Forest Service exam topper 2009: “No coaching for me”
Sangram Keshari Behera, IFS topper, believes wildlife and forest conservation would affect the country’s future progress.
SANGRAM had no other ambition but to be in the Civil Services. This dream was given to him by his father, a barber. The 24-year-old gold medallist in MSc (Zoology) from Behrampur University, topped the IFS exam without any coaching; he says that it was God’s mercy. Sangram talked to us from Gopalpur beach where he was celebrating with his friends.
Q. Were you expecting to top?
A. No, not really. But yes, I was confident that I would be among the Top 5. It was God’s mercy and my parents’ relentless efforts in giving me the resources to achieve this dream.
Q. Were you a little nervous before the interview?
A. In fact, no, I wasn’t nervous. Well, for one, this was the second time I was facing the interview board. I had appeared for the Civil Services in 2008, where I cleared the finals and made it to the interview stage but couldn’t qualify, eventually. So the earlier experience helped this time round. Besides, the panellists made me feel comfortable by asking me questions about my research and hobbies.
Q. So tell us about your research and hobbies.
A. My research, though, in preliminary stages is on Aedes mosquito. In fact, I am especially interested in the regeneration of antlers in spotted deer. As for my hobbies, (laughs), I like to write poems in Oriya. If you ask me if I have a favourite writer, I would say I have many, but what stays with me is their poetry not their names.
Q. What attracted you to the Indian Forest Services since it is an unusual choice?
A. In times to come, India’s ecological future is going to be of utmost importance. Even now many species are on the verge of extinction; both wildlife and forest conservation would affect the country’s future progress. At home, we – my two sisters and I – were always told of the importance of contributing to society. And for me, there cannot be a better way than to protect India’s rich forests and precious wildlife.
Q. So, would you be a good officer just as you have been a good student?
A. Guidance is key to one’s progress. Although I went to a municipal school with little infrastructure, I have been lucky to have good teachers. Even in the university I had very supportive teachers. Thanks to them I got through without any coaching or outside help. But yes, even my friends are waiting for me to prove myself as an officer. What I can tell you is that I promise to do my very best.
Q. Tell us, how did you prepare for the exam without any coaching?
A. For me, it has never been about the number of hours that one puts in, but the quality of the time spent in preparation. I get up at six in the morning and I am in bed by nine no matter what. When you have limited means and resources you learn to manage time and make the most of what you have. Poverty sharpens intelligence. My father’s earnings were meagre but I found a way out: I would spend many hours in the library. And my teachers helped me with books and notes.
Q. What if you hadn’t made it this time; did you have a back-up plan?
A. There was no back-up plan. I would have appeared for the exam once again. This was my second attempt at IFS. The first time I appeared for it was in 2007 and I didn’t do well in the written. So, I examined my score and tried to rectify my mistakes. And the reason I would have tried again is because of my mother who once had to sell her silver anklets to meet my education expenses (I am a bit emotional now). She hasn’t bought them yet. She’s waiting for me to buy them for her with my first salary as an IFS officer.
Q. Mr Behera, what’s your message to future aspirants?
A. Faint hearts have never won fair ladies. If you want to, you have to be a braveheart!
Against all the odds Prasad Akkanouru achieved his dream of becoming a Civil Servant
In this year’s IAS merit list Prasad Akkanouru is probably the only aspirant, who passed this coveted exam despite many difficulties.
– After completing 10th class from Latur, he did ITI Electrician course for secure future. It was his parents wish.
– His family members wanted him to become a teacher by doing a D.Ed. Course after 12th. But Prasad wanted to become a officer through civil services exam.
– He left home to fulfill his dream of IAS officer.
– He boarded the train to Nagpur, the city, which was unknown to him.
– After reaching in Nagpur, he went to many unknown people for job. Here he got his first job of a waiter in a small roadside hotel.
– He took admission in a school in 11th class by selling a gold chain, his only asset.
– After a work of 10 hours, he used to study hard in the night. He did that for two years.
– His strong determination and perseverance paid him off. He secured 12th class merit list.
– Media in Maharashtra took notice of Prasad’s achievement. His photos published in the newspapers and flashed on news TV channels.
– Because of this media attention, his family members came to know about his location. Till then there was no contact with the family for two years.
– At that time he told media that his dream is to become an IAS officer.
– Pune based NGO took responsibility of providing him facilities in Pune to complete his graduation.
– During the graduation, he started IAS preparation. He completed graduation with distinction.
