Toppers Interview

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

Akanksha: Thank you so much sir. Much obliged.

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

Akanksha: During my college days I realized that corporate Job is not my cup of tea. I wanted to connect and relate with law on a much more ground level. Also Judicial Service is not merely a job but a living profession, as you deal with the real time situations. All this inspired me to work hard in this direction.

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

Akanksha: During my LL.B. only I was very clear in my thoughts that I have to become a judicial officer.

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?

Akanksha: Surprisingly, I never have read any interview, but during my preparation my mentor Mr. Alok Kr. Ranjan sir and my friend Gaurav used to share the stories of various toppers, which inspired me and kept me motivated that, ‘one should trust the process and must have faith in oneself’.

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?

Akanksha: Coming from a non-law family background I never knew about JSE till my graduation with Chemistry (Hons.). It was final year of my B.Sc. when I got in touch with one of my school seniors who happened to be an advocate in Delhi. From there it was my own decision to prepare for judiciary and from here it was law only. It was my first attempt only so had not thought much about timeframe. But, yes, I had in my mind that I have to clear JSE really soon.

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

Akanksha: I knew the importance of JSE from the very beginning of my law graduation and that judicial services will provide me an opportunity by which I could contribute a bit to our country. Thus it was always my serious choice and not an option.

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

Akanksha: The main purpose of interview is to get insight into your personality. In my case it got polished by ‘Interview Guidance Programme’ at Ambition Law Institute. Furthermore, me with friends Gaurav and Abhishek - were used to have discussions on various topics and issues which helped me during my interview. We should never prepare for interview with any pre-conceived notion. Trust yourself and be confident. You will do wonders.

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

Akanksha: I was serious since the beginning of my career in law but the actual preparation started when I joined Ambition Law Institute in November 2017.

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

Akanksha: During my preparation I was not thinking of the result at all. I started with a thought that I have to give my best. We have got 24 days to prepare for our mains so we had no time to think about the result. I am really happy and elated that I got First Rank.

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

Akanksha: This was my first attempt at UPPSC J. For preparation I adopted simple strategy of focused study for long hours by joining a library nearby my coaching, where I used to study with my friends from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. But, I used to take breaks after every 2 hours and in between I had my coaching classes also. I never missed my classes and was quite regular with coaching and library.

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

Akanksha: For the time being I was only focusing on Judiciary preparation.

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

Akanksha: The charm and respect which judicial services hold with it always kept me motivated in this direction only. Thus, the corporate jobs never distracted me.

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

Akanksha: Having a good mentor and friends around is very important and I was blessed with both. My Mentor Alok Kr. Ranjan Sir always guided me that stay away from all kinds of distractions and follow the strategy shared in class, techniques taught there and keep your hard work on then success is bound to follow. Having a good company is also very important. It keeps you motivated and positive. The group discussions and revision unknowingly helps you a lot. One must keep his/her preparation limited i.e. instead of referring to many books one should revise from limited sources and should apprise themselves with current legal and other issues. Reading newspaper regularly will definitely give you an edge while framing answers. Stay away from negative thoughts and negative people. Commit mistakes and learn from it.

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?

Akanksha: Yes, time management is one major thing which plays a great role while one prepares for competitive examination. In this case my friend Gaurav, Abhishek and Amrita really helped me. They shared strategies and guided me how much time I should be giving to major subjects as we had very limited days for our mains examination. We also had a session with our sir for time management.

CSC: List some of the magazines, newspapers, books, etc. which you read for ‘General Studies’ preparation.

Akanksha: Civil Services Chronicle, Mohit sir Class Notes, Study IQ education ( Garg sir ) current affairs, Ghatna Chakra ( All Volumes). For quick revision of latest amendments and bills I referred GK today.

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?

Akanksha: ‘Interview Guidance Program’ was offered by Ambition Law Institute. It was really important as it was going to be my first interview. My UP PCS-J interview was scheduled on 24^thJune 2019. I was interviewed by Dr R. Prakash Vaidya Board. My interview went well. They made me comfortable by asking me to sit and further adding that from where had I come, followed were few questions like from where have I done my LL.B., when did I pass, what I did after my graduation, etc. Few of the questions which they asked from law were what is Socialism, Defamation vs Insult, Defamation in Constitution, Civil and Criminal Defamation, nature of Evidence Act, latest judgment on Article 19, few questions from Appeal and Revision, etc. There were few questions which I couldn’t recall or I didn’t know so for them I simply replied sorry sir, “I cannot recall” or “Sorry sir I don’t remember”. It went for 15 minutes. At last they asked me to have water. After that I got up, greeted them and left the room.

