Clearing the final post

Clearing the final post

The riding ground of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Musorie.

Mastering the techniques of answering objective questions is vital for scoring high marks in the Preliminary examination. But, while answering descriptive questions in the Main examination and in the interview, our analytical skills, sound judgment and ability for objective evaluation come into play.

Engaging ourselves in serious discussions with knowledgeable friends will help develop our skills in presentation.

Writing skills

Although the minimum qualification for entry is graduation, the standard of questions would be of a higher level. It is not prudent to confine oneself to the periphery of the bachelor's degree syllabus. Past question papers will help us fathom the depth of the syllabi. Whatever needs to be studied should be done thoroughly, since cursory answers will not help us. The best success plan involves the rehearsal of writing a few answers in the examination matrix.

Writing an essay for three hours in a competitive environment is no light matter. Even though a number of topics are there to choose from, once we select one, we have to marshal the facts and present them logically, with comments and conclusions.

Writing a few essays simulating the examination atmosphere will make us confident in facing the real test. Do remember that the Civil Services Examination is different from a university examination.

Candidates are not allowed to use calculators for answering objective type questions. They are, however, permitted to use scientific non-programmable type of calculators in the conventional descriptive examination.

Preparation for the examination should be in tune with this restriction. Those who are familiar with multiplication tables will have an edge over others who depend on calculators even for simple numerical calculations.

Officer trainees in traditional dress at the academy

There is no harm in seeking help from a coaching centre or reading competition magazines. We do not have time to garner all the original material required to meet the demands of the examination.

The air of procrastination and intellectual inertia that is common in the preparation for the university examinations has no place in the CSE drill. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) specifies that marks will not be allotted for mere superficial knowledge.

Credit will be given for orderly, effective and exact expression combined with due economy of words. It implies that even subject papers should be answered in good language. Marks will be deducted for illegible handwriting.

Keep anxieties and emotions away during the preparation and the actual examination. This will certainly help us think fast and perform effectively. The fittest do survive.

Personality test

Many candidates ignore the need to prepare for the personality test. There are strategies to optimise our performance. Even the brightest candidate may commit errors while he is attending an interview. We should learn what is expected of a candidate in the CSE interview and prepare accordingly. The object of the interview is to assess the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in public service.

The test is intended to judge the mental calibre. This is an assessment of not only his/her intellectual qualities but also social traits and his/her interest in current affairs.

Some of the qualities that are judged include mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.

The nature of the interview is not that of a strict cross-examination but of a natural, though directed and purposive conversation, which is intended to reveal the mental qualities of the candidate.

The interview is not intended to be a test either of the specialised or general knowledge of the candidates which has been already tested through their written papers.

We should not limit ourselves to our special subjects of academic study. We should keenly follow events which are happening around us, both within and outside our own State or country.

Keeping ourselves abreast of the modern currents of thought and new discoveries adds to our armoury.

Attending a few mock interviews held by experts will develop the required skills and techniques, and eliminate mannerisms. Steps for enhancing our overall personality and maintaining our mental alertness at its peak are vital.

It is important to maintain a positive mental attitude. Success comes not by chance, but as a result of total dedication. Emotional stability is important. Further, we should have an ounce of common sense along with tonnes of intelligence. The spirit has to be "I will win".

The Services

The various Services and their functions are indicated below:

Indian Foreign Service: Functioning as officials in the Ministry of External Affairs or Indian Missions abroad, discharging duties relating to diplomacy, trade and cultural relations.

Indian Administrative Service: Framing and implementing policy matters of the Government, in tune with the directives of the political leadership and district administration. Often, IAS officers function as chairperson or managing director of public sector units.

Indian Police Service: Maintenance of law and order. This covers areas such as crime prevention/investigation, public safety and security, and traffic control and also organisations such as the Intelligence Bureau, Central Bureau of Investigation, Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force and the Central Industrial Security Force.

Indian Audit and Accounts Service: The Comptroller and Auditor General, a constitutional authority, is in charge of maintenance and audit of accounts in Central and the State Governments. Military establishments and public sector undertakings come under CAG's purview. There are various units in different parts of the country.

Indian Customs and Central Excise Service: Levying of customs duty on taxable goods brought into the country; and excise duty on goods manufactured within the country.

Indian Information Service: Handling the press and public relations on behalf of the Government. Organising press conferences, fairs and festivals of the Government. Media work in All India Radio, Doordarshan, Field Publicity, Press Information Bureau, Films Division, etc.

B. S. Warrier