What were your optional subjects, what was your basis of opting for them?

Ruchika Diwakar: Public Administration because of my general interest as well as its relevance in the services and Philosophy due to its short syllabus and availability of good coaching and material.

What were the basic mantras of your success?

Ruchika Diwakar: Limited yet concentrated efforts which I sustained throughout the course of my preparation. Group discussion on various issues proved to be vital.

What were your strategies for the lengthy syllabus of General Studies for both Prelims and Mains?
Ruchika Diwakar: GS is no doubt very lengthy. I integrated my preparation so that I would never leave GS on any day of my preparation. Due to its vastness REVISION is a must.

What were your optional in previous attempts?

Ruchika Diwakar: Geography and Public Administration.

How did you come to know that which sources of reading materials are standard? Please give list of books, magazines and papers which you read.

Ruchika Diwakar: The Hindu, Civil services Chronicle, Frontline, India Year Book.

Which is the most difficult part of this exam and why? What was your strategy to tackle this difficult part?

Ruchika Diwakar: Like it is rightly called the mother of all exams, all the stages are equally tough. But mains is the most important stage as it determines your final performance. I remained dedicated and did concrete preparation especially for it.

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

Ruchika Diwakar: Yes it was integrated and must be so because of the nature of the exam, separation is rather virtual.

Civil Services Exam process is quite strenuous. It requires long hours of constant study. How did you maintain your tempo and what did you do to break the monotony of preparation?

Ruchika Diwakar: Self motivation plus support of my family, teachers and friends. Inculcate and develop on your hobbies eg. Music, yoga, watching movies, etc

How did you prepare for interview?

Ruchika Diwakar : Reading atleast 2 Newspapers, listening to news analysis on AIR. Discussions and mock sessions with friends helped alot.

BIO-DATA
NAME: RUCHIKA DIWAKAR           
FATHER'S NAME: Late Shri S R DIWAKAR
MOTHER'S NAME: Smt SAROJ DIWAKAR
Date of Birth: 20/12/1984


EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Exam         College/School                Board    % of marks
Xth           The Daly College, Indore    CBSE    75.4
XIIth         The Daly College, Indore    CBSE    84.2
B.E            SGSITS Indore                RGTU    72.2

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