Toppers Interview

CSC: Achieving top slot in the Judicial Services Examination is no small feat; accept our heartiest congratulations on your splendid success.

Abhinav: Thank you, I would like to especially thank Alok Kumar Ranjan Sir and entire Team members of Ambition Law Institute, Delhi.

CSC: Can you recall the exact moment when you realized the importance of Judicial Services?

Abhinav: Yes. It is due to the fact that I was closely engaged with State Legal Services Authority and National Legal Services Authority; I had the opportunity to meet various judges. They inspired me about the profession and life of a judicial officer.

CSC: Finally, at what point of time did you make up your mind to make career in ‘Judicial Services’?

Abhinav: Initially, I was preparing for UPSC. Eventually, through proper counselling I was convinced that I can be a good judicial officer.

CSC: Was JSE a planned decision or your parent’s wish? Did you keep in mind some time frame, for the examination preparation and number of attempts?

Abhinav: Never, It was my first sincere effort which resulted into success.

CSC: Describe the exact moment when you came to know about the importance of Judicial Services?

Abhinav: It was during the Covid 19 pandemic that posed unprecedented stress to career prospects for many people. That was the time when I genuinely realized how crucial it was for me to clear judicial services examination which is indeed the 1st priority for every law student. Thus, it was the exact moment for me.

CSC: About Interview Boards, many candidates have set impressions. Do you consider such thoughts help or hinder one’s performance in Interview?

Abhinav: Yes, it does. In fact, in my case, it was very important and effective as well.

CSC: What was your first step when you were really serious about making a career in Judicial Services?

Abhinav: I started with the fundamental concepts of law and sticking to the planned strategy that was made by me during the course of the preparation.

CSC: Were you confident of your success in this examination and how did you react to this news of your success?

Abhinav: Yes, I was sure that I will clear the examination just after the interview got over. It was definitely a wonderful news that brought moment of joy for all my loved ones. I convey my sincere gratitude to my professors and seniors for helping me throughout this journey.

CSC: In how many attempts have you achieved this success? How do you visualize your preparation/previous attempts?

Abhinav: This was my first sincere attempt where I was dedicated and focused towards my goal and accordingly I prepared for my examination. The only key to success was religiously following the self- made strategies which was made during the course of preparation.

CSC: Were you preparing for other career opportunities as well while preparing for your ultimate goal i.e. Career in Judicial Services?

Abhinav: Yes, I was pursuing PhD in law. Simultaneously, I was also associated with teaching and working as columnist for various reputed newspapers.

CSC: While the changing economic environment offers immense lucrative career opportunities in various sectors, still what kept you motivated towards Judicial Services?

Abhinav: Economic hindrances do not stop you from achieving what you strongly desire when your efforts are made in the right direction.

CSC: What's important and what's not? Share your thoughts and opinions.

Abhinav: According to me, it is your self-made strategies and the preparation framework that you consistently follow to achieve your desired goal.

CSC: List some of the Magazines, News Papers, Books, etc. which you read for 'General Studies’ preparation.

Abhinav: I was reading Indian Express, Civil Service Chronicle Magazine for Current Affairs and some statics books related to various topics and subject matter regularly.

CSC: How did you prepare yourself for Interview? When and which Board did you face? How did your interview go on, how much time it lasted and what were the questions asked during the Interview?

Abhinav: I have taken the guidance from Ambition Law Institute that really helped me to understand the intricacies of how to prepare for an interview. I also worked personally on my resume and issues related to law that are currently in news, latest Judgments and recent legal development for the interview.

CSC: What is the importance of medium of examination for exams like JSE?

Abhinav: My medium was English and it totally depends upon an individual and his ability to understand and learn the subject matter. Thus, the medium of examination did not pose any hindrance for me.

CSC: Does the educational, financial and demographic status of the family of an aspirant have any impact on the preparation?

Abhinav: I don’t think so. Your passion, efforts and ability to never give up on your dreams ultimately make it possible to achieve your goals.

CSC: According to a recent report published by reputed survey agency, Civil Service Chronicle is the largest read Career & Competition Magazine. What is your opinion?

Abhinav: Civil Service Chronicle is one of the best magazines for current affairs and it definitely helps the students to simplify their current affairs preparation.

CSC: What is the secret of your success?

Abhinav: My secret is to stay positive, being very confident, trying to have clarity over subject matter and the ability to never give up on my dreams.

