Preparing for and then cracking UPSC CSE is not an easy journey. It demands utmost dedication and immense patience. And, when someone cracks this exam after completing MBBS, their success is even more commendable.

A doctor in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, decided to leave his flourishing career to attempt the toughest exam in the country. It took him three attempts to crack the exam finally in UPSC CSE 2015. He is IPS officer Dr. Vaibhav Saxena, who is currently serving as SP Ernakulam Rural in Kerala.

In conversation with Indian Masterminds, the IPS officer talked about his UPSC journey and gave important tips on how to crack the interview.

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ADVANTAGE OF BEING IN CIVIL SERVICES

The decision to quit the medical profession was not sudden. Dr. Saxena comes from a family of doctors. His father retired as Chief Medical Officer and, incidentally, it was he who motivated his son to try for civil services.

As for Dr. Krishna, he believes that, while as a doctor he could serve society, as a civil servant, he has more power and opportunity to make changes.

Giving an example, he said, “When a pregnant lady comes to me with an iron deficiency problem, as a doctor, I will just give the supplement. Whereas as a civil servant, I can be part of the policy which ensures that she gets the tablets daily. ‘Aasha’ does that. Even if I am in police, I still get the opportunity to be part of good governance.”

NEITHER BE OVERCONFIDENT NOR TIMID

He started his UPSC preparation in 2012 and gave his first attempt in 2013. He cracked prelims in both his first and second attempt in 2013 and 2014 but could reach the interview only in his third attempt in 2015. It was his first UPSC CSE interview and he received good marks which helped in his final selection. He shared some important tips to excel in the interview round.

According to him, excess of anything is harmful. When facing the interview board, the candidate should not look too timid or scared, or over confident.

“You have worked hard and cleared your mains. Why would you be scared? You have to face the board with confidence, but don’t be over-confident also. UPSC is trying to find a balanced person in every way. So, prepare yourself accordingly,” Dr. Saxena advised.

YOUR LIFE IS NOT AT STAKE

Sometimes a candidate requires two to three attempts to reach the interview. If they fail in that, they will have to start again. These thoughts can create anxiety in the mind of any aspirant.

However, Dr. Saxena advises the aspirants to be free of such thoughts, as all these burdens can affect their performance. He said, “Don’t even think that it is your last chance and your life is at stake. It is an opportunity provided to you because of your capability. If you are capable, life won’t stop throwing chances at you. Face the interview with only positive thoughts and enthusiasm.”

FEEL FREE TO SAY SORRY

He further emphasized that the interview is not conducted to test a candidate’s knowledge but to judge their personality. “So, in case you don’t know any answer, feel free to say sorry. Also, don’t lose confidence or hope if you were not able to answer 2-3 questions. Wait for that one question which you can answer properly and up to the satisfaction of the board,” he said. Speaking from his own experience, he said that he couldn’t answer 30-40 % of the questions in the interview. He had gone back to his medical profession, and, henceforth, he was not in touch with current affairs. But, that did not matter.

“In the end, they won’t be counting how many answers you have given or not. What they will judge is if your personality has any red flags. Also, you can lead your interview. Try to make it interactive and establish a conversation with the board members,” he said.

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEWERS

Apart from this, Dr. Saxena advises aspirants to be attentive during the interview and listen to the panelists carefully. He had taken Anthropology as his optional for UPSC CSE and one member had asked him the exact definition of the subject. He took his time to recall but still could not find any definition. So, he said sorry. Then he was asked to explain Anthropology. And he could do that.

“It was my optional, so I should know that. But, then they had asked for the exact definition and I didn’t know that. When I came outside and checked, I found that there is no exact definition. So, it went in favour of me that instead of beating around the bush, I said I don’t know the exact definition,” said the officer.

ABOUT HOBBIES

He also advises to not be afraid about mentioning hobbies. However, he cautions about not writing anything just to sound cool. “You don’t have be an encyclopedia when it comes to hobby. I had written table-tennis as my hobby. They asked me about the length of the table. I humbly told them that I play it for refreshment and so I don’t have knowledge about the length and breadth of the table,” he shared, giving another example of what to do and what not to do during the interview, to sail through without any hiccups.