– After graduation, he was willing to go Delhi for guidance. The financial condition was the big hurdle for him.
– He went to many people for financial help. After continuous efforts of several months, some people extended their helping hand for Prasad. With that help, he came to Delhi.
– In Delhi, he faced many problems due to insufficient money. But he managed all the problems with great determination and focused hard work.
– In Delhi, he joined ‘Career Quest’. Here he got timely guidance and motivation. According to Prasad, ‘Interview (Personality Test) plays very crucial role in one’s selection in Civil Services exam. I realized this during my third attempt. Guidance provided by Sanjeev Kabeer, Director, Career Quest IAS Academy was instrumental in my success in this exam.’
– Prasad said ‘I was feeling a great pressure because of two unsuccessful attempts. Many people started telling me that one cannot pass this exam without paying a bribe! I never give attention towards the rubbish things like this. During this time, self-motivation was the key for me. On 11th of May 2011, a good news came to me! I passed this coveted exam with such an unexpected rank! It was a feeling of conquering the world. Now I can say that any one can pass this exam with determination and continuous hard work. Timely & right guidance is the key to IAS exam. ‘Nothing is impossible’ is my mantra.’
Meera Chadha Borwankar : First female IPS Officer in Maharashtra Cadre from Fazilka.
Another reason to feel proud for the entire community of this India’s smallest big town Fazilka. Daughter of Fazilka, Meera Chadha Borwankar, for becoming the first ever woman to be posted as Commissioner of Mumbai Crime Branch in its 150-year-long history. To be a woman police officer in a force that has barely one or two per cent women is unique in itself; but to head an investigative force of 300 police officers is definitely a first. At present Meera Chadha Borwankar is working as Special Inspector General of Police, CID State Crime Branch, stationed at Pune.
Mumbai’s Crime Branch is known as the premier department of the city’s police force, handling the investigation of organized and white-collar crime, and law enforcement in the mega-polis. While it didn’t exactly cover itself with glory during the Mumbai riots in the early 1990s, it has had to deal with the operations of rival underworld gangs remote controlled by Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Rajan and even the don-turned-politician Arun Gawli. It has had to grapple with criminal cases against big film financiers like Bharat Shah, the ignominious Prevention of Terrorist Act (POTA) case against Mohammad Afroz and myriad encounters against gangsters by trigger-happy cops who call themselves ‘encounter specialists’.
Educational Background of Meera Chadha Borwankar
Born and brought up in Fazilka, Meera Chadha Borwankar studies till matriculation from D.C Model School Fazilka. Her father, Mr. O P Chadha, was with the Border Security Force and Posted in Fazilka region till 1971 war. Later she completed her Master’s in English Literature from Lyallpur Khalsa College and did her post-graduation from DAV College in Jalandhar, Punjab.Meera Chadha Borwankar was, by all accounts, a very good student and became head girl of her college. Later, she also studied Policy Analysis in Law Enforcement at the University of Minnesota, USA, was awarded the President’s Medal for meritorious service in 1997, apart from the police medal and the Director General’s insignia for meritorious service and Hubert Humphrey Fellowship (2001-2) in three decades of her policing career. During her stint with the state Crime Investigation Department from 1993-95, one of the important cases she investigated was the Jalgaon sex scandalWhile answering to a question about choosing IPS as her career, Meera Chadha Borwankar said “I was good at studies too, participating in plays, debates, etc. I was also in the Punjab Cricket Team”. So, in general I grew up with no future thoughts, but I was sure I did not want my life to end with marriage. When I was in college, during ’71-’72, Kiran Bedi had just joined the IPS and was creating waves. That is when, one day, my teachers called me and told me that they saw within me the potential for the IPS and that I should consider it as a career option. I completed my M.A. In English Literature, cleared my UPSC examinations and did my basic police training at SVP National Police Academy, Hyderabad. Meera Chadha Borwankar asserts that women are much more patient, resourceful and capable than men. All they need to do is throw away the yoke of selfdoubt and their own insecurities
In 1981, Meera Chadha Borwankar became an IPS officer of the Maharashtra cadre, served as Deputy Commissioner of Police at Mumbai between 1987-91, held independent charge of Aurangabad as District Superintendent of Police (and later of Satara in 1996-99) and was posted at the state CID crime branch in 1993-95. She worked with the Economic Offences Wing of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Mumbai and was DIG of the Anti-Corruption Bureau of the CBI in New Delhi.
