R. Viswanath, Asif K. Yusuf, and Anna Sosa Thomas have one thing in common — they all share the same mantra of hard work and consistency for success.
These civil service toppers from Ernakulam vouch that they would not have been basking in the glory had they taken the easy route out. “Choosing your option is crucial. Select a subject in which your basics are strong. Commerce and Accountancy were my options,” said Mr. Viswanath, who came out with flying colours, winning the 181{+s}{+t}rank.
A chartered accountant, who resigned his job with a multi-national firm to join the civil services, Mr. Viswanath’s tips to achieve success include being consistent in the preparations. “Update local, national and international developments by reading newspapers. The Hindu has been my guide for long. For the interview, remember to be your true self while facing the board. It’s a test of one’s attitude,” he said. A resident of East Kadungalloor in Aluva, Mr. Viswanath has opted for the Kerala cadre and he hopes to get into the Indian Police Service.
Asif K.Yusuf, who won the 215{+t}{+h}rank, said that there was no short cut to success as only hard work and perseverance would help candidates crack the civil services examination.
“Ensure that you are thorough about the basics. Keep abreast of all developments in the society,” he said. A resident of Edappally, Mr. Asif had completed his B.Tech in Applied Electronics before doing his MBA in Bangalore. “Do not emulate anybody while appearing for the interview. Be calm,” he said.
Anna Sosa Thomas, who bagged the 389th rank, said, “nobody can force you into taking up civil services”.
A student of the M.Phil programme at the Centre for Study of Law and Governance at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, Ms. Anna said that the motivation to pursue the civil services examination should come from within.
“You have to get motivated internally,” she said.
