K Nandakumar who always dreamt of reaching the zenith of excellence in Civil Services Examination has come true by securing All India Rank 30th in the year 2006 at the age of 26 years. He is an icon and a true inspiration for the millions of Indian students and showed that nothing is impossible. This was his dream which came true only because of his hard work.

Family Background

K Nandakumar comes from Mamarthapetti village in Tamil Nadu’s Namakkal district. His father M Karuppannan went to work in the paddy fields of his native village which proved a dead end, so his father joined a local lorry service, as a ‘cleaner’. During that stint, which lasted two years, he learnt to drive and got his license; he then got a job as a driver. His mother Lakshmi is a house maker and she invested some amount in buying a sewing machine, and works from home. She make about one hundred rupees a day, and that takes care of the household expenses. The household ran on Karuppannan’s income. He has one younger brother Aravind Kumar and he is an engineering graduate.

For both Aravind and K Nandakumar, their parents are “Gods”. “We are proud of our father as he is very hardworking and very thrifty” Aravind says.

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Educational Background

K Nandakumar completed his schooling from Namakkal Government South School, an institution where the medium of instruction was Tamil. After completing his schooling he did engineering from the Pollachi Mahalingam College.

Due to economic problem and the feeling that he had to help his father to run the household led him to do a job in private company at Coimbatore. During this period he worked and then did late night studies and the result was extreme tiredness resulting from mental and physical exertion. This began impacting on his studies and he slowly quited focus on the Indian Administrative Service Exams.

Despite the economical challenges K Nandakumar faced, so finally he decided to quit his job at an engineering firm to devote full-time for preparation.

Optional Paper

With Tamil as his language medium, K Nandakumar had Geography and Tamil literature as his optional paper. He was comfortable with Tamil, as he was into this medium of education throughout his school days. K Nandakumar says, “it eased undue apprehension about grammatical and syntax errors and allowed him to focus on the essence of the writing”.

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Attempts by K Nandakumar

For the first time when K Nandakumar sat for the UPSC Exams, he failed. On his second attempt, he ranked 350th and K Nandakumar was offered Indian Railway Traffic System (IRTS). He could not ignore this job in because that was the Railways, while dreaming of the IAS he hoped to land some day. So he joined the Railways, and began the required training. Nights, he shrugged off the fatigue, and studied for yet another attempt at the big one. Again he studied with new hope and great enthusiasm and he fetched 30th rank in his third attempt.

Preparation Strategy

“There is no secret to success, as it was his hard work and nothing else”, K Nandakumar says. He used to study in groups with his friends together. The friends went together to trawl through the market, looking for books relating to the Civil Services; they then pored over their finds. Newspapers were devoured cover to back page, with meticulous care. For current affairs, friends used to ask questions about the last one year, so he read a lot of newspapers.

Tips for Young Aspirants

• There is no secret to success.
• Be devoted with strong determination and patience.
• Read newspaper regularly and make jot down the important points.

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Neha Srivastava, Jharkhand girl has secured Rank 12 in the UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2015. She is an excellent example of consistency and patience.

Educational Background

Neha Srivastava originally comes from Hazaribag in Jharkhand. Neha did her early schooling from RK Mission, Deogarh. After completing her schooling she pursued her B.Tech in Biotechnology from Padmashree DY Patil, Mumbai.

After completing her B.Tech, Neha Srivastava wanted to get into some decent business school, become financially independent before getting into Civil Services preparation. Her plan was to go for CSE after completing her PG. So she was preparing for aptitude. Meanwhile her uncle who himself is a Civil Servant and has teaching experience of over 10 years was guiding her for GS. Neha Srivastava was motivated by him and she decided to drop her MBA plan and started her full pledged preparation 6 months before prelims.

But then Neha Srivastava decided to give Civil Services at least one try. So she gave her first Prelims in May 2013, she picked up the Hindu and NCERT books in Jan 2013. And with uncle’s guidance she was able to clear CSP 2013.

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Optional Paper

Neha Srivastava chose Zoology and Botany as her optional paper. Her major optional was zoology as many topics were similar to her graduation subject, but initially troubled her a lot. Being unconventional subject it is not very easy to gather the sources of studies. Her second optional was botany. It has many overlapping topics with zoology so she prepared them well. Her strategy for optional was to finish one section of each paper completely because ultimately we need to answer 5/8 questions.

