A young researcher from Jammu, Akshay labroo, cracked the UPSC-2017 by securing all India ranking 104 in his first attempt.

• Interviewer: Welcome to study Iq, please tell us something about yourself.

Akshay: I am an alumnus of Delhi Public School, Jammu, landed in the Ministry of Commerce as Research Assistant in 2014 soon after completing my graduation from Ramjas College in New Delhi.

My father Ramesh labroo is serving the State Government in the PHE department and my mother Veena labroo is a housewife.

• Interviewer: What motivated you to become an IAS officer?

Akshay:   I always wanted a life where I could work for the betterment of people and after exploring choices available, I believed this (UPSC) is the easiest and direct way in which I can do that in the most efficient manner.

Fortunately this  journey was not long for me as  I cleared the exam in my first attempt itself.

• Interviewer: What was your strategy for clearing the IAS Exam?

Akshay : Stick yourself to the syllabus provided by UPSC. Know your syllabus by heart, knowing it by heart can reduce your time in the reading newspaper.

Go through previous year questions religiously.

Study smartly.

Give regular mocks and then analyze them.

Notes making is also important

• Modern History: I referred to the spectrum and it is enough. In prelims questions are asked straightforwardly from it. For topics like buddhism, jainish and pre history of sangam i referred ncert’s of Tamil Nadu.
• Geography: Map of India and world, thorough yourself with NCERT’s.
• Polity: Current affairs and laxmikant , polity section from any
• Environment and ecology: I referred to Shankar IAS.
• Economy : Micro portion is important including budget and economic survey.
• Ethics GS 4: For ethics I did not have any fixed source but I referred to Vajirao notes.
• Current Affairs: Annual Compilations of Coaching Institutes and Your Concepts of static (Polity and economics) should be very strong then only you would be able to understand the current section more precisely.
• Test Series play a significant role in particular for Prelims. It helps you in developing the tactics for eliminating wrong options to arrive at the correct answer. Moreover, it also helps you with time management.

Interviewer: How did you manage your preparation while working?

Akshay: I used to quantify my time in the morning, evening. In the office I used to do discussion with my office people regarding various current topics.

• Interviewer: What are your views on whether one should take coaching or not?

Akshay: Whether you want to take coaching or not it is a very subjective question. If your education base is not strong and you can’t sit at home and study, then you can definitely take coaching.

• Interviewer: What was your interview experience like?

Akshay : Listen to them carefully, give balanced answers.

• Be confident.
• Balance of mind.
• Current affairs
• News around the world.
• Be honest.
• The idea is to have a meaningful discussion which brings out your true personality and allows the board to judge if you are fit for public service.
• Humbleness and hard work are the only things required in an interview, be true to what you say.
• Be natural, be what you actually are.

Interviewer: How did you fill the DAF(Detailed Application Form)?

Akshay: DAF is nothing but the Bio-data of the candidate and you should fill your DAF with pure honesty.

• Interviewer: While preparing for the exam what kind of mistakes did you make?

Akshay:  Referred to a lot of sources and started discussing answer writing questions online, which was not productive for me.

• Interviewer: Your last words of wisdom for UPSC aspirants?

Akshay: Don’t be a disappointment when you fail, be dedicated to your goal.

• Be Loyal to yourself. Don’t make fool of yourself
• Your dedication and hard work will bring the result.
• Do your preparation with Concise study material and with proper guidance.
• You should have proper factual knowledge.
• Revision is the key.
• Keep your target clear.
• Be honest.
• Have patience.
• Be confident in yourselves.
• Exam is very risky please have plan B with yourself
• Never give up hope. Believe in yourself. Be honest to yourself. Go through previous year papers and get an idea what the exam expects from you. Once you’ve understood the demand of this exam, then definitely you’ll succeed.