Where I went wrong in 2013

The 2013 civil service main exams, though relatively easy, didn't turn out well for me. Here's why:

1. I didn't believe in myself enough.
Talking to peers over the phone right before the exam really affected my confidence level. Every single time I talked to some friends, I got a feeling that I hadn't prepared enough, and it's gonna be difficult to pass the exam.
WHICH WAS WRONG.
DON'T DO THAT.

2. I didn't sleep well enough on the day before the exam.
I felt sleepy at 10pm, but didn't go to sleep as I thought I'd read more. Peer pressure also had an influence on me. My closest study mate wasn't going to sleep any soon. This led to a disaster. I couldn't sleep at all. Sleep came only at 9 am, when I was about to write the exam. DISASTER.

3. I felt lonely.
Should have stayed with a friend/brought my family. If you are a very emotional person who doesn't have control over your own internal demons, bring your family or stay with a close friend.

4. I failed at assessing the question paper properly and allocating time accordingly.
There were 25 questions, at least 300-400 words each to be written. Which means around 80 pages to be written in 3 hours- IMPOSSIBLE!! best way is to write 50-100 words for all answers instead of writing a few good answers and leaving all the rest.

Bottomline: No matter how hard you study, how well you are oriented for the civil services, it is your performance on the examination day that counts. No compromise on that. Do whatever it takes to ensure a comfortable and relaxed time during the exam days.

PROSPECTS OF CIVIL SERVICE IN CONTEMPORARY INDIA

The Indian Civil Services today, as always, is one of most prestigious and sought after career options available in India. The power, charm and respect an IAS officer holds makes it nothing less than a dream job. The emergence of multinational companies offering plump salaries and perks after the dawn of liberalization, privatization and globalization in India has not affected the demand for this career, as is proven from the sheer number of aspirants appearing for the preliminary exam every year. On the contrary it is seen that more and more bright young minds from streams like engineering, medicine and management are getting attracted to this field.

The civil services offer a right mix of challenging opportunities and the best work conditions and perks. As a member of the Indian Civil Services, one will be in close contact with people and the decisions taken by a civil servant directly or indirectly impact the common man in a significant way. There is a general belief that there is a lot of political interference and control over the civil servants. The fact is that any position with a lot of authority and responsibilities is bound to have controls along with it. This is true with private sector jobs as well.

As a civil servant, one will receive the opportunity to interact with distinguished individuals and institutions from around the world. Being able to participate in policy formulation and high level decision making brings a great deal of satisfaction and pride. Apart from being one of the most stable employers, the Government of India provides other benefits to civil servants including health, housing, transportation and sufficient leave. The Indian Government also encourages higher studies among civil servants by fully funding education of officers at the best universities in India and abroad.

The possibilities of reaching the highest echelons of administration at the state and national level- including positions like cabinet secretary, home secretary, chief secretary (state), CAG and CEC, add to the lure of the civil services. The civil services offer the bright young minds of India the best opportunity to utilize their potential and excel. A member of the Indian civil services will get the rare and invaluable opportunity to contribute to the transformation of our country into a global superpower.