I have been in the process of civil services preparation for almost a decade now. So, i would like to share some of the things, which got me enlightened during the phase of preparation . And I would request other veterans to do the same with the simple objective of making the process of preparation a learning phase which one should cherish rather than one should curse himself/herself for.
Decide properly why u want to join civil services . Most of the people here motivated by the perks rather than the nature of the job. Still others want to join it for others .This is the most important step and believe me , if u miss this out , ur subsequent life will bear the impact . And if you justify it properly , you are displaying a fine sense of judgement which will also impact your subsequent life .
Two kinds of people dive into the sea of civil services preparation as far as I understood. One who has a job and wants upgradation in job and the other, who see it as an opportunity of employment . And it is the later one , that is in jeopardy and needs some suggestions primarily . For the later type of people :
- Do your post graduation first before diving in to the sea . Reasons : in case you fail, you can directly apply for PhD/ Mphil and the competition is lesser at the high echelons of study pyramid . Or you can appear for NET/SET etc . which will open for you new doors of opportunities. And this would be the never be the case if you are without one .
- Give only three attempts I.e. Three years of your life ONLY studying (sitting in room and studying only for this) for this exam. Time will fly sooner enough than you would think of. At the same time , if you are clear about the first point (made earlier) give all your attempts diligently . But after three attempts , you need to do something along with your preparation. The subsequent attempts would not require the sitting home and preparing type schedule . Just one month before the exam will do the work. This side by side working (whatever you have chosen for yourself) will create a smooth transition for you to delve and excel in other field, in case if you have exhausted all your attempts.
- Choose your optional not solely based on interest . Consider cost-benefit analysis before choosing one . For example , if I am from civil engineering, I will go with civil engineering optional. This will help me in preparation for IES exam too apart from helping in going to further studies in the field of civil engineering . All the subjects have equal chances of helping you in selection .
What I have experienced is that , civil services is more a psychological exam rather than the pen-paper type exam. So:
- Do not take this exam as living or death thing . This will only heighten your anxiety.
- Do not take this exam very seriously .
- Your success or failure in the exam is not directly proportional to the hard work you put in .
- This is completely luck based exam . But the villain luck will only arrives at the last , when you have played your part in the movie effectively ( and without a villain , there can not be a thrilling movie).
Finally :
Always be in learning mode . Try to possess a curious mind and have 'Never say die' attitude . But have this attitude with a fine sense of judgement.
No more no less ...Good Luck
I would welcome others to add on
Comments
Don't you even bother to consider the things comprehensively before you answer ?