowerment especially in the villages of Himachal Pradesh also wants to be an inspiration for girls who want to achieve something in life. Talking about her preparations, she said that she started early as her father motivated her for the exams at an early age which ultimately helped her to clear the exams in first attempt. Talking about her aims, she said,” I want to work for women as I can relate to issues faced by them. I want to become a good administrator whom people can approach without any hesitation. I want to help every section of the society”. She not only talked about her aims but also advised young UPSC aspirants to maintain positivity especially in this global coronavirus pandemic. ”Online platforms like Unacademy are very helpful and every detail is available. Online resources offer great content. Give your 100 percent, know your syllabus and be clear with the basics. This is a journey where someday you will feel like not doing it but maintain that consistency to get success”. Closest to her grandfather in the family, Muskan is overjoyed and overwhelmed with the response she is getting from every nook and corner after her success.