Shri Jasmeet Singh Sandhu – 3rd rank in his 4th attempt, in Civil Services Examination, 2015

Last Updated on April 13, 2017 by Bharat Saini

Shri Jasmeet Singh Sandhu, who attained 3rd rank in his 4th attempt, in Civil Services Examination, 2015, conducted by Union Public Service Commission; in an exclusive, thought provoking and highly inspiring interview, attributed his success to hard work, enthusiasm, dedication and his vision of future as an IAS Officer. Extracts of the Interview:

On preference in services opted for and priority:

I have opted for IAS first as it gives you an opportunity to make a larger change.

On IAS toppers being icons:

I have felt IAS toppers are a source of inspiration for all of us.

On the point of time of making up mind to make career in ‘Civil Services’:

After graduation.

On career in ‘Civil Services’ a planned decision or parents’ wish: 

It was a parents’ wish.

On time-frame for the examination preparations and number of attempts:

My only target was to become an IAS officer; the number of attempts was never a consideration.

Achieved in the 4th Attempt.

On ‘Time Management’ being a key factor in preparations & writing Prelims or the Mains:

I always made a study plan and always stuck to it.

Enthusiasm  is  the  purest essence of human soul.        —Jasmeet Singh Sandhu

On choice of Optional Subjects:

That it should be interesting and scoring.

Optional Subject: Literature of Punjabi Language.

On getting the right advice:

Followed step by step preparation.

On approach towards Paper I (General Studies) during Preliminary Examination preparation:

Prelims were never a problem for me and I cracked Preliminary Examination each time I appeared. I completed all the resources well within time. I practiced a lot with Prelims Mock Tests by various coaching institutes and figured out those areas that I didn’t know and accordingly I revised these again. This exercise gave me so much of confidence that in real examination, I could attempt approx. 90% of the questions in General Studies Paper I.

On any change in plan for General Studies Paper II (Aptitude Test) being qualifying in Preliminary Examination:

For Paper II, it was just practice that helped me sail through.

On tackling ‘Negative Marking’ in Prelims:

My preparation strategy was such that I read so wide and prepared so deep that I didn’t face this as a problem.