TOPPERS’ TALK with ISHANI PAUL, IPS

TOPPERS’ TALK with ISHANI PAUL, IPS

“ Civil Services are perhaps the spine of the machinery driving this country”- Ishani Paul

” Civil Services are perhaps the spine of the machinery driving this country”- Ishani Paul

IAS Score : What were your strategies for the lengthy syllabus of General Studies for both Prelims and Mains?

Ans. Preparation for GS for prelims and mains has to go on simultaneously, they cannot be compartmentalized. Also as per the current trend I focused more on the issues of current importance (Current Affairs as we popularly call them) and tried to develop conceptual understanding of them.

IAS Score : what were the sources of information for general reading? How did you come to know that which sources of reading materials are standard?

Ans. The Hindu-Newspaper, competitive magazines and Class notes of Sri S. K. Mishra sir and notes provided by Manoj sir were my sources of general reading. This along with consulting faculties, especially Manoj sir and following the blogs of previous years’ toppers gave me information about the standard reading material.

IAS Score : Tell us something about preparation of essay paper.

Ans. Did not prepare anything specifically for the essay paper, however the broad range of knowledge gathered during preparation of general studies ultimately helped in the essay paper.

IAS Score : How did you prepare for CSAT?

Ans : In my opinion CSAT mainly requires practice, more you can practice, especially in real-time, more it is going to help you.

IAS Score : How much time one should devote for PT /Mains etc

Ans. One year of preparation before the prelims is required for the exam.

IAS Score : How did you manage your time in both prelims and mains examinations?

Ans: From the very beginning, one should prepare keeping in mind both the prelims and mains. However a couple of months before the prelims the preparation can be focused exclusively towards it.

IAS Score : Did you integrate your Prelims or Mains preparation or was it separate?

Ans. I followed an integrated strategy for prelims and mains.

IAS Score : How helpful are the notes? What is your advice on notes-making?

Ans. Notes are really helpful during revision period if one can constantly prepare them during studying.
However personally I was not able to prepare notes and relied on the notes provided by Manoj sir.

IAS Score : What are your suggestions for fresher ?

Ans. Nowadays a lot of candidates are clearing the examination in their first attempt itself, so the freshers should in no way consider themselves to be in a disadvantageous position. Rather by keeping a positive approach they can easily crack this exam.

Name: Ishani Paul, IPS
Rank: 269
Year of examination: 2012-13

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