She is married to Mr. Abhay Borwankar, who quit the Indian Administrative Service to start a food-processing business. She has two children and they presently live in Pune with family.Her immediate ongoing tasks are the extradition case of gangsters like Abu Salem and his partner Monica Bedi from Portugal, Iqbal Mirchi and Tariq Parvin from Dubai and Sharmila Shanbhag from Germany.
Entire Fazilka is proud on her achievements. It is wonderful to have such police officers in our country. We wish Fazilite Meera a bright and further satisfying career ahead. She would be a source of motivation to thousands of young girls in the country. We all know this upright and down-to earth and no-nonsense officer will achieve greater heights and fulfill her mission for the good of the nation! May God Bless Her in All Her Endeavors and Godspeed!
I had once been to my district headquarter and was influenced by the personality of District Collector during my college days. That was a deciding moment.
While I was in job (TCS) after my graduation I decided to prepare for the exam seriously and I quit the job.
Success story of Bijay ketan Upadhyaya (AIR 5, CSE 2008) and Anay Dwivedi (AIR 5, CSE 2009) influenced me a lot.
It was a trial and error case for me. I learnt from my mistakes. But sometimes I used to consult my friends who are already selected like Smarak Swain (IRS), Harish (IRS).
Number of attempts
This was my 3rd attempt. In my 1st attempt I couldn’t clear even Preliminary Examination. I misjudged the demand of examination. I was bookish and never used to study newspaper properly.
From then onwards I started reading newspaper (The Hindu) very thoroughly. I used to make notes from it. That was really helpful. In my 2nd attempt I wrote mains but it was a half hearted one. So I missed interview call for few marks.
In this attempt things started falling in place in due course of time and I succeeded.
‘Time Management’
Yes, time management is very vital. For mains number of questions have increased for every optional. So one should divide the time according to the marks allotted.
Secret of success
Single minded devotion with intelligent hard work.
Optional Subjects
‘Interest’ in the optional should be given highest priority. Next is availability of material and guidance. One need not necessarily go for so called popular optional subjects.
I have inherent interest in Geography since my school days. It helps a lot in General Studies and Essay too.
Public Administration has Short and concise syllabus. It’s contemporary in nature and helpful for General Studies and Essay. It’ll be useful in my career too.
I kept the same optional subjects in all attempts.
Prelims
Repeated revision for paper I and practice for paper II are the keys. Newspaper plays a vital role too. There was no water tight division of time for both the papers. I used to do what I feel is required to be done.
Extensive use of internet is useful for Preliminary Examination. UPSC asks questions from Government reports. So I used to download them from internet and read. One should browse MOEF’s website for ecology, environment preparation.
Paper II (Aptitude Test)
Practice is the key to Paper II in Prelims. I used to solve few passages daily and tried to improve in the accuracy level there. I solved some practice sets for quantitative aptitude.
‘Negative Marking’
For GS conceptual clarity helps to tackle negative marking.. But UPSC now-a-days is asking more and more statement based questions with close answers. So, it is difficult to avoid negative marking.
One has to take chance in 75:25, 50:50 cases judiciously. For CSAT practice will reduce the negative marking
Mains
The shift in strategy was only from extensive preparation in Preliminary Examination to intensive for Main Examination.
Essay
I didn’t prepare anything separately for essay. I wrote one essay before mains and got it evaluated from teachers and my friends. I got very good feedback and tried to improve on them.
I chose the Essay topic “Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implications” because I was most confident on it and was having sufficient points to write.
My Public Administration knowledge came handy. At that time Telengana and GJM movement was in news and I had read several articles on them. That helped a lot.
Interview
I prepared my Bio-data very well particularly home state and district.
I faced Alka Sirohi madam’s board. It lasted for around 25 minutes. It went well. The board was cooperative.
Interview Questions
Questions asked were mostly generic in nature.
Advice
Always do the SWOT (Strength-weakness-Opportunity-Threat) analysis.
Have confidence on your abilities. Be on track and keep doing till you reach your goal.