Attempts

Neha Srivastava cracked Indian Forest Services Exam in her first attempt.

Preparation Strategy of Neha Srivastava

Neha Srivastava revealed her preparation strategy. She read the same book again and again instead of reading different books on the same topic. And it paid off, it helped her to clear Prelims in first attempt in very less time. As Prelims exam is the toughest stage to be conquered with the right strategy.

Neha Srivastava had a habit of notes making. Notes helped her to compile the topics together. It is a time consuming process but it ultimately helps a lot in revision especially for topics like economic zoology, genetics which can’t be covered using one book. As it was always easy for her to revise from notes written in her own handwriting. My strategy was to complete one section of each paper.

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Neha Srivastava was preparing for GS till prelims result came out. And when she found that she is eligible for IFS mains, then she focused on the optional paper. And reserved last 10 days for second optional.

Neha Srivastava did self-studies because she was not a kind of person who can sit and study for one hour continuously that’s why she never joined any coaching. Coaching or no coaching should be individual’s choice.

Hindu and Yojana helped her lot for Mains because no matter how hard she tried, most of the days she was not able to finish her newspaper.

Internet was like having any info at one click. Internet definitely helps a lot to clarify the concepts. Since Neha Srivastava did self-studies, she fully relied on internet mostly when she was not able to understand anything.

Tips for Young Aspirants

• One should first attempt the question which one is sure about. Then take the risk for other questions.
• If one is following news properly GS can be easily managed.
• Be honest and modest. One should never argue with the Board Members. Many times board members try to explain some concepts if we fail to answer, that time we should look interested that we are too eager to learn.
• Refer magazines/newspapers while preparing for current affairs.

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Priyanka Methani has hogged the limelight and made the people of Chandigarh proud by bagging the 59th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2014. She wished to join Indian Foreign Service as she was interested in International Relations and thus would like to serve as an IFS officer. Indian Foreign Service Priyanka Mehtani is a Chartered Accountant (CA). She is an icon and a true inspiration for the millions of Indian students and showed that nothing is impossible.

“It’s a long drawn process, not only did I had to stick to a path I had chosen for myself, I also had to avoid burn out,” says Priyanka Mehtani.

Marks Obtained

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Family Background

Priyanka Mehtani belongs to Chandigarh. Her father Sanjay Methani is a CA and her mother is an assistant Professor of chemistry at a Government College in Chandigarh. She followed her dad Sanjay Methani’s footsteps and feels the “services always called out to her”.

Educational Background

Priyanka Mehtani is an alumnus of St Stephen’s College, New Delhi.  Priyanka has also done the three-year LLB course at Punjab University. She’s also done a short term course in Business Management (MBA) from Stanford University.

Optional Paper

Priyanka Mehtani cracked this prestigious UPSC Exam with Commerce as her optional subject. One good thing with the UPSC preparation was that she learnt to prioritise.

Attempts

Priyanka Mehtani achieved this feat in her second attempt, as she could not qualify for the Civil Services last year, but she didn’t lose faith and believed in herself.

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Preparation Strategy of Priyanka Mehtani

Priyanka Mehtani set a benchmark and focused on preparing herself in a subject for a week or a month. She studied for approximately 10 hours daily. She stayed abreast with current affairs by reading newspapers daily. She used to set weekly targets for herself and followed the schedule religiously.

Priyanka Mehtani said, “I had been working hard and preparing for the past two years. I was hoping for the best”. Though she was taking coaching for two years, she said, “Each person’s preparation strategy is unique. There is no fit formula for cracking the exam. You must know what your strengths are and prepare it accordingly.”

Priyanka Mehtani credited hard work for her achievement. She finds her inspiration in people she sees and meets on a daily basis.

Tips for Young Aspirants

• Being consistent and determined is the key to success.
• Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers daily.
• Go through NCERT Books to clear your basic concept.
• Don’t be engaged with other Competitive exams, just focus on one.
• There is no short-cut to success.

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Abhiram G Sankar secured the 4th rank in the 2011 Civil Services Examination, this engineering graduate has topped the Civil Services list in Kerala. And he did it in his first attempt. And the first position was occupied by S Divyadarshini, a law graduate.

Being an IAS officer gives a person an enormous opportunity and immense pleasure to work in various fields and contribute to the overall betterment of human lives.

Abhiram says, ” success in the civil service exam is not related to marks scored in school or college exams. If one is determined and ready to do hard work, then one can surely succeed in this exam. Hardwork, strong determination and well planned strategy will definitely result in success”.