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

Akanksha: I had written the exam in English as I can articulate better in English than Hindi. Medium doesn’t matter if you have good command over your language.

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

Akanksha: What all an aspirant need from their family is constant support. In my case I have a humble background. My father works in a private company at Lucknow and we are middle class family and I have studied at DAV school and then at Law College at Ghaziabad and even then I topped it. So, it speaks all about it.

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?

Akanksha: I and my friends highly relied upon Civil Service Chronicle for our GS portion. Thus, constant and regular reading will definitely give you an edge and results.

CSC: What is the secret of your success?

Akanksha: My teachers, my family, my friends and definitely my hard work.

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

Akanksha: Never doubt yourself. Start preparing now. Nothing is impossible.

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

Neha Saini : Thank you so much.

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

Neha: My father is a judicial officer. So, it always inspired me that I should also become a judge like him. Ever since I was as kid, I wanted to become a judge just like my father.

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

Neha: As stated above, I always wanted to become a judge like my father. But the day I took admission in my B.A. LL.B. My aim was very clear that I have to crack judiciary.

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: Yes, I have read toppers interview in newspapers/magazines. My father’s success story influenced my journey to this result. He is a son of a poor farmer, how he overcome all the financial and other obstacles to become a judge in Delhi, that really inspired me from a very young age.

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, JSE was a planned decision. Yes, I wanted to crack judiciary within 2 years. But unfortunately I took longer than I had expected. But I am happy that by God’s grace, I have finally cleared the exam.

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

Ans: I started reading and solving previous year question papers.

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

Neha: My exams were really good. I was hoping to be successful this time. I was extremely happy when I come to know about result.

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

Neha: I have taken 9 years to achieve this success.

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

Ans: Yes, teaching was also another career opportunity that attracted me. So, I qualified UGC-NET exam. I have over six years teaching experience.

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

Neha: There is a lot of dignity and respect attached to judicial services. It gives us an opportunity to serve the society. That really motivated me towards judicial services.

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?

Neha: Yes, time management is a very important factor. In my initial attempts I could not complete my papers. To overcome this issue I started answer writing practice regularly.

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

Neha: Newspapers : Indian Express and Times of India. Magazines : Chronicle.

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

Neha: Yes, Chronicle has really helped me in my exam preparation.

CSC: What is the secret of your success?

Neha: Perseverance is the secret of my success. I didn’t give up despite initial failures. That really helped me.

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

Neha: My parents. My husband and my in laws. They really supported me during my struggle period. I would also like to thank Alok Sir and Ambition Institute for their constant support and guidance. Most importantly I believe that God has been extremely kind to me.

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

Neha: Keep working hard. Don’t give up. One day God will definitely accept your genuine hard work.

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

Chitranshi: Thank you so much.

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

Chitranshi: I was working in Mumbai. The job was good, the people were good, pay-package was good, but the only thing missing was self-satisfaction. That’s when I realized that I want to go for judiciary.

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?

Chitranshi: Yes, of course, there are multiple people who inspire me in everyday life. However, I have always believed that ‘You have to out excel your own self and you can be your biggest inspiration’.

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

Chitranshi: Yes, JSE was my dream since college days. Not only mine, it was my parents’ only dream for me. I didn’t have any time frame approach; I knew I have to give it my best shot.

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

Chitranshi: I feel that interview panel is aware about nervousness of the candidates. They are all nice people, who are there to help you through the interview. So, don’t listen to anyone who tries to scare you; just be humble and respectful.

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

Chitranshi: Not at all. You cannot be confident until it actually happens. Well, the feeling of success is yet to sink in.

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

Chitranshi: Though I had given other exams like Rajasthan, M.P. and Haryana, this (Delhi) was my first attempt.

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

Chitranshi: I worked for a year and half after college. After that, I quit my job to prepare for Judiciary. So, while I was preparing, I was solely focused on that.

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

Chitranshi: It’s the respect that a Judicial Officer earns; also, the nature of the job where I’ll be learning every day, be challenged everyday and grow every day.

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?