CSC: To whom would you like to give the credit for your success?

Abhinav: There are many people in my list. First of all, my parents, my friends, some of the seniors and Ambition Law Institute that constantly helped me in staying positive and to stay focused towards my goal; and I would specially like to acknowledge the contribution of Alok Kumar Ranjan Sir who through their innovative methods of teaching developed the proper understanding of law in us.

CSC: Any suggestion/advice you would like to give to the future aspirants.

Abhinav: Focus on every stage of your preparation, be thorough with your bare acts and simultaneously prepare for answer writing. Take good care of your mental health and prepare with a positive attitude.

CSC: Thank You very much and wishing you all the best for your future endeavours.

C.S.C.: Heartiest congratulations to you from Civil Services Chronicle for your success. How are you feeling about it?

Deepak Kumar: Thanks a lot. It really feels special to get the first choice post. It seems the years of labour paid back. There is a feeling of gratitude to wards all who supported me in this long journey.

C.S.C.: What inspired you for becoming a BPS officer? Whom do you give credit for your success? What is the role of family and others (teacher, friends) in your preparation and success?

Deepak Kumar: The work done by various IPS officers inpublic field and especially in my district has inspired me to come in this field. Recent work of Harprit Kaur madam, the work of Paresh Saxena sir and work of IAS Kundan Kumar sir inspired me a lot. The credit of my success goes to Mami-Papa, my elder brother (Arun Kumar), my respected teachers who have not been merely teachers but the guiding principles (like Sarvesh Sir, Lalit Sir), Shubhash Chandra Bhaiya (IRS), and my close friends. Role of family remained vital in supporting me with all the resources they can. Teachers and friends played very important role in making preparation, selecting right resources and directing my preparation in right direction.

C.S.C.:What strategy one should follow for preparing General Studies Prelims & Mains? Did you integrate your Prelims and Mains preparation or was it separate?

Deepak Kumar: Analyze the syllabus, previous years question paper and understand the demand of exam. Map the areas form where questions are being asked again and again, and prepare for that area based on its importance form exam perspective. Aspirants should have a basic and pragmatic calculation of marks they need to score in various papers to get the desirable rank and post. Choose optional wisely.Preparation of prelims and Mains in an integrated way was my strategy.Whatever facts & figures, standard books I studied for prelims, I used those concepts, facts and figures for mains as well. It helped me saving time and fruitful utilization of knowledge I gained through prelims preparation.

C.S.C.:How much time did you devote for Prelims, Mains, Interview, and Optional? How did you manage your time in both Prelims and Mains examinations?

Deepak Kumar: Since I have prepared Civil Services twice and qualified its prelims two times, I just prepared for Bihar special – mostly form Crown Publication books, then current affair from Bihar Samgrah, and science portion form Lucent General Knowledge. All this I covered in 20days. For Mains, apart from standard books for civil services exam, I went through the book by Sarvesh sir for Bihar specific approach. Answer writing in Sarvesh sir Test series for BPSC helped me a lot in Mains and discussion of test was really helpful. For optional, I followed IMS study material both for UPSC and BPSC with some selected books like Malik and Arora, books of Krishna Series. In BPSC, questions are relatively easy and IMS materials are enough for preparation. For interview, I attended Mock Test of Sarvesh sir, in 63^rd BPSC I also attended the mock of Patanjali IAS and Dristi IAS.

C.S.C.:What was your optional? What was the basis of selecting this optional?

Deepak Kumar: Math was my optional subject as I enjoy this subject since my school days. It also gave me window to study non-humanity subject. So, a balance between Math and GS helped in continuing my study for long.

C.S.C.:How did you prepare for interview? How should one prepare for the interview?

Deepak Kumar: I prepared for interview on general terms like about myself: educational background, optional, why in public service, hometown/village, about Bihar, and potential and issues state is facing. Current affair is particularly important and questions are asked on the issues trending at the time of interview. One must be ready for logical questions rather than factual questions. One should try to be apolitical and stick to constitutional provisions.

C.S.C.:What is the importance of coaching in the preparation of exam?

Deepak Kumar: I particularly didn’t attend class room program of any coaching institute. But, for test series of good quality like that of Sharthak Samwad for BPSC is very helpful,and test discussion is even more important. Writing GS test series in exam mode helps in developing answer writing approach.