Marks Obtained by Abhiram G Sankar

Family

Abhiram’s father Mr Girisankar R is a Manager at Federal Bank. His mother Mrs Meena Sankar is a homemaker and has a younger brother Akshay G Sankar is a B.Tech student.

This serious and sincere person from Kerala credits his success to his parents, teachers and God.

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Educational Background

Abhiram G. Sankar had his primary schooling from Sree Chithira Thirunal Residential Central School, Kunnathukal, Trivandrum. And he completed his secondary schooling 12th from Arya Central School, Trivandrum. He then did his B.Tech in Computer Science from Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering, Kollam in Kerala in the year 2009.

Optional Paper

Abhiram G Sankar opted for Geography & Political Science & International Relations as his optional paper. He chose Geography because he has interest in this subject since his school days and also due to his interest in wildlife and travel. And opted Political Science as he has natural interest in International Relations.

Attempts

Abhiram G Sankar secured a Civil Service berth at the very first attempt and has brought new hopes in young aspirants of the state to fulfil their dream and achieving their goals.

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Suggestions for future Aspirants

• One should always select an optional paper based on factors like interest, availability of guidance & study material etc. It is best to go through the syllabus & previous years’ question papers before selecting.
• NCERT books & standard texts are the basic sources of information required.
• Don’t give half-hearted attempts, try to give your best in the first attempt.
• Should read newspaper regularly and “The Hindu” is the most important.
• Prepare your own notes and revise the self-made notes at least once in a month.
• Practice regular tests and go through the previous question paper. As practice makes a man perfect.

UPSC Board Interview of Abhiram G Sankar

Abhiram G Sankar entered the room, greeted the members & stood till he was offered the seat. Thanked the chairperson Rajni Razdan (RR) & sat down smiling.

RR: What’s your name?
Me: Abhiram G Sankar

M2: Born in Tamil Nadu, but staying in Kerala?
Me: yes sir, my family is settled in Kerala.

RR: So, which is the country sharing longest border with India?
Me: Bangladesh.

RR: The shortest?
Me: Afghanistan.

RR: Ok, Tell me about the McMahon Line.
Me: It’s the line dividing India & China, but not accepted by china as such. It was signed in the early 1900s by Treaty of Tibet. (I made a mistake by unintentionally mentioning the year & name of treaty.)

RR: Which treaty & year?
Me: Repeated the same, but doubtfully.

RR: It was in Shimla, in 1913. Who were the parties to the treaty?
Me: British India & Tibet.

RR: And one more?
Me: Don’t know.

RR: Myanmar.
Me: Thanked her.

RR: What is Radcliff line?
Me: Line dividing India & Pakistan.

RR: Who drew it & when?
Me: 1947 by Radcliff

RR: What are the issues between India & Pakistan?
Me: gave a list – borders, Siachen, sir creek, 26/11, water sharing, fishermen & prisoners etc.

RR: Suppose you are SDM of a district Abhiram G Sankar, and are traveling. You see an accident on the road. How will you respond? 
Me: I’ll stop on the spot, and get to know exactly what happened. Then call the ambulance or police station. If the above vehicles are not available, then take the injured in any other available vehicle.

RR: What is so special with your car that you will not take the injured in your car first? Why wait for ambulance /police? Is your prestige more important or the person’s life?
Me: (I was stunned briefly, as it did not occur to me while answering that an SDM would be traveling in his/her own car. But I quickly recovered & said,). The person’s life is most important. I should have thought of my own car first. I apologise for my mistake.

RR sat with the same emotionless expression from beginning till end of her question time. Now she signaled to another member, locked her palms together, placed them to her forehead & slept leaning on the table.

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M1: You are from Kerala. How is geography advantageous to Kerala?
Me: Another list – rich & productive coastal alluvium, water resources, blessed by monsoon, fisheries, plantation sector, forests, ports etc.

M1: What about tourism?
Me: Yes sir, that too depends on Kerala’s unique geography.

M1: Since you are a computer science graduate, tell me what is cyber crime?
Me: (Didn’t know the exact definition) It refers to the various illegal activities performed in today’s IT-linked world like phishing, hacking, fraudulent info, theft of data etc.

M1: How will you use computer science in development of India?
Me: Another list – efficient information dissemination to illiterate poor about health, agriculture etc. through audio & video, adult literacy programmes, transparency & lesser corruption.

