From Small Town to Big Dream: Darjeeling Girl’s Journey to UPSC Success
The UPSC Civil Services Examination opens the gateway to some of India's most prestigious administrative positions, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and various other central civil services.
Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), this rigorous examination comprises three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Personality Test (Interview), evaluating candidates on a diverse spectrum of subjects.
Candidates aspiring to embark on this arduous yet rewarding journey dedicate years to meticulous preparation, honing their intellectual acumen, leadership qualities, and ethical fortitude. The UPSC Civil Services Examination stands as a testament to meritocracy, providing individuals from diverse backgrounds an equal opportunity to serve the nation with distinction and integrity.
One such inspiring individual is Ms. Jayashree Pradhan (Rank No. 52 CSE 2023), hailing from the picturesque town of Darjeeling, West Bengal. She has emerged as a beacon of hope for candidates from small towns with limited resources and exposure. Her journey not only embodies the essence of perseverance but also illuminates the transformative power of determination in achieving success.
In an exclusive interview with Employment News, Ms. Jayashree Pradhan elucidates the multifaceted elements that contributed to her noteworthy achievement.
Q. Coming from a small town like Darjeeling, how did your background shape your journey towards the civil services examination? Can you share specific challenges that you faced, such as access to resources or exposure to diverse perspectives, and how you overcame them to achieve your goals? Additionally, what advice would you offer to aspirants from similar small towns who aspire to excel in the civil services examination?
A. I consider myself very lucky for being born in a beautiful town like Darjeeling. My roots extend to Mirik as well, where my primary inspiration, my late grandfather Mr. D.N. Pradhan was born.
My entire schooling was from Loreto Convent Darjeeling. The educational background that I got from this esteemed institution helped me create a base for all future successes. I was honed not just for academic excellence but also for a love for reading, debating and public speaking, which was integral for my career choices later on. For this, I have to express my deepest gratitude to my school teachers without whom I wouldn't have been here.
Apart from education, Darjeeling for me represents a town that is vibrant with culture and music. I started learning music under Mr. Jiwan Pradhan in Elim Melody Academy, Darjeeling. Under this institution I was able to learn guitar and complete a Grade 8 certification with Merit from Trinity College, London.
Being from Darjeeling helped me have an all round personality with a variety of different interests which ultimately motivated me for civil services.
As for the challenges, the first one was the lack of proper resources and books. Second, was the lack of proper coaching and platforms for giving offline mock tests. Third, was the lack of a proper peer group. However, the internet being a great equaliser, I was able to overcome almost all of these challenges. Regarding the lack of resources, I ordered the books online. For the mock tests, I decided to opt for some online tests, particularly for prelims. Instead of coaching, I decided to do self study, while taking help of YouTube and Google for those topics that I found difficult. As for the peer group, I was a member of various Telegram groups, where I was virtually connected to hundreds of aspirants. However, it is important to note that the peer group must be very limited, else it could become a distraction.
The foremost advice I would give to aspirants from small towns is- ‘please believe in yourself’. I know most students from small towns would suffer from 'fear of missing out.' I'd like to emphasise that every year lots of candidates from small towns clear Civil Services Examinations. Do not fall prey to such fears and have complete faith and confidence in the strategy that you have.
Q. Personality development is often cited as a crucial aspect of civil services preparation. Could you share any specific initiatives or practices you undertook to enhance your communication skills, leader-ship qualities, and overall personality during your preparation journey? How do you believe these efforts contributed to your success in the examination and beyond?
A. For the personality development test, I decided to go to Delhi. Till the Mains, I had been preparing for the examination from home only. However, I knew that personality development is all about communication and discussion for which I'd have to practice. I did the following for personality development:
First, for the DAF (Detailed Application Form), I consulted my seniors for guidance. I'd like to thank my father, my elder sister, and Satyam Jain Sir, along with certain other friends for the same.
Second, I formed peer groups for group discussions. I had a peer group for current affairs and another group for law. There were about 5-6 candidates in each of these groups. All of these candidates had qualified UPSC Mains. These discussions were most important in helping me practice and in generating value addition points for the interview. Third, I gave a number of mock tests.
Finally, I believe that my legal background played a bigger and indispensable role in instilling confidence in me to face the interview board. Having been an active debator and mooter since college days, I already had a base established.
I believe these efforts were crucial in helping me become confident. I made friends that I hope will be friends for a lifetime, regardless of the results. I realised that the Civil Services interview process is about adaptability along with knowledge and ability to remain calm in the face of difficult questions and admitting with humility when one does not know a particular answer. These are the true tests of one's personality.
Q. Given your academic background in law, how do you envision leveraging your legal expertise to navigate bureaucratic challenges and contribute effectively to policy formulation and implementation as a civil servant?
A. My legal background has been crucial in clearing this exam. Even in future, I believe it will continue to play an important role. For one, given that my first preference is the Indian Foreign Service, understanding international laws will be an advantage. Secondly, as a bureaucrat implementing the laws, one needs a proper study of it. I think my legal background will thus make it more convenient for me to effectively carry out my job. I am most grateful for my college professors and in particular our Dean Dr. T.R. Subramanya for their tireless support and assistance in helping me truly integrate my legal knowledge.
(Interviewed by EN Team)