preparation

“Once I cleared the UPSC, I wanted to try one more, and with each exam, I kept saying that to myself, ultimately ending up writing so many of them.”

“Given the rigor and detailing that was needed to write the book—through the process the concepts I wrote about kept getting stronger,” she adds.

When her previous attempt in the Civil Service Examination yielded a 99 rank and secured her an Indian Police Services post, Namrata again sat for the exam in 2018, scored an All India Rank of 12 to get her dream job of the Indian Administrative Services.

“We were four siblings and making ends meet with my father’s salary was not at all easy. I studied in a school that was around 15 km away from my home and travelled everyday by various modes; which included walking.”

“During my college years, I spent a lot of time reading topper interviews and watching videos in which the toppers would share their strategy and tips. I saw that a majority of them had read these newspapers and referred to these magazines. I also made a consolidated list of books that were commonly used and referred to them while studying.”

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

Since they take in 25 students each in classes 11 and 12, the name 50 Villagers came about. A practising doctor, Dr Saran did not see himself take up teaching. "However," he says, “it was the circumstances and the education system that made me become a teacher and mentor.”

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

With almost 150 volunteers spread across the mela grounds, the camp has reunited more than 22,000 children and 12,50,000 people in the last 73 years- all for free!

Dr Vijaykarthikeyan suggests aspirants must only attempt the questions that they are sure about. They must remember that negative marking exists, and accordingly, be careful while attempting the questions, he says.