“Patience, hard Work and my parents’ inspiration are the secrets of my success.”
-Aneesh Dasgupta
‘Pratiyogita Darpan’ arranged an exclusive interview with Shri Aneesh Dasgupta, who is selected in Civil Services Examination 2015. He deserves all appreciation and our heartiest congratula-tions on his splendid success. This important, thought provoking and highly inspiring interview is being presented here in its original form.
PD—Achieving top slot in the coveted Civil Services Examination is no small feat; accept our heartiest congratulations on your splendid success.
Shree Aneesh—Thank You.
PD—What preference in services have you opted for and any particular reason for that priority ?
Shree Aneesh—I have opted for IAS followed by IFS and IPS. IAS is my first choice because of the vast opportunity it offers to serve the nation.
PD—‘Success is sweet’ were you confident of your success with top ranks and how did you react to this news ?
Shree Aneesh—I was not sure ok. So no question of being confident of getting such a good rank.
However, I had belief in myself and was hoping to get through.
PD—Today, IAS Toppers are icons and lots of media coverage make them popular. Before your success, what was your opinion about these toppers ? Any particular success story which influenced your journey to this result?
Shree Aneesh—I, as an aspirant, too used to look up to these success stories. One thing which I found common to all was determination and hard work. This I felt was essential for the preparation. The selection of my college senior Pawan Kadyan was an inspirational one.
PD—Can you recall the exact moment when you realized the importance of Civil Services ?
Shree Aneesh—It was while I was working in the private sector that I realized I wanted to contribute to the society in a more meaningful and constructive manner, I realized the Civil Services offer such an opportunity.
PD—Finally, at what point of time did you make up your mind to make career in ‘Civil Services’ ?
Shree Aneesh—By mid 2013 I had decided to be a civil servant and serve the nation.
PD—Was CSE a planned decision or your parents’ wish ?
Shree Aneesh—It was a well deliberated decision, which I undertook after discussing at length about it with my parents. My parents’ only wish was to see me happy and my happiness lay here. So, it was a unanimous decision as well.
PD—Did you keep in mind some time-frame for the examination preparation and number of attempts ?
Shree Aneesh—Not really; but, I wanted each of my attempt to be the best possible attempt .
PD—‘Time Management’ is a key factor. How did you manage things ?
Shree Aneesh—There is no compartmentalized study, and if we prepare for Mains, Prelims also gets covered.
For Prelims, I gave last 2 months exclusively to Prelims for certain topics that were not getting covered in Mains. I also used to write tests at home to improve my accuracy.
For Mains, I had divided portions of the syllabus and had deadlines for each; during practice tests I used to keep a watch and I constantly monitor the time.
PD—While making final choice for optional subject, what’s important and what’s not ?
Shree Aneesh—I think the important points are :
- Time available
- Interest in the subject
- Availability of guidance
- Enough preparation material
- Recent performance of the optional
What should not be considered are :
- Flashy coaching and false claims of success
- Swayed by peers or seniors advice
PD—What was your optional subject ?
Shree Aneesh—Optional Subject -Anthropology
PD—Give the basis of selecting the optional subject .
Shree Aneesh—When I started my preparation for UPSC exam, I had no background of GS; so, I could only devote a limited time to the optional. Anthropology fit all these criteria I have outlined above perfectly. It is an interesting and easy to grasp subject.
I joined Vaid’s ICS classroom coaching in Delhi. Vaid Sir has been a constant source of support throughout my preparation. In my second attempt I also joined the test series of Srinvas IAS academy.
PD—In how many attempts have you achieved this success ?
Shree Aneesh—2 attempts.
| Bio-data |
| Name—Aneesh Dasgupta
Father’s Name—Shri Jayant Das-gupta Mother’s Name—Smt. Arundhati Dasgupta Educational Qualifications : 10th—2004, CBSE, DPS, Patna (90·8%) 12th—2006, CBSE, DPS, R.K. Puram (90·4%) B.Tech.—2007-11, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kanpur (8·1/10) |
PD—You achieved the desired success in this attempt; how do you visualize your previous attempts ?
Shree Aneesh—I thought I had done well in my 1st attempt. I had a good GS Score and a decent optional subject score. However, I fared poorly in essay and interview.