C.S.C.:What is your source of preparation? Which books, magazines, newspapers and online sources were used by you during preparation?

Deepak Kumar: Some you tube channels like Mrunal helped mein developing the basic understanding of history, geography and economics. After that, I read basic books for Civil services like – Lakshmikant for polity, Spectrum for history. For BPSC, special Sarthak Samwad books on Hisotry,Polity and economics are really helpful.

C.S.C.:Suggest book list for preparing Prelims, GS & CSAT and Mains Paper 1 to 4 and Essay.

Deepak Kumar: Book list for Prelims: Lucent (especially for Science), Crown Publication – Introduction of Bihar or Bihar ek Parichay (Imtiyaz Ahmad), Bihar Samagrh for current; For Mains: Selected topicsform Lakshmikant and Spectrum, and Sarthak Samwad. Along with this, newspaper-The Hindu or Indian Express are very important.

C.S.C. : Achieving top slot in the Judicial Services Examination is no small feet; accept our heartiest congratulations on your splendid success.

Himani : Thank you very much.

C.S.C. : Can you recall the exact moment when you realized the importance of Judicial Services?

Himani : Initially I wanted to go for litigation but I came to know about this Exam. From my very good friend Shishav Shukla and through him I got inspired for becoming a judge someday.

C.S.C. : Finally, at what point of time did you make up your mind to make career in ‘Judicial Services’?

Himani : In 3^rd year of my 5 year B.A. LLB (Hons). Programme I realized I should start preparing.

C.S.C. : Was JSE a planned decision or your parent’s wish? Did you keep in mind some time frame, for the examination preparation and number of attempts?

Himani : Judicial Services was not literally planned but as soon as I realized this is what I want to do in my life I started preparing. I wanted to give my best in the 1^st attempt.

C.S.C. : Describe the exact moment when you came to know about the importance of Judicial Services?

Himani : When I came to know the importance and responsibility of being a Judicial Officer.

C.S.C. : About Interview Boards, many candidates have set impressions. Do you consider such thoughts help or hinder one’s performance in Interview?

Himani : For interview I think one should focus on his own personality and confidence. Because the board is there to select you and not reject you.

C.S.C. : What was your first step when you were really serious about making a career in Judicial Services?

Himani : I joined Ambition Law Institute, this was my first step towards my journey.

C.S.C. : Were you confident of your success in this examination? How did you react to this news of your success?

Himani : Yes, I was confident but the real news actually surprised me.

C.S.C. : In how many attempts have you achieved this success? How do you visualize your preparation/previous attempts?

Himani : This was my first attempt in Bihar Judicial Services. Earlier I had given interview of U.P. Judicial Services also.

C.S.C. : Were you preparing for other career opportunities as well while preparing for your ultimate goal i.e. career in Judicial Services?

Himani : No this was my only goal.

C.S.C. : While the changing economic environment offers immense lucrative career opportunities in various sectors, still what kept you motivated towards Judicial Services?

Himani : The dignity of this post and opportunity to serve society in a particular way kept me motivated.

C.S.C. : What's important and what's not? Share your thoughts and opinions.

Himani : It is very important to stay with people who motivate you through this journey and stay away from negative thoughts.

C.S.C. : 'Time Management' - is a key factor while making preparations as well as in writing examination papers. Did you come across such a problem during this period? If yes, then how did you manage things?

Himani : Time management is the key here. I used to write answers in time bound manner and this helped me a lot in mains exams.

C.S.C. : List some of the Magazines, Newspapers, Books etc. which you read for ‘General Studies’ preparation.

Himani : Civil Services Chronicle Magazine helped me with G.S. and Current Affairs and along with it I used to go through you tube for some current updates.

C.S.C. : How did you prepare yourself for Interview? When and which Board did you face? How did your interview go on? How much time it lasted and what were the questions asked during the Interview?

Himani : I revised my subjects and remained updated with the current goings. My interview board was very polite and co-operative and my interview lasted about 20 minutes

C.S.C. : What is the importance of medium of examination for exams like JSE?

Himani : Medium of Examination does not matter really. Rather your content and expression is all that matters.

C.S.C. : Does the educational, financial and demographic status of the family of an aspirant have any impact on the preparation?

Himani : Yes, it sometimes makes you feel quitting but when dreams are big you need to be grilled and come up with confidence.

