IIPA in conversation with UPSC 2021 Achiever Mr Alfred

Summary

In this inspiring interview, Alfred, a UPSC 2021 Civil Services Examination topper with a 57th rank, shares his journey of success. From balancing a job in the Indian Postal Service while preparing for the exam, to his strategy of minimal content and maximum revision, Alfred emphasizes the importance of understanding exam demands, time management, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. He talks about his study techniques, how technology and emotional intelligence play crucial roles, and offers practical advice for aspirants. Alfred's insights also focus on citizen-centric governance, empowering citizens, and the future of technology in public administration.

Takeaways

• 😀 Clear vision and purpose are crucial for staying motivated throughout the UPSC preparation journey. Knowing *why* you want to become a civil servant keeps you going.
• 😀 Effective time management is key. Combining studies with hobbies or physical activities, like playing football, helps in maintaining mental and physical health.
• 😀 Group study, peer discussions, and mock interviews can help maximize available resources, especially when preparing while working a job.
• 😀 Choosing the right optional subject is crucial. It should align with personal interest, as you will spend years studying it.
• 😀 UPSC preparation should ideally start after college to maintain a balance between academics and personal life. Starting early is possible, but balance is critical.
• 😀 Identifying and minimizing distractions, including social media, is essential. Smart use of online resources helps avoid information overload.
• 😀 It's important to understand the exam's demand. Sticking to a minimal number of resources and focusing on revision helps clarify concepts and build strong fundamentals.
• 😀 Work-life balance is essential during UPSC preparation. Overloading yourself with study hours can lead to burnout.
• 😀 The study strategy should be different for each stage of the exam: Prelims (MCQs), Mains (written), and Interview (personal interaction).
• 😀 Building emotional intelligence and empathy is crucial for civil servants, enabling them to handle complex situations with a human touch while using technology efficiently.
• 😀 Social media, when used smartly, can support UPSC preparation. Following reliable handles (like those of government ministries and international organizations) can provide valuable knowledge.

Q & A

What was Mr. Alfred's initial reaction after achieving a rank of 57th in the UPSC Civil Services Examination?

Mr. Alfred described his initial reaction as one of relief, as the culmination of his four-year journey. He felt proud and honored by the opportunity to serve the nation and be part of a career that involves substantial responsibility.

How did Mr. Alfred manage to prepare for the UPSC exams while working in the Indian Postal Service?

Mr. Alfred joined the Indian Postal Service in March 2021 and had already completed his Mains exam by then. He focused on interview preparation while managing his job, utilizing group studies, mock interviews, and peer discussions effectively.

What was the most important factor Mr. Alfred considered when choosing his UPSC optional subject?

Mr. Alfred emphasized the importance of choosing a subject based on interest. Since his graduation subject (Computer Science) was not available, he selected Geography, which he found engaging and had good faculty and peer support in Kerala for preparation.

When did Mr. Alfred decide to pursue a career in civil services, and why?

Mr. Alfred decided to pursue a career in civil services during his college days. Initially, he planned to take up a professional IT career but chose civil services after realizing the exposure and opportunities the career offered.

How did Mr. Alfred maintain motivation throughout his long UPSC preparation journey?

Mr. Alfred kept himself motivated by maintaining clarity about why he wanted to pursue civil services. He balanced study with hobbies and physical activities, connected with fellow aspirants to share experiences, and worked on improving his weaknesses constantly.

What study strategies did Mr. Alfred use to balance his preparation and avoid burnout?

Mr. Alfred studied for around 8 hours per day, ensuring not to overexert himself. He emphasized the importance of maintaining mental and physical health by incorporating hobbies and activities such as playing football, watching movies, and ensuring rest to avoid burnout.

What role did technology play in Mr. Alfred's UPSC preparation?

Technology played a significant role in both his preparation and his views on governance. For preparation, he used online resources and platforms for content, while he also valued technology’s growing role in enhancing governance, transparency, and accountability.

What are some key study resources that Mr. Alfred recommends for UPSC aspirants?

Mr. Alfred recommends using standard textbooks like Laxmikanth for polity, Spectrum for modern India, and Shankar's for environment. He also created personalized notes based on internet resources, emphasizing the importance of self-made notes and minimizing the number of study resources.

How did Mr. Alfred prepare differently for the UPSC Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages?

For Prelims, Mr. Alfred focused on mastering MCQs by solving mock questions and analyzing previous year papers. For Mains, he concentrated on revising crisp notes and reproducing content effectively. For the Interview, he practiced mock interviews to build confidence, especially in English communication.

What does Mr. Alfred believe is essential for modern governance in India, particularly looking ahead to 2047?

Mr. Alfred believes that modern governance should be citizen-centric, focusing on accessibility, transparency, and bridging digital divides. He envisions using technology to empower citizens while maintaining a humane touch in governance to serve the people effectively.