“Civil Services-How tough, what’s needed?”: Dr. Himabrata Das lists down takeaways from the panel discussion

The panel discussion “Civil Services-How tough, what’s needed?” brought back memories of the time I spent preparing for the competitive examinations that I appeared years back. Moderator of the session, Anirban Roy Choudhury was wonderful with his insightful observations and flamboyant style. He kept the conversation free-flowing and uplifted the mood of the panelists (Swapneel Paul, IAS, Assistant Commissioner – Nagaon, Samujjal Das, Assistant Employment Officer and Rajdeep Lekharu, director CSAP) as well as the audience.

Just like in cricket, the greats remain immortal irrespective of the format. They find a way to score and a way to pick up wickets. The ones who attain success are people who stamp their authority on the rules rather than being bowed by them. I was gripped in nostalgia as I listened in rapt attention to the lively and motivating interaction between four outstanding youth icons. These are the takeaways from each speaker that I felt might benefit young aspirants. For the anecdotes and the Sylethi bliss towards the end, the video’s a must-watch.

 

 

Swapneel Paul, IAS – Assistant Commissioner, Nagaon

1. One month after graduation (from NIT Silchar) in August 2013, went to Delhi with “an empty slate.”
2. You need composure for two tough years
3. If a threshold is reached, incremental efforts may yield results. Failures bring dejection. That is why composure is important.
4. Chose an optional (Anthropology) at the confluence of science and humanities. Followed the trend while choosing the optional.
5. Support from family and society is important
6. The notion that civil services are “ungettable” has to be eliminated
7. Civil service is about service to people that cannot be rendered from glasshouses or ivory towers but by being connected to society.
8. The beauty of the IAS is that despite being in a state away from home, officers do his/her best to contribute to their posted locations. And people expect that he/she will deliver during his/her tenure.
9. Treat the exams like they are exams and not a way of life. You require definite skill sets and an understanding of the syllabi.
10. Read newspapers. But remember that you do not have to become an Encyclopaedia, write a book nor get a PhD. Do not amass knowledge; manage the knowledge you have acquired.
11. Human life is Mohomaaya. So behavioural regulation is important. Tried social media bans before exams. Light-hearted comments on social media can wreak havoc on the psyche leading to self-doubt and an impending sense of doom
12. Stay away from negative elements as negativity impairs cognition.
13. To crack the exam, you need a common man’s idea and a skilled person’s skill to present the ideas you have
14. You need width for Prelims, while for Optional you need both Width and Depth. Say NO to Reverse Engineering everything.

Samujjal Das, Assistant Employment Officer, Government of Assam

1. Was inspired by his NIT Silchar senior Chanchal Rana who cracked IPS and went to Delhi for coaching
2. Delhi has two coaching hotspots in Rajinder Nagar and Mukherjee Nagar. Was part of small groups for doubt clearing. Benefitted from the competitive environment. Self-studied for General Studies and joined coaching for his Optional (Chemistry).
3. Online coaching has changed the coaching scenario
4. Lack of icons and role models is a reason why youngsters from the Barak Valley don’t find civil services glamorous enough
5. Icons have to come forward to motivate youngsters
6. Local language has been added by APSC. Only qualifying marks are required7. Two-three months of shallow, random preparations will not help
8. Read The Assam Tribune and prepare important state issues like Dihing-Patkai, NRC, ILP, Rhino poaching, China building a dam on the Brahmaputra and Border fencing.
9. Read the monthly booklets on current affairs
10. Do not make notes from newspapers. It will drain you

Rajdeep Lekharu, director, Civil Services Achievers’ Point

1. Has gained in confidence since February 2018 when he delivered his first seminar. Mentors aspirants from all over the state
2.A lack of ecosystem exists in Assam
3. Astonished by the interest for civil services among the youth of the Barak Valley.
4. Toppers are shifting towards civil services thereby increasing competition. Those lacking in consistency and a genuine study structure will struggle.
5. Examiners now look for multidimensional answers with a link between Static GK and Current Affairs.
6. APSC and UPSC have become very similar after the revision in exam pattern. The only addition in APSC is GS-5 which is a paper dedicated to Assam
7. The weightage of Current Affairs is increasing steadily. Reading newspapers prepares you to tackle issue-based questions about ongoing issues. Aspirants are expected to answer analytical questions.
8. It is never too late to start preparing, but considering the competition, an early start does offer an advantage.
9. Focus on process and discipline. Practice answer-writing and essay-writing. There is limited time and you have to finish within the stipulated number of words. This is not research.
10. Be mindful of the minute technicalities such as MCQs that have negative marking. Sharpen your decision-making, calculated risk-taking and the process of elimination to get to the right option.

This author of this article, Dr. Himabrata Das is Registrar, Department of psychiatry, Tezpur Medical College and Hospital.