Competition Success Review Not Only Helps The Candidate For Civil Services Exam, But Also Caters To His/Her Need For Other Competitive Exams. — Deepak Singla, IAS Topper 2011-12 (55th Position)
BIODATA
Name : Deepak Singla
Educational Qualification :B.Com, CA
School : S.D. Public School, Narwana
College : K.M. Government College, Narwana
Experience : Worked with Nestle India Ltd. from June 2009 to September 2010 as Assistant Manager (Finance)
Mr. Deepak, Singla, a Chartered Accountant by training, hails from Jind distnct of Haryana. He has secured the 55th Position in the overall list of successful candidates in the Civil Services Examination 2011-12. For his remarkable success, he gives credit to his self-belief, perseverance and a good strategy for preparation. At the same time, he feels indebted to his parents, teachers and friends for the support extended to him while he was prepanng for the exam. According to him, anybody who prepares for the CSE (Main) around 10 hours a day for 12-15 months before the Mains can crack it successfully.
Mr. Singla finds Competition Success Review extremely helpful, because of its coverage of a huge amount of information in a concise and easily readable format. To his mind, CSR provides very relevant information to the aspirants from the examination point of view. To his mind, CSR helps the students preparing for not only the Civil Services Examination, but also caters to the needs for other competitive exams and helps them in deciding their respective careers.
CSR: Congratulations!
Mr. Deepak Singla for your 55th Position in the Civil Services Examination 2011-12. What is the secret of your success in this examination ?
Deepak Singla :Self-belief,perseverance and very good strategy apart from support from the parents, teachers and friends are the secret of my success.
Q. How much time do you think one requires for serious preparations for this examination ?
A. I think that 12-15 months with around 10 hours a day before the Mains is enough time a candidate requires to clear this exam.
Q.Which newspapers and journals have you been reading for the General studies and other papers ?
A.Apart from Competition Success Review, General Knowledge Today and CSR Year Book, I read The Hindu and Yojana.
Q. Do you remember any remarkable incident of your life that motivated or prompted you to go for a career in the Civil Services ?
A. During my 10th Class, due to my interest in general knowledge, one day my mother asked me to go for the Civil Services. That day, for the first rime, I heard about IAS and this became a source of inspiration for me to go for a career in die Civil Services. I explored a lot about IAS and was keen to join this service.
Q. Competition Success Review, the largest selling youth magazine in English, has been extremely helpful because…
A. it covers a huge amount of information in short and easily readable format which saves a lot of time for the candidates. Also, it provides very relevant information from the exam point of view.
Q. How did your parents, family and friends contribute to your success ?
A. I belong to a middle-class family and it was my family which supported me in my toughest decision of life, of quitting the job of Rs. 12 lakh per annum for the preparation of the Civil Services. They always had faith in my capability, and I owe my success to them. My friend and senior, Ms. Durga Nagpal (20th Position, 2009 batch) provided me with very reliable guidance and was the real mentor to me in this journey. My friends Jatin, Privamvada and Tabinda were great asset to me during the CSE preparation.
Q. Had you not been selected in the Civil Services Examination, what would have been your reaction ? Which other service/career would you have gone in/opted for ?
A. Although I was quite confident of my selection yet had I not been selected, I would have been very disappointed as I had put in a lot of effort for this exam. I was simultaneously offered Finance & Accounts Officer’s job in the ONGC Videsh Ltd. for which my joining was due, and hence, I had my alternative prepared along with it.
Q. How do you visualise your success ?
A. Success or failure is a part of life. But surely my selection for Civil Services is the biggest achievement for me so far, and it has drastically changed my life. So now, I am feeling like ‘the king of the world’ and want to continue with further achievements, both for me and my country.
Q. What are your strong points which enabled you to achieve spectacular success in the Civil Services Examination ?
A. Self-belief and self-confidence; time-tested strategy and proper execution; positive outlook and never-say-die spirit; and complete honesty and dedication to my work.
Q. What were your Optionals at the Civil Services Examination ?
A. Commerce & Accountancy and Public Administration.
Q. How many attempts had you made earlier before you got selected ?A. This was my first attempt.
Q. What was your criterion for the selection of the Optional subjects ?
A. I chose Commerce as I have done CA. I choose Public Administration because of its being an overlapping area with Commerce and General Studies, easy availability of material and guidance and its practical usage for my career.
Q. How did you prepare for your compulsory papers ?
A. For General Studies, I relied mainly on The Hindu and Vajiram notes apart from CSR, both for the Prelims and the Mains. For Essay paper, I did not prepare much and wrote two essays myself before the Mains. For Language papers, I just prepared from the previous years’ question papers.
Q. What is your impression about the Interview Board ?
A. My interview was scheduled in the morning. Mr. P.K. Mishra was the Chairman of the Board. The Board was extremely cordial and was one with a positive approach towards the candidates. It lasted for 35-40 minutes and I was very happy with my performance.