C.S.C. : According to a recent report published by reputed survey agency, Civil Services Chronicle is the largest read Career & Competition magazine. What is your opinion?

Himani : Yes, Chronicle helped me a lot during my preparation.

C.S.C. : What is the secret of your success?

Himani : Constant revision and determination

C.S.C. : To whom would you like to give the credit for your success?

Himani : To my parents, teachers, and my good friends.

C.S.C. : Any suggestion/advice you would like to give to the future aspirants

Himani : I would say, stay determined and trust yourself. The success is sure.

CSC: Achieving top slot in the Judicial Services Examination is no small feet; accept our heartiest congratulations on your splendid success.

Ans: Thank you so much would not have been possible without AMBITION.

CSC: Can you recall the exact moment when you realized the importance of Judicial Services?

Ans: While I was interning under Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal, Delhi HC I was immensely motivated by her work. I decided to invest my life in judicial services.

CSC:Finally, at what point of time did you make up your mind to make career in ‘Judicial Services’?

Ans: During the last year of my law college.

CSC:You must have read Toppers interviews in newspapers/magazines; what inspired you the most? Any particular success story which influenced your journey to this result?

Ans: The biggest success story that has ever inspired me is of M.S. Dhoni. He unparallel sacrifice & never ending Optimism has been a personal driving force.

CSC:Was JSE a planned decision or your parent’s wish? Did you keep in mind some time frame, for the examination preparation and number of attempts?

Ans: Yes it was a mutual decision of family members. I had kept two years time frame.

CSC:About Interview Boards, many candidates have set impressions. Do you consider such thoughts help or hinder one’s performance in Interview?

Ans: One must not have pre-conceived set of notions.

CSC:What was your first step when you were really serious about making a career in Judicial Services?

Ans: I took admission in AMBITION in July, 2018 and it was my first step towards my dream.

CSC: Were you confident of your success in this examination and how did you react to this news of your success?

Ans: I had blessings of my family & teachers and thus I was very confident. I saw the result exactly the moment. It was declared and it humbled me with sense of responsibility and humility.

CSC: In how many attempts have you achieved this success? How do you visualize your preparation/previous attempts?

Ans: This was my first attempt in Bihar. I failed after interview in UP. I have also failed in preliminary exam of MP.

CSC: While the changing economic environment offers immense lucrative career opportunities in various sectors, still what kept you motivated towards Judicial Services?

Ans: The fact that one will be able to touch upon many lives by being a judicial officer was the most critical factor.

CSC: What’s important and what’s not? Share your thoughts and opinions.

Ans: The most important thing required for judicial services is patience and hard work. Don’t let results deter you.

CSC: ‘Time Management’ - is a key factor while making preparations as well as in writing examination papers. Did you come across such a problem during this period? If yes, then how did you manage things?

Ans: I am a gold medalist in my law program and thus I was cautious about time management since inception. Writing a quality answer in the limited time frame is the key.

CSC: List some of the Magazines, News papers, Books etc. which you read for ‘General Studies’ preparation.

Ans: I heavily relied upon the Indian express, chronicles, PD.

CSC: How did you prepare yourself for Interview? When and which Board did you face? How did your interview go on, how much time it lasted and what were the questions asked during the Interview?

Ans: I took mocks. I faced Justice A.K. Upadhayay’s Board. It was positive from the moment I entered. It lasted for 15 minutes. Questions from Constitution Tort, Cr.P.C. were asked.

CSC:What is the importance of medium of examination for exams like JSE?

Ans: What matters in the end are the quality of substance and not the form (medium).

CSC:Does the educational, financial and demographic status of the family of an aspirant have any impact on the preparation?

Ans: No what really matters is candidate’s sincerity about his dreams.

CSC:According to a recent report published by reputed survey agency, Chronicle is the largest read Career & Competition magazine. What is your opinion?

Ans: It is the best magazine I have ever read. It is sine qua non for selection.

CSC: What is the secret of your success?

Ans: My perservance and my family’s & Alok Sir’s unfailing faith in me.

CSC:To whom would you like to give the credit for your success?

Ans: Almighty my family, Alok Sir Ambition, my friends and my college VIPs, GGSIPU, New Delhi.

CSC: Any suggestion/advice you would like to give to the future aspirants.

Ans: Keep giving your best & results will follow the suit.