Her optional paper was Public Administration and Law. In essay paper she got 110 out of 200. In GS she got 282(144+138), PA 196(75+121), LAW 297(148+149) out of 600. In interview 186(300). Overall she got 1071 out of 2300 which is 46.57%.
Question: What was your success plan?
Apurva: I was hopeful of making it to the list, although not certain. But, rank was something I had not expected. I was elated after hearing the news of it.
I was pursuing Law, I did not consult regarding it. I had faith in my understanding of it. But, for choosing Public Administration as optional subject, I did take up advice of my friends, family and after having a look at the syllabus, I decided to take it.
I had been reading IAS toppers interviews and for that matter every interview in certain way motivated me.
It was certainly a planned decision. It was not per se parent’s wish; yet, they really supported me throughout my journey.
I was focused determined and also I abided by the advice tendered by friends and teachers.
Question: How did plan for Preliminary examination.
Apurva: It requires exhaustive study. Certain topics have to be dealt in greater details and before exams a quick revision is required.
Question: What is your opinion about General Studies?
Apurva: .It is vast but recently a shift has been seen from factual to Questions requiring understanding which is a good trend.
Question: What is the best way to prepare current affairs?
Apurva: Being regular with magazines & newspapers like I took help of Civil Services Chronicle & its special issues which helped me a lot.
Question: What was your plan for essay paper?
Apurva: There was no special effort for preparation, but while writing essay, you should not be too quick to pick up any topic. So, while deciding over it I took time and tried to articulate my answers.
Question: What about time management.
Apurva: Since I was doing law parallely it took a lot time but a regular and consistent schedule helped me.
Question: What was your strategy for Mains?
Apurva: For mains both the optionals were crucial and was to be done thoroughly, but for GS I read few books & certain selected topics etc.
Question: What should be criteria to select optional?
Apurva: It should be taken on basis of your own understanding rather than popularity. It helps you to articulate well. As in my case I chose law as my first optional.
Question: Tell me something about interview.
Apurva: It was cordial board. I was interviewed by IMG Khan Sir He was very interactive and supportive as well.
Question: What are your suggestions for the new comers?
Apurva: Be focused patient and determined. Work hard. It will surely yield the results. All the Best.
Question: How important is the length of answer?
Apurva: Not really But yes it shouldn’t be too short as it would not convey what you want to express.