Athar Aamir ul Shafi Khan, who attained 2nd Rank in 2nd attempt in Civil Services Examination, 2015, conducted by Union Public Service Commission; in an exclusive, thought provoking and highly inspiring interview attributes hard work, smart work & focus to the secrets of his success
On preference in services opted for and priority:
I had given IAS as top preference as I was aspiring for administrative services.
On ‘Success is Sweet’ & reacting to the news of the Top Rank:
I was happy to see the result. I was sure this time I will get rank below 100. It was a bit unexpected.
On IAS toppers being icons & any particular topper that inspired:
I have been selected earlier in Civil Services Examination and have lots of friends around for motivation.
Inspiration for this examination came from Shah Faesal (AIR 1; CSE 2009) who achieved the top rank in first attempt.
On the point of time of making up mind to make career in ‘Civil Services’:
During B. Tech., I developed interest in UPSC. I planned my foray into Civil Services Examination after completing B. Tech. from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi (HP).
On career in ‘Civil Services’ a planned decision or parents’ wish:
It was entirely my choice. My grandfather is my Role model. He is illiterate yet he has been very passionate about our studies and my parents and family was always behind my decision.
On time-frame for the examination preparations and number of attempts:
Nothing as such: I was confident that it will not take long to reach my destination. I had started so early that I felt in a flow that I would manage my preparation.
On ‘Time Management’ being a key factor in preparations & writing Prelims or the Mains:
In first attempt, during that time I was managing my regular studies as well as my preparation. That is why time management was a key aspect. This time, with extensive preparation, and strategically moving on your plan helps you manage time well. I was focused and had maintained continuity in my preparation that helped. Lots of answer writing practice helped in completing my papers.
On choice & basis of selecting optional subject:
You need to have interest in what you have to read and comprehend the subject in short period of time. Understanding comes once you are able to pick up threads and comprehend what you read.
Optional Subject: Philosophy.
As per my plan: I had to pick one of the humanities subject as optional subject, so picked Philosophy as it was of my interest.
On his 1st attempt:
In last attempt also I succeeded but, fell short of my goal. I got a lower rank (AIR 560, CSE 2014) that got me Indian Railway Traffic Services (IRTS).
On the First Step being the most difficult to prepare & getting the right advice:
I had superficial idea of this exam; first, I tried to analyze the exam-plan; I did research about syllabus. When I pursued I knew what to do; I joined coaching for my optional subject and took test-series for both General Studies and optional subject.
On approach towards Paper I (General Studies) during Preliminary Examination preparation:
I had a well chalked out strategy that included NCERT Books and newspapers; these are a must. Besides, I read standard text-books for different constituents and clarity of topics was my objective.
On any change in plan for General Studies & Paper II (Aptitude Test) being qualifying in Prelims:
Strategy for General Studies Paper II was to practice MCQs for improving accuracy.
On tackling ‘Negative Marking’ in Prelims:
Practice takes care of this and I never faced problem in handling this.
On adopting a shift in strategy for MAINS (Written):
My focus was exam oriented. For Main Examination, I prepared topics one by one according to syllabus. Prepared Current affairs from newspapers and magazines. As such, General Studies was my strong point; I scored well this year as well. For securing high marks, answer should be comprehensive and one should give multi-dimensions to the topic given. Test series are very effective especially for General Studies. It helps in time management.
On special effort for effective preparation for ESSAY Paper:
No separate preparation was needed for essay paper. Understanding topic of essay was important.
One need to go beneath the word limit and practice of writing essay is essential.
On preparation for Interview, the Personality Test & facing it:
Preparation for Personality Test is a natural process. I prepared for interview and brushed up Current Affairs and information relating to home, village, educational background and other things filled in DAF.
I went quite well and interview board was cordial. I came out satisfactorily and am adequately rewarded for it.
On preparing for other career opportunities as well while preparing for ultimate goal i.e. Career in Civil Services:
I didn’t have any back up plan. I just planned and thought I will do it I was confident.
On Motivation towards Civil Services despite other lucrative opportunities in changing economic environment:
I got many offers from corporate groups but, my aim was IAS and I was keen to appear in examination as soon as I become eligible. With success in first attempt at an age of 22 years, I knew I have found my path. In this attempt, it was just focus and better execution that helped in gaining an edge.
On Educational Level to start & minimum time-frame for preparation for Civil Services Examinations:
It is up to you when you get conviction about your preparedness. At least, one year time before examination is required.
On general view that Science subjects have better chance to score than Humanities:
I think humanities subjects prevail and candidates get good marks in them. Even, I picked up an optional subject that belongs to humanities stream.
On importance of medium of examination for exams like CSE:
I think medium of writing examination has limited impact on your fortune. You should keep the medium that keeps you at ease.
| Personal Qualities |
| Favourite Person—My Grandfather.
Strong Point—I am very open, adaptable to things, consistency, hard work. Weak Point—Sensitive about things. Hobbies—Writing, teaching, trekking. |
On impact of educational, financial and demographic status of the family of an aspirant on preparation:
It has limited impact. As I talked about my grandfather, despite being illiterate he had a vision for us. You need to have passion; all adversities take back-seat.95/6
On role the Competition Magazines play in preparing for an examination like Civil Services:
For Civil Services Examination preparation being updated with the current issues and development is a must. No doubt lots of things are covered with newspaper but, collection of important news-items and contemporary topics in concise format are available with magazines only.
Magazine should discuss important issues in details with proper analysis. Coverage should be full; not partial that paints the complete picture. They should filter out the information and try to avoid that information that is of no use for competitive exam aspirants. This helps in managing time well and saves on efforts to compile, make notes and update these on regular basis.
On finding “Pratiyogita Darpan” close to expectations & comments on the Extra Issues Series on ‘General Studies’:
Yes, I have read it many a time; but not very regularly. You are doing a good job. I used Pratiyogita Darpan ‘Indian Economy’ issue and found it quite useful. It has good coverage and is analytical too.
On the Secret of Success:
Hard work, smart work and focus.
On giving Credit for success:
To my family and my teachers: Family support is really crucial especially during preparation.
On suggestions/advice to future aspirants:
Work hard and consistently have a balanced life. Along with study-plan take some time out for family, friend and to relax your-self. Don’t be a book-worm, Don’t stretch too much, Take care of your health.
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