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.

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

Jitesh: Thank you. I would like to especially thank Team Ambition Law Institute and Alok Kumar Ranjan Sir.

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

Jitesh: When I was in School, I used to visit court with my father who is an advocate; there I realized the position, importance and dignity of Judicial Services.

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

Jitesh: In my 2nd year of B.A. LLB in Kurukshetra University, I decided to go with Judicial Services Examination.

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?

Jitesh: Firstly, it was the wish of my brother. Then I decided to appear for it. I previously appeared for RJS Interview and this was my first attempt for Haryana which I cleared with 20th rank.

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

Jitesh: Judicial Services in India is the most organised mechanism in our country and the position of Judge holds a great respect, dignity and divinity.

CSC: About Interview Boards, many candidates have set impressions. What is your opinion, whether such thoughts help or hinder one’s performance in Interview?

Jitesh: I have taken interview guidance programme course from Ambition Law Institute and my brother also helped me a lot in the preparation of interview.

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

Jitesh: Firstly, I decided to read the syllabus of Judicial Services which helped me a lot in understanding about the scheme of examination and then the PYQ's of this exam.

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

Jitesh: Yes, I was bit sure about my success after my interview of Haryana Judicial Services because it went well. This is also truth that I was surprised when I got the news of my selection in this examination and at the same time happy too.

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

Jitesh: This was my 1st attempt of Haryana Judicial Exam. My journey to this examination includes a lot of Hard Work, perseverance and also a lot of patience.

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

Jitesh: No, I was only preparing for Haryana Judicial Services from my 2nd year of Law till the time of interview. But after my interview, I started preparing for UPSC.

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

Jitesh: Although there are other opportunities which includes good incentives like, in litigation sector but only Judicial Services includes such a dignity, pride and respect which others do not bear.

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

Jitesh: In this journey hard work and patience is very important. Apart from them, a good command on law concepts is required.

CSC: 'Time Management' - is a key factor while doing preparation as well as in examination hall. Did you come across such a problem during this period? If yes, then how did you manage things?

Jitesh: Time management is very important because you have to maintain your speed along with word limit. Also, there are total five theory papers in mains out of which two papers are held in a single day.

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

Jitesh: Generally, I read Civil Services Chronicle. For latest ‘case laws’, I preferred Live Law website.

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

Jitesh: My brother helped me a lot in preparing for interview. Also I gave many mocks in Ambition Law Institute which also helped me. There was only one Board of 9 members in Haryana. My interview went well.

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

Jitesh: I personally think that English medium is a bit easy than Hindi medium in this examination because one has to maintain his/her speed in mains.

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

Jitesh: I do not think that any of these factors can impact or hinder any aspirant for making to this examination because it only needs Hard Work and Self-determination.

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

Jitesh: Yes, Civil Services Chronicle is a good magazine for current affairs in general studies.

CSC: What is the secret of your success?

Jitesh: My secret of success is the planning of my brother which helped and inspired me a lot at every point of time. I worked hard constantly without wasting time.

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

Jitesh: I will give the credit of my success to my parents, God and a large part of it to my brother and Ambition Law Institute.

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

Jitesh: I just want to say that be punctual and do constant hard work without wasting time.

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

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

Shraddha: I found Civil Services Chronicle very informative and precise. It helped me immensely in preparing the G.S. part of JSE.

CSC: What is the secret of your success?

Shraddha: Hard work, determination, supportive family and friends and healthy competitive spirit.

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

Shraddha: I would like to give the credit for my success to God, my family, friends and teachers & entire Team of Ambition. I want to extend my special gratitude to Mr. Alok Kumar Ranjan Sir (The Headmaster, Ambition Law Institute, Delhi).

CSC: Tell us about some basic things an aspirant should give emphasis to?

Shraddha: Writing Skills, Time Management, Conceptual Clarity and Learning Ability.

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

Shraddha: Solve previous year questions and practice answer writing and read the Judgments of Hon'ble Supreme Court.

Utkarsh Dwivedi, AIR 5, CSE 2021, is an epitome of motivation for many civil service aspirants who dream of becoming an IAS officer despite the hurdles. Presenting to you here is an interview with Mr. Ayush Sinha, founder and director of Forum IAS and Utkarsh Dwivedi.

Ayush: Utkarsh, a very warm welcome to you and congratulations for securing Rank 5 in CSE 2021. What was your reaction when you saw the results of CSE 2021? Also, what were you doing in Haridwar when the results came in?

Utkarsh: Thank you sir. Initially, I was happy and later, the excitement subsided as reality set in that it is time for responsibility. This was my third attempt of CSE and every time I failed, I had no one except my mother to cry about it. So, I went to my relative’s place in Haridwar so that I may not be alone if something were to go wrong again.

Ayush: Please tell us about your education and family background.

Utkarsh: My family includes my parents and a younger sibling. I have had school education from all across the country and later pursued Mechanical Engineering from VIT, Vellore. I came to Delhi in 2018 for CSE preparation right after I finished my graduation.

Ayush: What are your thoughts on people starting their CSE preparation during second and/or third year of graduation?

