Rank-565 Civil Services Examination-2008

Interviewed by Mr. Joy Tonsing, Prez, SSPP, Jt. HQ. Delhi


CURRICULUM VITAE
Name: P..Goulungmuon Singsit.
Date of birth: 28th November.
Father’s name: Dr. Seikholun Singsit.
Mother’s name: Jamthianching Singsit.
Father’s occupation: Retd. Senior Medical Officer.
Mother’s occupation: Home maker.
Present address: BN 142, Balramnagar, Safilguda, Hyderabad – 500047.
Rank: 565.
Optionals: Public Administration & Anthropology.
No. of attempts: 3 (2006-APPEARED FOR MAINS, 2007-APPEARED FOR INTERVIEW, 2008).
Educational qualification/background:
Educational Details:
Name of School/College/ Institution Place District/State Class (From) Class (To) Year (From) Year (To)

Blue Star Academy,Lamka Churachandpur, Manipur. L..K.G. IX 1989 1997
Wesley Boy’s High School Secunderabad Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. X 1997 1998
Little Flower Junior College Uppal Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. XI XII 1998 2000
Bhavan’s Vivekananda Degree College Sanikpuri, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. B.Sc. Iyr. B.Sc. IIIyr. 2000 2003
University of Hyderabad Gachibowli Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. M.Sc. Iyr. M.Sc. IIyr. 2003 2005

Exam Passed Class/
Division Marks (%) Year Subject Name of School/College Name of Board/ University/
InstitutionMatric (SSC) First Division 65% 1998 English, Hindi, MathematicsScience, Social Studies. Wesley Boy’s High School Board of Secondary Education, Andhra Pradesh.
Inter (IPE) First Division 71% 2000 English, French, Botany, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry. Little Flower Junior College Board of Intermediate Education, Andhra Pradesh.
Degree (B.Sc.) First Division 66% 2003 Genetics, Microbiol. Chemistry. Bhavan’s Degree College Osmania University.
Masters (M.Sc.) First Division 61% 2005 Animal Sciences. UoH University of Hyderabad.

Service preferences:
1. IAS.
2. IPS.
3. IRS(IT).
4. IRS(Customs & Excise)..
5. IFS.

Hobbies:
Reading, Football and Hiking.
1. Congratulations on your success in the prestigious civil services examination. What is your first reaction on hearing about your success in this mother of all examinations? To whom and what do you credit your success?
I felt very humbled by the fact that the Lord has been gracious towards me and my family. It is the Lord that has brought me thus far. My family has been my constant support through all those years of preparation and I could not have asked for more. We worked as a team. We’ve set the goal and worked real hard towards achieving it and God has finally rewarded our efforts. Never once did we doubted that it was impossible.
I thank all the loved ones, especially those in Manipur, Shillong,Nagaland, Delhi and Hyderabad who have contributed so much – spiritually, mentally and physically. I would like to make a special mention of my cousins Jenny Kiloung,ICAS and her husband M.T.Kom,DANICS & James Singson,IRS for their unfailing support and encouragement. I also thank all my friends in Hyderabad for all their love and support.


2. Why did you choose civil services as a career? Is it your childhood dream or did your parents/friends/relatives push you to go for this exam?
A life worth living is a life lived for others. –Albert Einstein.
I have always admired people who strive to make the lives of their fellowmen better and richer. It was this sense of purpose that drove me towards being a part of the civil services.
It was a conscious decision that came when I was at a very important crossroad in my life. I was in the final year of my Masters course when I began to really think of what I wanted to do with my life. There was this constant urge to give meaning to my whole existence. I was 20 years and not very sure of which way I was going. It was under such circumstances that I decided to pursue a career that will allow me to contribute my best to the well-being of my fellowmen. I was convinced then that Civil Services have the grace as well as the power to do just that in a country like ours. And there was no looking back from then on.


3. When did you consciously start preparing for this exam? How many hours did you devote to your studies regularly? Many people say that this examination requires at least 8-10 hours of regular study to succeed in this exam, do you agree?
Having taken my career decision, I started my preparation soon after I completed my Masters in May 2005.
For anyone who is thinking of getting into the Civil services, we need to understand that it is not always the number of hours but rather the level of commitment that matters more. I believe that when you are fully committed, there will be many a times when even the 24 hrs of a day seem to pass by a tad too early. If we give nothing short of our 100% and strive towards getting into the services in the first attempt itself, anyone will understand what I’m trying to say.


