IPS Probationer Isha Singh of 2022-batch had started preparing for UPSC CSE while practicing law. She cleared UPSC CSE 2021 with AIR 191. In this second part, she shares about her UPSC preparation and the life-changing training at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA).
UPSC PREPARATION
During the first attempt, Isha had a very shaky strategy as she switched to sociology optional at the last moment and didn’t have proper guidance. In the second attempt she was more organized as she kept her sources to bare minimum and cleared her optional concepts. “In my first attempt, I learned that we have to come out of herd mentality,” she told Indian Masterminds.
Sharing some tips with the aspirants, Isha advices to keep the last 20-30 days just for revision, practice all the test papers and past years question papers because UPSC has a tendency to repeat questions be it in optional, or general studies paper.
In her second attempt, she was practicing law so she couldn’t spare enough time for UPSC. For the interview round, she took a 10-day leave and caught up all the news and did an online mock before the final interview. “I was asked questions related to the National Law School, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the law,” she shared.
TRAINING AT SVPNPA
Isha says that IPS training at SVPNPA is hard and is a different world. There are days which are awful where you question your decisions and abilities because its so challenging.
The day at SVPNPA starts at 4:30 AM with outdoors, PT, combat swimming, riding and a lot of different activities till 7:30 AM. From 7:30-8:30 trainees have to get ready, eat breakfast and leave for the class.
From 8:30 to 1:30 they have indoor sessions where they are exposed to many incredible skills like forensic sciences, investigation etc.
“As a lawyer we’ve always critiqued the police but to be on the other side is very challenging because now I’m starting to see how hard it is to be a police officer,” Isha shared with Indian Masterminds.
In police academy, cadets are told that you can be three minutes early but not even one minute late – it’s a non-negotiable rule. She says that the academy taught her a lot and gave a lifelong lesson along with the tough training.
PRIORITIES
Just out of the academy. Isha says her first priority will now be to bridge the trust deficit between the people and the police. Secondly, she says that there is very little recognition for police personnels who are on duty 24*7. So she wants to have conversations with the public to recognize the incredible work done by the police.
MISSION, VISION & DRIVE
Isha asks aspirants to be clear on why they want to join the service. She adds that aspirants should have a mission, vision and a drive that they are here to give to the service and the society and to not take from the service.