Q. Competition Success Review is the largest read youth magazine in English. How do you visualise the role of this magazine in moulding the careers of the youth ?
A. CAR not only helps the candidate for Civil Services Exam, but also caters to his/her need for other competitive exams. It provides a lot of useful information which helps the youth in deciding the career path in their life.
Q. How did Competition Success Review help you in your preparation for the interview?
A. CSR provided the vast information needed for the Personality Test in a very crisp and concise manner which saved a lot of time for me for my preparation. Also, information by CAR proved to be very reliable and useful for General Studies. CAR articles on personality development and for essay preparation is also quite useful for Civil Services aspirants.
Q. How do you look upon the publication of CSR magazine in Hindi ? Do you think that the mindset and basic approach of English medium students are fundamentally different from those of the Hindi medium students ?
A. I think that this is a commendable work by CAR team, as there is a dearth of sufficient material for the Hindi medium candidates. It provides a level-playing field for the Hindi medium and rural area candidates. I do not think that there is any fundamental difference between Hindi medium and English medium students.
Q. What is your opinion about Competition Success Review ?
A. CAR is a well-written magazine, considering various aspects of Civil Services Exam. It needs to adopt a proactive approach in its material as the pattern of UPSC is changing rapidly. It should include more concept-based and opinion-based articles to make it more useful for Civil Services aspirants.
Q. Since when have you been reading Competition Success Review ?
A. I have been reading CAR since my 10th Class.
Q. Since when Competition Success Review has been coming to your home ?
A. CAR has been coming to my home since 2001.
Q. Did your father and/or mother also read Competition Success Review when they were of your age ? If so, who read and when ?
A. No, my parents were not lucky enough to read CAR I wish they could have studied CAR during their studies.
Q. What is your opinion about General Knowledge Today ?
A. GKT is a very compact and concise magazine. It helps in revising a lot of areas in a very little time and is the most updated book I have read till date.
Q. What is your opinion about CSR Books ?
A. I have read CAR Year Book which I find extremely useful.
Q. What do you think is a better way of preparation between selective intensive study and wide extensive study ?
A. For the Prelims, one needs to do extensive study and for the Mains it is the combination of both which is essential.
Q. Is this pattern of the examination appropriate for selection ? Would you recommend any other improvement ?
A. I think that the current pattern of the examination is well-crafted. However, a level-playing field can be provided for all the candidates like the one has been provided in Prelims by introducing CSAT. It will eliminate bias with regard to Optional subjects.
Q. Do you feel that there should be no restriction on the number of attempts ?
A. I think, for a serious candidate two attempts are sufficient Maximum three attempts should be allowed for the candidates.
Q. We have been publishing essays every month under Current Issues and CSR Essay Contests and CSR Super Brain Youth Contest by adding eight more pages to encourage our readers not only to write better, but also to know what the top competitors could be writing. Besides, we offer CSR Gold Medal (22-carat), Delhi-Kathmandu-Delhi Air Ticket, CSRTrophies, Colour TVs, Tablet PCs, Tennis Racquets & Wrist Watches to the winners of the CSR Super Brain Youth Contest. Is this focus-oriented approach helpful for the IAS aspirants ?
A. Definitely, this helps a candidate to prepare for the Essay paper which is normally ignored by the candidates. It helps in opinion-making capabilities among IAS aspirants.
Q. To what extent, you think, model test papers can be useful for the aspirants of the Civil Services ?
A. Model test papers help in preventing mistakes in the Main Examination. They give you opportunity to assess your performance and help in finding weak areas which can be worked upon to secure more marks. I joined test series both for General Studies and Public Administration.
Q. How do you think Competition Success Review could be more useful to the candidates appearing in the Civil Services and various other competitive examinations ?
A. As I have mentioned earlier, CAR should be more proactive in its approach. It should also include more topics on environment, ecology and economics as these areas are now getting more space in the UPSC paper.
Q. Do you think that the UPSC needs to be more transparent in its examination and evaluation ?
A. I think UPSC has already started this process; however, it should also disclose Prelims answer keys and cut-off list for the selection purpose. Scaling in the Mains, if used, should also be disclosed.
Q. What is your advice to the future aspirants ?
A. Friends, self-belief is the key to success, not running after coaching centres and reading innumerable books. The idea is to read limited material many number of times rather than huge material at a single time. Do not get scared by the thought of the result. Just do your work and leave the rest on die Almighty. Best of Luck!
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