What were the basic mantras of your success?

Shruti Sharma: Belief in my abilities, hard work, good guidance and remaining cheerful. I enjoyed the whole process of civil services preparation.

What were your optionals? What were the bases of selecting these optionals?

Shruti Sharma: My optionals were Public Administration and History. Both the subjects have a lot in common and complement each other very well. I opted History because of my interest in this subject.

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

Shruti Sharma: According to my view Prelims is the most difficult part of this examination.  For prelims I read extensively to cover as much portion of each subject as I could. This narrows down the scope of committing mistakes. Do not neglect any subject in general studies because you never know which of them would be asked more in the paper. Try to be above average in each of it.

Does this exam provide a level playing field for the rural or economically strong background candidates?

Shruti Sharma: This exam demands hardwork, dedication and consistency and rural students do not lack in them. As far as material is concerned, they have to put some extra effort to collect it as it may not be available at their place but this is not a hindrance which cannot be overcome. As far as questions which UPSC asks, there is of course level playing field as they are not set to benefit urban or economically strong students.

How did you prepare for interview?

Shruti Sharma : I collected information about my bio-data ( the information which I had filled in the mains form) and prepared it very well.  I also kept tab on the happenings around me. For knowing my shortcomings, I attended few mock interviews.

Which type of questions were asked in interview? Did you answer all?

Shruti Sharma: All types of questions were asked. Technical questions related to my computer science background were asked. Questions on my hobbies, place of my birth , optionals were asked. Situational questions were also asked. There were few questions whose answer I did not know and I politely told them so.

Before getting down to actual preparation, what kind of reading should one do to prepare one's suitability for this exam? What are the other efforts one should make?

Shruti Sharma : Habit of reading newspapers should be cultivated to gain an awareness of national and international affairs. One can also read good magazines, like Civil Services Chronicle to have an in depth understanding of current national affairs.

What is your advice to the freshers who are going to appear in this exam?

Shruti Sharma : Have  confidence in yourself.  Make it a point that you are going to give your best in your first attempt. Make your first attempt the best attempt. Try not to take any tension along with you in the exam hall. Enjoy the whole process of your preparation. It is worth enjoying.


PERSONAL BIO-DATA

Name: Shruti Sharma

Date of Birth: 26.04.1985

Father's Name & Occupation: Dr. K.N Sharma (Retd. Professor)

Mother's Name & Occupation: Mrs. Santosh Sharma(teacher)

Education Qualification: B.Tech. (Computer Science)