Interview

The former Chief Election Commissioner, who completed his education in his hometown and Chennai, told me about the time he could not secure an admission in an engineering college when he was asked about the actor Shivaji Ganesan.

In his third attempt, he not only clinched an All India Rank of 15 but also managed to get the highest marks (206 out of 275) in the interview.

“While making notes, keep in mind that this is what you will come back to closer to the examination. So remember to be concise, and jot down all relevant information. Making copious notes might not serve the purpose during the days just before the examination.”

“What kept me going with each attempt was the incremental success which I got with each exam I attempted. With that conviction I kept preparing,” he says.

From AIR 2 Anu Kumari to AIR 4 Shreyas Kumat, UPSC toppers share their strategy for cracking that all-important interview.

He says that aspirants must remember that the interview not only checks your knowledge but your aptitude towards service.

“I had made up my mind on this. During the first two times, I was still working so did not have enough time to prepare. Many people work full-time and manage to clear the exams, but that did not work for me.”

A resident of Ajmer, Rajasthan, Shreyans completed his Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT–B), in 2015. He worked with Ernst and Young for two years before deciding to apply for the civil services. This was his first attempt.

While good command over English helps, candidates have cracked the exam and given the interview in their regional languages as well.

Emphasising how important it is to manage time well, Rema says, “Being aware of how much time you have will save you from wasting crucial time and have an undivided focus on what needs to be read.”