Twenty-four-year-old Beno Zephine N.L. stands out among civil service toppers from the State. The list of toppers was released recently. Visually-challenged Beno secured the 343 rank, juggling a full-time job as probationary officer in SBI and preparing for PhD in English Literature. “Never say no to obstacles and develop your will power,” says Beno, a Villivakkam resident, while answering curious questions about how she cracked the examination in the second attempt.
When did you start preparing for the civil service? How many hours did you give yourself?
I started giving civil service a thought in my third year of BA (Literature) at Stella Maris College, slowly trying to understand what is takes to crack the exam. I got more involved during my post graduation at Loyola College. I would study two to three hours regularly. I believed in spending quality time whenever I sat with my books. I tried to understand the nuances of a topic through discussion and analysis.
Was your routine considerably different in the days before taking the examination?
After PG, I was recruited into State Bank of India as Probationary Officer and for induction I visited Hyderabad and Bangalore. My routine was more or less the same, but 10 days before the exam I studied non-stop.
Are there study centres/libraries for IAS preparation that have books for the visually-challenged?
Yes, but I did not go to any of them. I have only been to libraries for assignments and seminars as part of my college work. This does not mean that those aspiring for the UPSC should not make use of public libraries. I was working and did not find much time.
If I had tried to convert books into Braille, then it would have taken a long time. Indian Polity by Laxmikanth was the only book I got Brailed, that’s because I love the subject and there is always a special joy reading it yourself.
Who all have read for you?
My mother read many pages for me. Besides, many friends including those from non-civil service group would read pages after pages.
Any hobbies that helped you de-stress.
I read a lot and love public speaking. Things Fall Apart by Chinnu Achebe is one of my favourite books. I like books that talk about history. I would give motivational talks at colleges and companies.
How has school (Little Flower Convent for the Blind and Deaf) moulded you?
Concepts, I best learnt at school. The teachers always believed in me, they knew if I were to represent the school in any event I would win. Also, I should thank my teachers who tolerated the many questions I had for them.
(As told to Liffy Thomas)