Utkarsh: Though I started my formal preparation after graduation, the informal one started in college itself. It good that people become clear as to what they have to do in life but it is equally important to enjoy the college life instead of missing out on the days later.

Ayush: What was your strategy for the preparation of Prelims? What study sources did you refer to?

Utkarsh: I wrote a lot of tests. In fact I have been a part of Forum IAS’s Prelims Test Series ever since my first year of preparation. I have also recommended to lot of my friends. UPSC is not only about knowing everything; there will be times when one will have to work on their intuition to get an answer right. I stuck to limited reading sources like NCERT, spectrum, Laxmikant. I joined Forum for test series and by the time I appeared for the exam, I had already solved more than 10,000 questions.

Ayush: Unlike the trend where students buy test series during their second attempt of CSE preparation, why did you take the subscription in the first year itself?

Utkarsh: Solving questions at Forum helped me realize the areas I needed to work on. Therefore, taking test series is way more beneficial than going for market-available test papers where you can just know the score.

Ayush: Despite solving number of test papers, students score somewhere between 60-70 marks. Since you have cleared Mains thrice, what in your opinion are the mistakes these students must have been making?

Utkarsh: Solving questions is just one portion of the preparation; analysis of the answers is the second one. One needs to analyse the correct as well as the incorrect options to dig dipper into the topic and to avoid repeating mistakes during the next attempt. This approach also helps in option elimination in case of MCQs.

Ayush: How many questions did you attempt for the prelims?

Utkarsh: I attempted more than 90 questions because attempting less questions does not take one too far as the paper has become more dynamic and unpredictable.

Ayush: How did you deal with CSAT since it has become a disqualifying paper for many students?

Utkarsh: I myself scored much less than what I scored in 2020 and the year prior to that. In my opinion, it is best to solve all the previous years’ papers right from 2013 till date and join some program for practice. In areas like logical reasoning and maths, one should make notes on the tricks that would save time.

Ayush: One month before the prelims, how did your day look like?

Utkarsh: I used to give tests from morning till afternoon and kept the evenings for revision. I used to get good sleep, and often talked with friends to refresh my mind. I would suggest people to solve previous years’ papers in the last week. This will orient the brain to the actual examination pattern.

Ayush: Which newspaper did you read and how much did you struggle in notes’ making?

Utkarsh: I was always habitual of reading newspaper right from my college days. I read 3 newspapers, viz., The Hindu- Complete, The Indian Express- Editorial and explain page, and The Mint- primer, long story and editorial. Reading the newspaper helps in the Mains as well as during the interview.

Ayush – Did you digitalize the notes or had hard copies for them?

Utkarsh: I made hand-written notes during my first attempt. Later, I digitalized the notes using Evernote.

Ayush: Did you have a specific hack for organizing your notes on Evernote?

Utkarsh: I used ‘stacking’ method to organize my notes. I compiled different topics under their concerned subject and different subjects under their respective category (e.g. GS 1, GS 2 & so on). In this way, I had a notebook category-wise and subject-wise.

Ayush: How was preparation of the Mains different from that of the Prelims?

Utkarsh: In my opinion, both the exams require a different approach. For e.g. preparing notes on the same topic that can be asked in prelims and/or the Mains require an altogether different content. One thing that is inescapable and common for both the exams is practicing as many questions as possible.

Ayush: In GS paper 1, questions rarely come from the topics Post-Independence History and World History. Would you recommend skipping these topics?

Utkarsh: No, I would not advise to leave any topic as UPSC is unpredictable. One can never be sure how UPSC might frame paper the next time.

Ayush: What was your approach for ‘Society’ & ‘Core Geography’?

Utkarsh: I made notes of my own for ‘Society’ and also sought help from newspaper. For ‘Geography’, I referred NCERT and notes of the prelims.

Ayush: How did you handle all the subjects under GS paper 3?

Utkarsh: The students are unable to score much over here despite all the efforts. It is advisable to being abreast with the current affairs because GS paper 3 is dynamic and one has to cover all the topics and solve previous year papers.

Ayush: You were a part of Forum’s MGP for almost 2 years. How was your overall journey and experience with us?

Utkarsh: One thing that was striking here at Forum was the quality of mentorship, questions, and the comprehensiveness of the solutions. I picked up a lot of reading points as and by I kept on appearing for the tests. That greatly helped in making continuous improvements.

Ayush: Did you develop some negativity towards the personality test after not getting the expected marks?

Utkarsh: I have been taking mocks with you, Sir for both years – this year and last year. When one is unable to score at this stage close to the finish line, it is a huge disappointment. So yes, some amount of negativity did creep in but God has been gracious this time. Also thank you for all the guidance during the Mains and the Interview during both these attempts.

Ayush: During your CSE preparation journey, how did you keep yourself motivated?

Utkarsh: Your articles written under the name “Neyawn” were highly motivating and I would recommend them to all. Also, my wonderful seniors and friends constantly supported me even during my failures.

