Every year several aspiring candidates around the nation appear in the Civil Services Exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. The Civil Services Exam paves way for some of the most prestigious and coveted posts which include the IAS (Indian Administrative Service), IFS (Indian Foreign Service) and Indian Police Service (IPS). Besides these three, group ‘A’ category of the PSE includes Indian Customs, Central Excise Service, Indian Revenue Service and Indian Postal Service. The entire entry process is split up into three phases. An aspiring candidate starts with the Prelims, then graduates to the Mains and finally to the face-to-face interview.
Through a brief tête-à-tête, Debasmita Das, IPS, DC, DD, Special, Kolkata comprehended the process of selection of the Civil Services Exam, touching upon the central points about her preparation. Excerpts:
Passion and perseverance are key
From my adolescent days, I have nurtured the dream of becoming a Civil Servant. The uniform attracted me always and I am extremely elated and proud of living my own dream. After graduating in Chemistry (Hon), I started preparing for the Civil Service Exam. Apart from Chemistry, I studied a plethora of fields such as Public Administration and Geography, which I believe helped me a lot in excelling in the exams.
The CSE is regarded as the most prestigious and the toughest exam to be conducted nationally. This is the doorway to some of the most coveted posts prevailing in the Indian democracy. To crack it, candidates must give their best and should plan properly before appearing for the same. I think patience and passion for the job hold the key to success.
Should tailor a particular approach while preparing for the exam:
Every year, innumerable candidates appear in this national-level examination. But unfortunately, very few excel. Proper planning is very significant for a candidate. He or she should be confident and should divide the entire syllabus and study them in detail by keeping in mind the time limits. I believe, detailed study helps. In the Prelims, most of the questions are MCQs and in the Mains, answers should be elaborate. Good analytical skills of a candidate will definitely give him or her an edge over others in the Viva round, as it assesses the management skills and the intellectual integrity of a candidate.
Never went to a coaching, did self-study with the help of the Internet:
I believe coaching centres actually spoon-feed the candidates and limits them within a boundary. This entire process of examination is very distinct and unpredictable.
Because, by excelling in this exam one will become a good administrator, capable enough to handle unpredictable situations on their own. Their decisions will affect the lives of thousands. Hence, I believe, the UPSC conducts this nationwide exam to handpick that league of people from society. I never attended coaching while I was preparing for the Civil Services Exam but instead, I relied on elaborate self-study and the Internet helped me with a lot of study materials.
Handling day-to-day challenges:
After qualifying, we have to go for an extensive 46-week training at the SVP National Police Academy, Hyderabad. The training modules are designed with combat training, jungle warfare, rock climbing which helps us prepare for the day-to-day challenges that we face on the job.
Youths should be inspired to be part of the Indian bureaucracy:
Today, we should publicise and create awareness amongst the youth and convince them to join the bureaucracy. People believe in myths which surround these jobs.
To join the bureaucratic services or be an IPS officer, one should be dedicated and have a passion for these jobs. However, you do not require superhuman abilities. What you need is the urge to stand out from the flock.
