PRIYANKA NIRANJAN IAS Rank 20in Civil Services Examination
Optional Subjects
Philosophy, Literature of Sanskrit Language
Success Plan
Since childhood, I was keen to join Civil Services; but, I got serious when I joined Allahabad University. I am fortunate to have a group of friends who were seriously preparing for Civil Services Examiantion.
In CSE 2010, one of our friend, Shiv Sahay Awasthi (AIR 34, CSE 2010) achieved success with Hindi medium which really infused a lot of confidence in all of us.
Although, I took a little longer time to reach my destination but, in between, I got selected in State Civil Services and gradually attained my goal.
First, I made a strategy to face Preliminary Examination as it is seen as a big challenge particularly for Hindi medium candidates. As such, for Main Examination, I had been preparing for quite some time; so, this area was not a big problem for me.
I had been preparing for so many years and success was elusive so, from my side I tried to put in the best I could do and left rest on God.
Language Medium of writing examination
Hindi
Language Medium for Personality Test
Hindi
Number of attempts
This success came to me in my 6th attempt. Initial three attempts were shear waste but, my attempts in CSE 2009 and 2010 were really serious but, unfortunately, I had to face depressing results.
Time Management
Look at the pattern of question papers in Main Examination, time management is really crucial. Number of questions and their diversity really posed some threats but, I tried to answer all questions in brief and as per requirement.
Secret of success
Hard work and dedication towards the goal
Priyanka Niranjan (AIR 20, CSE 2012) is the topper with Hindi medium
Optional Subjects
I chose my optional subjects based on availability of good guidance and study-material. Also, an eye on their scoring pattern was also a bog factor.
Optional Subject 1: Philosophy
Optional Subject 2: Literature of Sanskrit Language
In 2008, 2009 and 2010 I appeared with Philosophy-Sociology combination but, in this attempt I changed Sociology with Literature of Sanskrit Language.
Prelims
As I come from economics background; mathematics was never a problem for me. The new-look Preliminary Examination never looked difficult. My strategy was to revise whatever study-material I had with me.
For Prelims, I study plan was based on facts and understanding.
Negative marking
I feel care is needed when we work out the correct answers. If in doubt, first understand your position; and if you feel safe, you can go for taking some risk.
Mains
For Main Examination, I focused on writing skills. That was much needed to give emphasis as I have been preparing for long time.
Essay
As I had Sociology as one of my optional subject and have prepared well on earlier occasions, I picked up the topic from social issues only. I also added a lot of contemporary information in my essay from the knowledge I gathered from newspaper and magazines reading.
Interview
For this attempt, I did not prepare much for Interview.
I just brushed up information relating to my bio-data and formed opinion about some of the related areas.
I faced Prof. David R. Syiemlieh sir’s board on 10th April 2013.
Interview Questions
I was asked about rural development, global warming, NCC, NSS, women empowerment, some questions relating to economy and some other related question.
Advice
You need to have in yourself if you are look for success in Civil Services Examination. Just keep on moving in the right direction with full dedication towards your goal
