UPSC stars unfold success mantra

Kshipra Agre (24) appeared for UPSC the third time and secured 29 th rank,making her the highest rank holder from Pune. “I was expecting to get a rank in the first 100,but was surprised to get 29th rank. Indian civil service exams are supposed to be the toughest exams in the world after the French civil service exams. Hence,cracking it is always special. Government jobs give u job security.”

“This time I updated my knowledge of current affairs and I think that came in handy. One has to be aware of what is going on in the world,” Agre said.

Ravi Pattanshetti (28),originally from Belgaum,has lived his whole life in Pune. “I was working with Infosys when I first attempted UPSC. I got through Indian Corporate Law Services. Then I decided to try again for IAS. The second time I couldn’t get through but this time I secured 47th rank,” said Ravi.

“There is no definite mantra for success in civil service exams. I have seen people more talented and knowledgeable than me,giving the exam for many years without success. I think,the only way is to keep on trying till you get there. Plus before answering,always think why the question was asked. Then you will understand in what way the question should be answered. Your concepts have to be accurate,” Ravi said.

As far as Mrunmai Joshi (22),who secured 98th rank,is considered,civil service exams is actually a test of temperament. “This is my second attempt. In my first attempt,I did go up to the interview level but didn’t get a rank. I studied more this time and updated my current affairs,” said Joshi. “Civil service exams actually tests your patience,temperament and hard work because even if you fail in the last stage,you have to start from scratch,give all exams,clear all exams,clear the interview and till the time your number doesn’t appear on the rank list,there is no surety of whether you will get through or not. Hence,how you cope,what your attitude is and how much you can endure are all very important for success,” added Joshi.

While the candidates are happy celebrating their success,their mentors are celebrating too. “Along with hardwork,it is the attitude of ‘never give up’ that makes a candidate an IAS officer. “This is an exam of contemporary knowledge and not just bookish knowledge or history. The pattern of UPSC keeps on changing. Repeaters instead of relying on their knowledge need to constantly update their grasp of current affairs,” said Vishwanath Patil,tutor of Prithvi Coaching Class. “Earlier,optional subjects amounted to 65 per cent but now they have been reduced to 25 per cent which is really good. Hence the civil service exam is on the way to becoming a level playing field,” said Patil.

Talking about the new exam pattern,Avinash Dhramadhikari,of Chanakya Mandal classes said it is a move in the right direction. “I am very happy with the new pattern. The general studies papers have got more importance now which is really good. But the best part is the introduction of general studies paper four on ethics,integrity and aptitude,” said Dharmadhikari. He added,“Even though this time,the girls have shined,we still have a long way to go to achieve gender equality in civil service.

“Why is the girl candidate asked,‘how do you plan to manage family and work if you join civil service’ while boy is never asked that question.

“This shows deep rooted male chauvinism in the society and even in administration that takes these exams. All this has to change. With many girl candidates entering civil service,I hope there will be a change in the society,” added Dharmadhikari.