Chitranshi: Yes, time management is very important. I am a morning person, so I used to start an early day at 5:00 AM and by the end of afternoon I used to relax.

CSC: List some of the magazines, newspapers, books, etc. which you read for ‘General Studies’ preparation.

Chitranshi: I used Apps to read Live Law, General GK, Study IQ and Civil Services Chronicle magazine.

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

Chitranshi: I focused on the latest developments in the field of law. I was asked just one question and my interview lasted for a minute.

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

Chitranshi: Yes, I feel that if the family understands the importance of this exam, it is much better as they are the strongest pillars for any student.

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?

Chitranshi: I have also read a lot of inspirational interviews. So, I believe Civil Services Chronicle is the best.

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

KANIKA: Thank you so much!

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

KANIKA: I believe it’s the day to day realization that justice is given in courts through judges and therefore to provide justice and redress wrong, judicial service is the mechanism for the same.

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

KANIKA: After my graduation, I decided to up make a career in judicial service.

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?

KANIKA: Every topper has a failure story behind him and therefore everyone has influenced and inspired me through their journeys.

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

KANIKA: It was essentially my parent’s wish. I decided to give myself two years of time for the entire process.

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

KANIKA: I decided to prepare under best guidance to improve my skills and strengths to overcome weakness of ill-preparation and half-hearted approach and joined Ambition Law Institute.

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

KANIKA: I cleared Delhi Judicial Services in my very first attempt. The classes of faculties of the Institute helped me to achieve this success. Mock interviews provided at Ambition Law Institute helped me in building confidence and cracking DJS-2019.

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

KANIKA: I was completely focused and dedicated towards making a career in judicial service. However, I was prepared to face the worst situations.

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?

KANIKA: One thing that we as a student cannot afford to take thing lightly is importance of time in our journey. In order to overcome panic attacks at last moments, I would regularly study and revise my notes. Also, before I start preparing for particular exams, I would prepare a chart for the complete month and it would contain number of hours I would study each day and within how many days I will be completing various subjects.

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

KANIKA: I have always picked Civil Services Chronicle for my preparation. I would also refer to some online websites.

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?

KANIKA: I appeared for mock interviews at my coaching i.e. Ambition Law Institute. Alok Sir had prepared me well for the interview. I faced the board of Hon’ble Justice G.S. Sastani, Hon’ble Justice Hima Kohli and Hon’ble Justice S. Murlidhar. I was asked two questions relating to dying declaration and my interview lasted for about 2-3 minute.

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

KANIKA: I would give the complete credit of my success to my parents who have been my strength and source of motivation throughout entire journey. Without my parents and siblings encouragement, I would not have cleared the exam. I would also like to mention Alok Sir, Founder of Ambition Law Institute and entire faculty & staff here for selflessly helping the students.

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

Ans: Thanks

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

Ans: It was long back when I completed my Graduation. I always wanted to be a Judicial Officer but due to family pressure for marriage, I could not do it at that time.

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

Ans: In 2013, I finally gave up my job and started my LL.B.

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

Ans: Yes, success story of each candidate is an inspiration in itself. Every success story gives us motivation to achieve our dreams.

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

Ans: We should not carry any presumptions about the interview board. We should face it with confidence as it is to be successful in any interview.

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

Ans: To look for the best institute which can guide me to achieve my dream and the journey got over when I found Ambition Law Institute.

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

Ans: Yes, I was confident about my success in this examination. And the moment I heard the result I was overwhelmed with joy.

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

Ans: First

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

Ans: Not as other career opportunity, but to further enhance my knowledge and to get to know the “WHY” of law, I am doing LL.M. from Delhi University.

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

Ans: The respect that people still have in the sanctity of judiciary, kept me motivated.

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

Ans: Hard work, sincerity, continuity, time management and revision, all are important.

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

Ans: I joined Ambition Law Institute for the same. I faced Board on 16^th Nov, 2019. It took around 10-15 minutes. My Interview went well. Mainly Law questions were asked.

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

Ans: Medium of writing of any examination is very important as the medium in which you are comfortable, you can express yourself eloquently and that expression leads you to success.

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?

Ans: I agree, every aspirant reads it, to get the success in General Studies

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

Ans. Prepare with positive thinking, sincerity, continuity having a proper time management schedule.

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

Ans: My parents, God, friends, family, and my coaching institute i.e. Ambition Law Institute.

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