Zaffar Iqbal, attained 39th Rank in 4th attempt Civil Services Examination, 2016

Last Updated on November 14, 2024 by Bharat Saini

Dedication, Hard Work, and Time Management: The Secrets of My Success

— Zaffar Iqbal

In an inspiring conversation, Pratiyogita Darpan interviewed Shri Zaffar Iqbal, a Civil Services Examination 2016 topper. His story is a powerful testament to determination, strategic preparation, and perseverance. Here are highlights from his journey and insights on effective preparation for UPSC aspirants.

Interview Summary

PD: Congratulations on your success! Could you tell us how many attempts it took you?

Zaffar: Thank you! This was my fourth attempt. In my earlier attempts, I hadn’t fine-tuned my strategy. This time, I focused on comprehensive revision of both conventional topics and current affairs, and attended mock interviews to enhance my confidence.

PD: What optional subject did you choose, and why?

Zaffar: I chose Anthropology. Selecting an optional should be driven by genuine interest and the availability of resources for guidance.

PD: What was your service preference?

Zaffar: IAS, followed by IFS and IPS. IAS offers the most direct impact on socio-economic change, which aligns with my passion for serving society.

PD: When did you first consider Civil Services as a career?

Zaffar: I admired the profession from my school years, though I became serious about it during my third year in college.

PD: How crucial is time management in exam preparation?

Zaffar: Extremely important. I followed a strict timetable, dividing time effectively across subjects and using a stopwatch in exams to keep track of progress. Leaving a known question unattempted is a big regret, so it’s key to manage time well.

PD: What sources did you rely on for advice?

Zaffar: I gained insights from coaching institute teachers, seniors, online blogs, and fellow aspirants. Having multiple sources provided a well-rounded perspective on preparation strategies.

Preparation Strategies

1. Prelims Strategy

• Paper I (General Studies): I covered core subjects and current affairs, focusing on attempting a high number of questions with intelligent guessing.
• Paper II (Aptitude Test): While it’s now a qualifying paper, it shouldn’t be neglected. I practiced previous questions to ensure proficiency.

2. Tackling Negative Marking

• I only attempted questions I was confident about or could deduce using educated guesses, avoiding unnecessary risks.

3. Main Examination Approach

• My strategy for Mains was to complete the paper on time and answer questions with clear, structured responses. This included an engaging introduction, data-backed content, and optimistic conclusions, which earned better scores.

4. Essay Writing

• I practiced essays on various topics, analyzing and improving them to enhance clarity, flow, and structure. A well-written essay reflects personal thinking and originality. For example, my essay topics included “If development is not engendered, it is endangered” and “Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to civilization?”

5. Interview Preparation

• Preparing for the interview involved focusing on my Detailed Application Form (DAF) and practicing language fluency through discussions. My interview, conducted by Smt. Sujata Mehta, was mostly opinion-based and covered subjects like anthropology’s relevance in administration and current events.

Motivation and Perspective on Civil Services

• Civil services allow direct engagement with societal welfare, making it immensely rewarding. While other careers offer lucrative prospects, the unique respect, influence, and fulfillment of public service were my primary motivators.

Advice for Aspirants

1. Early Preparation

• Aspirants benefit from setting their sights on civil services early on, ideally in school or college. A dedicated one-year preparation is generally effective.

2. Choosing a Medium

• Comfort with the chosen language medium is crucial. Success depends on content quality and presentation rather than the medium itself.

3. Subject Selection

• Any subject can be scoring if thoroughly prepared. I believe humanities or science subjects offer equal potential if approached with depth and consistency.

4. Resources

• Competition magazines are valuable for understanding successful candidates’ strategies. They offer inspiration and practical guidance, especially for those without access to coaching.

Final Words

• Zaffar’s journey underscores the power of a structured approach, resilience, and adapting to feedback. His success demonstrates that strategic planning and consistent effort make all the difference.

Bio-Data

• Name: Zaffar Iqbal
• Father’s Name: Shri Mohd. Iqbal
• Mother’s Name: Smt. Zatoon Begum
• Educational Background:
  • 10th (2006): Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Surankote, Poonch – 89.2%
  • 12th (2008): Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Surankote, Poonch – 87.4%
  • B.Tech (2008-12): NIT Hamirpur, H.P. – 85.5%
• Hobbies: Football, jogging, reading

Conclusion

Shri Zaffar Iqbal’s journey reflects the dedication and planning essential for UPSC success. From choosing the right optional subject to time management, his insights are valuable lessons for any aspirant. His message is clear: focus on your strengths, manage time wisely, and remain resilient in your pursuit of goals.