Ms. Tina Dabi, who in her 1st attempt attained the 1st Rank in Civil Services Examination, 2015, conducted by Union Public Service Commission; in an important, exclusive, thought-provoking and highly inspiring interview; attributed secrets of her outstanding success on topping the merit list; to consistent hard work, patience & firm determination. Extracts of the Interview:
On preference in services opted for and priority of success with:
I’ve adopted for IAS believe being an IAS officer would offer me an opportunity to work in diverse fields and directly contribute towards solving the domestic problems of the country. Hence, I.A.S. was my first preference.
On ‘Success is Sweet’ & reacting to the news of the Top Rank:
My Mains Examination and Interview had gone well. Therefore, I was hopeful of making it to the merit list, but securing rank first in my first attempt is really the stuff of dreams. I was pleasantly surprised by the news.
On IAS toppers being icons:
Well, I’ve always admired those who acquired top ranks but there is no particular success story that has influenced me.
On the exact moment of realizing the importance of ‘Civil Services’:
There is no exact moment, but I would say that since class 11th I realized that Civil Services can provide me a platform to do my bit towards society.
On the point of time of making up mind to make career in ‘Civil Services’:
It was in class 11th and since then the subjects I chose in school and college were all for helping me clear this exam.
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| Hard work rules the success. —Tina Dabi |
On career in ‘Civil Services’ a planned decision or parents’ wish:
My parents introduced the whole idea of Civil Services and when I found that this job would suit me very well, I started planning for it.
On time-frame for the examination preparations and number of attempts:
Yes, I had given this exam a full year of preparation and had thought to give at least two attempts.
On ‘Time Management’ being a key factor in preparations & writing Prelims or the Mains:
Time Management is crucial and I learnt this art by taking Test Series for both Prelims and Mains.
On choice & basis of selecting optional subject:
Interest in the Optional Subject is paramount before choosing the optional subject, otherwise it becomes very difficult.
Optional Subjects: Political Science and International Relations.
I selected Political Science as my optional subject as it is also my subject of graduation. Thus, I had a strong base in it as well as interest.
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Bio-Data |
| Name—Tina Dabi
Father’s Name—Mr. Jaswant Dabi Mother’s Name—Mrs. Hemali Dabi Date of Birth—November 9, 1993 Educational Qualifications— 10th—2008-09, CBSE, CJM, (93%) 12th—2010-11, CBSE, CJM (96·25%) B.A. (Hons.)—2011–2014, DU, LSR, (71%) |
On the First Step being the most difficult to prepare & getting the right advice:
I did extensive research on all these questions before the exam. I spoke to previously successful candidates.
On approach towards Paper I (General Studies) during Preliminary Examination preparation:
I revised all the books important for GS three times before Prelims. I also kept myself updated with current affairs.
On any change in plan for General Studies & Paper II (Aptitude Test) being qualifying in Prelims:
Being a student from non-Science stream, it was a blessing for me that CSAT became qualifying.
On tackling ‘Negative Marking’ in Prelims:
You learn how to tackle negative marking only by giving as many Mock Tests as possible.
On adopting a shift in strategy for MAINS (Written):
After Prelims, I tried studying subjects from an analytical angle. I stuck to the syllabus and updated myself with current affairs.
On special effort for effective preparation for ESSAY Paper & on pick up of topics:
I practiced one essay a week after Prelims Exam. The topics I picked were previous years’ topics as well as current affairs related topics.
On preparation for Interview, the Personality Test:
I took as many mock interviews as I could as preparation for my interview. I faced Madam Alka Sirohi’s Board. My interview went well and lasted for 40–45 minutes. The questions mostly asked were related to my Political Science Optional and International Relations like—Obama Doctrine, Brexit, India-Myanmar Relations etc.
On preparing for other career opportunities as well while preparing for ultimate goal i.e. Career in Civil Services:
No. My focus was only on this.
On Motivation towards Civil Services despite other lucrative opportunities in changing economic environment:
The social prestige, respect and satisfaction that this job offers can never be surpassed by any other lucrative job for me.
On Educational Level to start & minimum time-frame for preparation for Civil Services Examinations:
Right after college one should start the preparation. One year is required.
On general view that Science subjects have better chance to score than Humanities:
I think this view is totally useless. I’ve only had humanities subjects (No Science Subject at all) and have secured Rank Ist.
On importance of medium of examination for exams like CSE:
I believe any candidate should give the exam in that medium he/she is comfortable whether it is English or Non-English Mediums.
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Personal Qualities |
| Favourite Person—My Mother
Strong Point—Self Discipline Weak Point—I do not have much real world experience. Hobbies—Painting – (Madhubani Paintings), Reading Novels. |
On impact of educational, financial and demographic status of the family of an aspirant on preparation:
No. Hard work pays off, regardless of any other factor.
On role the Competition Magazines play in preparing for an examination like Civil Services:
They provide guidance and give tips which are very helpful.
On finding “Pratiyogita Darpan” close to expectations & comments on the Extra Issues Series on ‘General Studies’
Pratiyogita Darpan is a very good magazine. The authors put in a lot of efforts to compile the information in a concise and handy way that it becomes easy for students to learn and memorize. It’s very well upto expectations.
On the “Pratiyogita Darpan” Extra Issues Series on ‘General Studies’ particularly ‘Indian Economy’ & Optional:
All issues are very good. Indian Economy Issue especially gave me all relevant information in one place. It saved me a lot of time and helped me memorize the facts easily.
On referring to the Pratiyogita Darpan—Panorama Year Book & opinion its Current Affairs contents, size & the time of publishing:
Yes, I went through it. It provides a ready reference. It’s comprehensive, but at the same time concise.
On being a reader of Pratiyogita Darpan, comment on the articles by Atul Kapoor specifically for preparation of Civil Services Examinations:
These are very helpful. Good tips.
On Secret of & Credit for Success:
Consistent hard work and patience
My mother and father for their constant motivation and support.
On suggestions/advice to future aspirants:
Do hard work daily, as a routine. And do not lose hope. Keep yourself motivated.
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