4. Civil services is one of the toughest nut to crack requiring constant and sustained hard work. How did you keep yourself constantly motivated and what was your source of inspiration?
My motto is: Keep it simple and organised. Find ways to enjoy doing what you’ve started.
The fact that I knew what I wanted and should be willing to sacrifice anything else to achieve it, kept me motivated. Nothing short of my best effort was acceptable. One does not want to be found, telling oneself at the end of the day, “ If only I had done more!”. Success or failure, all that matters is whether you have given your best and thoroughly utilized all efforts.
Reading my bible daily, prayer and church attendance (a good English Worship Service) every Sunday has been my routine for spiritual rejuvenation.
Moreover, surrounding myself continually with motivational books for some light reading and emotional well being has been a great comfort. A short walk twice a day has also kept me physically fit.


5. What are your optional subjects and why did you choose them? Could you please give a list of the books you consulted for your optionals and GS for the benefit of those who are trying to follow in your footsteps?
Anthropology and Public Administration. I chose them mainly due to my interest in the subjects and the availability of proper guidance/coaching in Hyderabad.
Public Administration: Thinkers by Prasads, Indian Administration by RK Arora, New Horizon in Public Administration by Mohit Bhattacharya, PA by Lakshmikanth, and Coaching Materials.
Anthropology: Ember and Ember, Tribal India by Nadeem Hasnain, Coaching Materials.
General Studies: NCERT XI & XII for Economy, History and Geography, Indian Polity by D.D.Basu, Freedom Struggle by Bipan Chandra, Spectrum GS, Pratiyogita Darpan Economy, Manorama Year Book, India Year Book etc.


6. Besides text books, what newspapers, magazines and books of interest do you read?
The Hindu, Civil Service Chronicle, India Today, Frontline.


7. Did you attend any coaching institutes? If yes, where? Do you think that atttending coaching institutes help?
Yes. I attended Brain Tree Coaching Institute in Hyderabad. For someone like me who was a novice w.r.t preparation for Civil Services, coaching was extremely helpful because it provides you with the basics. But at the same time it is important to understand that the preparation is just 30% coaching and 70% self. The real effort ultimately rests on you. It’s about how you utilize the coaching services for your own good.


8. How was your interview and what questions were asked by the Board? Were the Board members cordial and did they ask you any tricky questions?
The interview went well. It lasted for about 20-25 minutes. I was asked questions related to my Hobbies, subjects at the Degree and Masters level, Home state, Andhra Pradesh and Optionals.
The Interview was very cordial and relaxed. Questions on Educational background and Home State were a bit tricky, but I think I managed them somehow by the grace of God.


9. What do you think is the secret of your success? How should one go about preparing for the civil services examination?
Single-minded determination and Smart Hardwork.
Know what the exam demands, create a good network of like-minded friends, seek advise from successful candidates occasionally. Chart out your own plan of action well and stick to it. Do not waiver.


10. What service did you expect to get? If you don’t get the service of your choice, will you give another attempt again?
As of now nothing has been confirmed by the Department of Personnel and Training.
I believe everything will be clear within a few weeks.
Yes, I would like to.


11. How do you foresee yourself as a future administrator/civil servant?
I may not have instant answers or solutions to the myriad problems affecting the country as well as the states in particular, but I wish to see myself as a patient listener and one committed to the cause of serving the people with an open mind. I will be accessible, accountable and will try to rise up to the aspirations of the poor and the needy.

12. What advice would you like to give to the student community who wish to follow in your footsteps?

We are no less than anybody. We have the ability to compete at the highest level and claim a place among the best. Laziness and complacency is our worst enemy.
Let us never begin our preparations with our hopes set on the ‘reservation’ provisions. It is a loser’s attitude and we will only be fighting a losing battle. We have to strive for the top merit list. Reservation is a consolation in the worst case scenario.
Lastly let us remember this – “What we can do naturally, God will not do supernaturally.” It is solely up to us to work hard and do what we need to do. God will take care of the rest. I have trusted in Him and my trust has been vindicated.

Wish you all the best in your life and career and all your future endeavours. Thank you.
Thank you. I’m honored.

Courtesy : Siamsinpawlpi Network