Utkarsh was a student of Forum IAS Academy for Prelims & Mains preparation. Readers can find the interview on Youtube at our official website- Forum IAS Official.

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

Uttam: Thank you very much sir. I am quite happy and feeling is beyond description- a combination of excitement, joy, nervousness for upcoming transformation in life.

CSC: What is your inspiration for becoming an IAS officer? Whom do you give credit for your success? What is the role of family and others (teachers, friends) in your preparation and success?

Uttam: My inspireation for opting civil service is social service - lessening sufferings of people, helping them to achieve their dreams. I would give credit of my success to my family (parents, siblings). They supported me throughout this journey. During my preparation, my teachers (special mention here for Sunil Gupta Sir) gave me proper direction and motivated me.

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

Uttam: General Studies, being the most important component of both the stages (49% in mains and 100% in prelims), requires special focus. I would say revising, and practicing regulary is the key for both the stages. Regular writing for mains, daily practice of MCQs would be helpful. I prepared for prelims and mains in an integerated manner. Only three months before prelims, I dedicatedly worked for prelims only.

CSC: What was your optional? What was the basis of selecting this optional? What strategy one should follow for preparing?

Uttam: My optional was Public Administration. Basis for selection of this was – my interest for knowing all about administration, short syllabus, and comparative advantage (overlapping with general studies syllabus). Fore preparation, my strategy was joining a good coaching (I joined INSPIRATION IAS ACADEMY), revising coaching notes, daily answer writing and doing test series.

CSC: What was your strategy for preparation and books of Ethics Paper-IV?

Uttam: Ethics Paper-IV is the area where one can score very high with little effort. I did two readings of Lexicon book, practiced a lot of case studies and added a number of examples from Ramayana and Mahabharta.

CSC: Tell us something about preparation of Essay paper.

Uttam: Essay again is an area where little efforts can fetch you good marks. I followed a strategy of writing essay every Sunday on INSIGHTS ON INDIA platform.

CSC: What was your style of writing in the exam? How was it distinct from the general writing style? How did you develop this writing style?

Uttam: My style of writing comprised a good structure (Introduction- Body- Conclusion), filled with data, substantiated with examples and case studies (for instance, if I have to write something about Urban Planning , I used to refer Indus Valley Civilisation). I developed my writing style with practice (I wrote four answers per day since the beginning of my preparation).

CSC: How did you prepare for interview? Which types of questions were asked in interview? Did you answer them all? Was there any specific area they emphasised upon?

Uttam: Interview preparation for me was most scary one (because UPSC CSE Interview was first interview of my life). So, I dig a lot from internet and listened to a number of toppers’ videos. I prepared a list of questions (personal questions, questions from current affairs and optional). I prepared those questions in front of mirror every day, gave 2 mock interviews also.

In my interview, questions were asked about my name (Uttam – How your name motivates you?) my hobbies, questions on optional paper, J&K Issue, Russia – Ukraine war and India's stand, two situation-based questions.

They also asked me 4-5 questions from Chemistry (my academic background).

I answered all of the questions except the name of chief minister of J&K at the time of drafting of Constitution of J&K.

CSE: What is the importance of coaching in the preparation of this exam?

Uttam: For me, I would say, coaching from INSPIRATION IAS ACADEMY has played an important role. Coaching decides a path for you. It draws boundary line, so that student does not drift here and there.

Mentorship of Sunil Gupta Sir (Director of INSPIRATION IAS ACADEMY) has helped me sail through this exam. He has supported and guided me during coaching and even after that for public administration preparation.

CSE: What is the role of Civil Services Chronicle in your success?

Uttam: Civil Services Chronicle has helped me for preparing Ethics (Paper-IV) and following magazines every month for Model MCQs (Prelims) and exclusive topics for mains. Chronicle has helped me for General Studies & Current Affairs.

CSE: What is your source of preparation? Which books, magazines, news papers and online sources were used by you during your preparation?

Uttam: My preparation was based on standard books for each subject, following magazines like Civil Services Chronicle, Yojana, Kurukshetra, reading The Hindu newspaper and following INSIGHTS IAS for daily answer writing.

CSE: Suggest a book list for Prelims, GS & CSAT and Mains Paper (1 to 4) and Essay.

Uttam:

Booklist for GS (Prelims + Mains)

• Polity – M. Laxmikant
• History – Spectrum
• Economy – Sri Ram Notes
• Geography – 11th & 12th NCERT
• Environment – Shanker IAS
• Disaster Management – Current Affairs
• Internal Security – Class Notes
• International Relationships – Current Affairs
• Ancient & Medieval History – Class Notes
• Essay – Ultimate Cheatbook for Essay written by IRS Ravi Kapoor
• Ethics – Lexicon by Chronicle

CSE: Suggest a book list for Optional (Public Administration Paper 1 & 2).

Uttam:

• Class notes + Handouts given by Sunil Gupta Sir (Inspiration IAS Academy)
• Prasad and Prasad (for thinkers)
• R.K. Sapru
• Mohit Bhattcharya (for selected topics)
• Aribam books for both - Paper 1 & Paper 2