PD—The first step is the most difficult ? From where did you get the right advice ?
Shree Aneesh—Yes, there are a plethora of questions, but it is crucial to be calm and composed. It is equally important to be decisive, once the information is at hand.
I consulted my father who is a retired IAS officer of 1981 batch. His guidance was beyond doubt, the most crucial part of my preparation.
I also consulted seniors, friends, who were either in the service or were preparing. There is also a ton of helpful material online. Many selected candidates have been kind enough to write blog which are truly marvelous for the fresher.
PD—What was your approach towards Paper I (General Studies) during Preliminary Examination preparation?
Shree Aneesh—My approach was to first attempt all those about which I was sure. In the subsequent round I attempted the rest after elimination of options.
I focused on environment, art and culture, geography, economics and polity. I also focused on recognition rather than recollection.
PD—Was there any change in plan for General Studies Paper II (Aptitude Test) being qualifying in Preliminary Examination ?
Shree Aneesh—No there was no change in plan. However, the focus on Paper 1 increased.
PD—How did you manage to tackle the ‘Negative Marking’ in Prelims ?
Shree Aneesh—I didn’t fear negative marking as I had the confidence that the answers were correct.
PD—What shift did you adopt in your strategy for Main Examination (Written) ?
Shree Aneesh—In Mains, I wrote in points and used sub-headings. I used to confine my answers in time which helped me complete all questions. I also used to analyse every issue in terms of pros & cons.
| Personal Qualities |
| Favourite Person—Mahatma Gandhi
Strong Point—Hardwork. Hobbies—Swimming, water polo, trekking. |
PD—Was there any special effort for effective preparation for Eassay Paper ? Which topics did you pick up this time and why did you choose these particular topics ?
Shree Aneesh—So, I worked extra hard on essay. I joined test series and wrote approximately 7-8 tests of 2 essays each. I tried to make the essay readable and enjoyable while putting my views across. I also used anecdotes and quotes to embellish the essay.
Topics I picked :
- Lending hand to someone is better than giving a dole.
- Dreams which should not let India sleep
PD—How did you prepare yourself for Interview (Personality Test) ? When and which Board did you face? How did your interview go on, how much time did it last and what were the questions asked during the Interview?
Shree Aneesh—I attended 2 mock interviews. I faced Prof. P K Joshi sir’s Board.
For preparation, I also regularly discussed issues with my father and mother. Their insights were very helpful and allowed a healthy informed discussion.
I felt my interview didn’t go well. I had made a few blunders. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw my marks.
PD—Were you preparing for other career opportunities as well while preparing for your ultimate goal i.e., Career in Civil Services?
Shree Aneesh—No, I was single-mindedly focusing on CSE.
PD—While the changing economic environment offers immense lucrative career opportunities in various sectors, still what kept you motivated towards Civil Services?
Shree Aneesh—The nature of job, challenges, variety and most important the satisfaction of serving the nation kept me motivated.
PD—In your opinion at which Educational Level should one start preparing for Civil Services and what should be the minimum period of time required to prepare for Civil Services Examinations?
Shree Aneesh—Whenever one feels inclined to do so. I started after working for 2 years.
PD—What is your opinion regarding the general view that Science subjects have better chance to score than Humanities?
Shree Aneesh—I do not subscribe to that view. It is true that recently they are doing well; but, not all of them. Also, in the past, the trend was very different.
PD—Does the educational, financial and demographic status of the family of an aspirant have any impact on the preparation?
Shree Aneesh—Yes, I feel they have a bearing; but only to a certain extent. After that, it is hard work and discipline.
PD—What is the secret of your success?
Shree Aneesh—Parents’ unconditional love, support and sacrifices, hard work and patience.
PD—To whom would you like to give the credit for your success?
Shree Aneesh—First and foremost my parents; they have shared each up and down of this journey with me and has given me immense support to go through with the prep. I would also like to thank my brother, my friends and well-wishers.
PD—Any suggestion/advice you would like to give to the future aspirants.
Shree Aneesh—Have faith in your abilities and give your best. Everything will fall into place.
PD—Thank You very much and wishing you all the best for your future endeavours.
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