Shri Siddhartha Yadav Topper in Uttar Pradesh Civil Service Examination, 2015 in Exclusive Interview attributed Secret of his Success to continuity in devoted efforts, incomparable enthusiasm and Inner urge towards study. Extracts of the thought provoking and highly inspiring interview
On choice of Optional Subjects:
I found Philosophy quite interesting as it is semi-scientific and with argumentative bent of mind, it can be understood well. At the same time it is logical to understand. Sociology became my second choice as I found it thought-provoking as it is a study of surroundings. It has big overlap with Philosophy that also became basis for final selection. My optional subjects gave me confidence and contributed a lot in my success. My love for Philosophy is evident from the fact that I have retained it as optional subject for appearing in Civil Services Examination this year.
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| You are not body, not matter; but matter is your servant and you are the servant of matter.
—Siddhartha Yadav |
On approach towards Paper I (General Studies) and Paper II (Aptitude Test) during Prelims preparation:
Planning helped in managing well. Whenever, I felt boring, I changed my track. Immediately stopped studies and picked up past years’ question papers and solved it. I tried as many questions as I could attempt. For Prelims Paper I, this exercise helped and Paper II had lots of constituents that I could easily handle, I scored nicely to ensure success at this stage.
On strategy for MAINS (Written):
I read a lot from different sources, I covered many perspectives and that in turn made me comfortable. For Main Examination, General Studies papers were comparatively easier to handle as I prepared myself for this.
On special effort for effective preparation for ESSAY Paper:
For both Essay and interview my family atmosphere worked wonders as daily we discussed various issues and current events with my father and uncle. Among topics given, I found many which were well prepared and I could write comfortably. As we have to pick 3 topics from different sections, I wrote Essay on the following:
- Anti-corruption movement in Delhi.
- Role of FDI in Indian Economy.
- How to end terrorism in Western Asia.
| Bio-Data |
| Name—Siddhartha Yadav
Father’s Name—Mr. Jag Mohan Yadav Mother’s Name—Mrs. Suman Lata Yadav Educational Qualifications— 10th—2004, ICSE, City Montessori School, Lucknow (83·8%) 12th—2007, CBSE, Army Public School, Lucknow (87·5% B.Tech—2008-2012, Motilal National Institute of Technology, Allahabad. |
On preparation for Interview:
This was my first ever Personality Test so, I was excited. I read 2-3 newspapers daily and prepared some contemporary issues that occupied the headlines. My interview was scheduled on 15th February and I faced Mr. Farman Ali’s board. I was asked questions related to my hobby Cricket, Under-19 World Cup Cricket, captain of Indian Hockey team and issues relating to him. About inflation, some questions relating to my engineering background and 5-6 questions were asked about my optional subjects. Then, I was asked my ideal person when I answered Mahatma Gandhi then, I was asked to name any Prime Minister I like. I answered Pt. Nehru.
On other career opportunities as well while preparing for your ultimate goal i.e., Career in Civil Services:
No. There was no pressure as such to look for other career avenues. Moreover, with a B. Tech. degree, I had confidence if required, I could get job easily. Significance of this service was enough to be motivated. When I made up my mind, I was not at all interested towards any other thing. I skipped all campus interviews as I got serious towards career in ‘Civil Services’.
On General view that Science subjects have better chance to score than Humanities:
Humanities subjects are easy to comprehend and with proper guidance and sincere preparation, good marks can be fetched.
On Importance of medium of examination for exams like UP PCS:
80-90% candidates at UP PCS are taking examination in Hindi medium so, they get conducive environment.
On the exact moment of realizing the importance of Civil Services:
I interacted with fellow students from different socio-economic backgrounds and discussed a lot about their problems, mounting dissatisfaction about scenarios, expectations from government and issues that surround us. These talks really made me think about ‘Civil Services’ as career and I got serious towards it.
| Personal Qualities |
| Favourite Persons—Mahatma Gandhi
Strong Point—I remain passionate about things I like and have interest in. Hobbies—Cricket and Football; I follow English Premier League. I love driving and listening to music. |
On educational Level to start and minimum time-frame for preparation for Civil Services Examinations:
During graduation you should become serious about preparation. My aim is clear – post of ‘IAS’ and I don’t have any time frame. I am focused and am fully committed towards my Goal. Appearing in UP PCS Examination was part of my strategy to get there and this success is a stepping stone for the goal I have set for myself
On career in ‘Civil Services’ a planned decision or parents’ wish:
I got full support from parents and I can say it was my decision that gradually developed and had seal of my parents.
On impact of educational, financial and demographic status of the family of an aspirant on the preparation:
To some extent, Yes! Your family background and other factors matter as you are in for a big battle. If you don’t have anyone around qualified enough to guide you, motivate you; decision making becomes a little difficult.
On role Competition Magazines play in preparing for an examination like Civil Services:
For Civil Services Examination aspirant, news-paper is a must, but competition magazines help in providing relevant content and a bird’s eye view helps in revision and spotting some important news items/events that might have escaped attention.
On the Pratiyogita Darpan Extra Issues Series on ‘General Studies’ and a few Optional Subjects:
I referred to ‘Indian Economy’ issue in both 2013 and 2014. As part of my preparation strategy, it was part of my resource and found it useful. Even, while revising, it stayed handy.
On Secret of & Credit for Ssuccess:
Consistencyand motivation to study. My parents deserve the credit for this success. My family and friends have been my strength and I was constantly motivated by all positive people surrounding me.
On suggestion/advice to the future aspirants:
Remain consistent with your study-plan and follow your own tactics for preparation. If success doesn’t come in first attempt, have patience. Know your strengths and weak-nesses and plan your studies accordingly. Be critical about yourself. Success will be yours.
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