M1: What is MIS?
Me: said don’t know after thinking.

M2: It is management information system. Don’t you people study in B.Tech.?
Me: No sir. That paper belongs to IT branch & not CS.

M2: Name some areas which you studied in B.Tech.
Me: Some programming langs like C & C++, microprocessors, assemblers & compilers, hardware etc.

M2: Name an important temple in Kerala.
Me: Padmanabhaswamy temple in Trivandrum.

M2: Others?
Me: I started with Guruvayurappan temple, but was interrupted mid-way.

M2: No, no…which temple brings in most money?
Me: Sabarimala temple.

He was happy it seemed, because he smiled graciously.

M3: What is track-2 diplomacy?
Me: Talks between countries conducted by retired officers, NGOs, activists etc. It’s very good for betterment of bilateral ties. More people to people interaction takes place through this route.

M3: what is bus diplomacy?
Me: Cross LoC bus to improve ties..by Vajpayee Govt…

M3: So what is diplomacy?
Me: It’s the art of maintaining relations among countries at international level. (Not exactly the same words, but not the exact definition also).

M3: What do you think about India’s ‘big brother attitude’ in south Asia? what are the issues with each of the neighbouring countries?
Me: India is the largest country in south Asia, and its actions are only perceived as big brotherly by neighbours. It is not true. India’s ties with its neighbors carry historical baggage with it which is the cause of today’s problems.
Again a list – partition issue with Pakistan…

M3: (Interrupted me) but partition is way back in history.
Me: but sir, our relations are based on that event. (continued above answer)… Tamil issue with Sri Lanka…

M3: no…don’t speak about all issues…one issue at a time (in fact he had asked me for listing out all issues!). let’s talk about Pakistan. How will you solve Kashmir issue with Pakistan?
Me: We need an innovative solution…

M3: (Again interrupting me)…you need to talk more…
Me: Sir, I’m coming to the point. Realistically looking at the issue, I don’t think Pakistan will hand over its part of J&K to India. Our present borders may not be changeable. It’s better to acknowledge the same without a formal announcement as our maps cannot be changed & territorial integrity can’t be sacrificed. No internationalization of the same can be allowed. At the same time, cross border links & trade have to be improved & people-to-people contacts increased with development of J&K in mind.

M3: How should India proceed on Indo-Pak talks?
Me: Sir, instead of focusing on just Kashmir, we have talk on several issues like Siachen, sir creek, cultural ties, trade, water sharing etc.

M3: We have been doing that for long. But no results have come out.
Me: Sir, the issues are not at fault. Talks broke down because of events like 26/11, 2001 parliament attacks & cross border terror. India is not responsible for the breakdowns. So it is better to continue on multiple issues.

M4: Can I also continue on Kashmir? Are you confident? (almost laughing!)
Me: Yes sir, you can.

M4: Why not conduct plebiscite & solve the issue?
Me: Sir, there are some preconditions. Complete demilitarization must take place on both borders. Kashmiri Pandits who were chased away must be allowed to return. Only if these happen, plebiscite can be allowed.

M4: You say India & Pakistan must talk about Kashmir. But where are the Kahmiris in the scene? Has their voice been neglected?
Me: Sir, we definitely need more Kashmiri opinion. It is heard very less.

M4: Do you mean they have been ignored completely or given inadequate representation?
Me: sir, definitely they were heard. India did talk with separatists like Hurriyat conference. But more needs to be done on this front. (should’ve mentioned the pm’s interlocutors at work now, but forgot).

M4: Elections are periodically held in J&K. people vote new Govts to power. can you consider this as a sort of plebiscite?
Me: Yes sir, they reaffirm peoples faith in our system.

M4: Do you think those elections are proper, free & fair?
Me: There have been allegations in the past about rigging.

M4: No. I don’t want other’s opinions. What do you think now?
Me: Sir, thanks to a strong election commission, I can confidently say that recent elections have been free & fair, not only in J&K, but also in other states of India and I am proud of this fact.

RR: Thank you. (she smiled for the only time in the whole interview!)
Me: Thanks the board & left.

The 4 male members were smiling & very attentive, unlike Ms. RR. I too tried to keep up a smiling face through out the interview. The board was cordial on the whole. Interview lasted for about 20-25 minutes.

Abhiram G Sankar came out with a smiling face.

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