Topper's talk : Mock interviews helped me

N Tej Lohith Reddy, the 23-year-old who topped in the Civils by scoring the 101st rank in the first attempt, talks about his journey in making his dream come true

Purnima Sriram

How old were you when you decided to take up Civils Services? I decided to pursue Civils when I was 20 years old. I was pursuing my MBBS from Osmania University when I conceived the thought. As a doctor, I used to have lot of interaction with the poor and learnt about the challenges and problems, they face each passing day. I asked myself, if I would be more useful as a doctor or a civil servant. I wanted to resolve their problems and make our society a better place to live in.

When did you start preparing? I started preparing in 2011, a year before I appeared for the prelims examination.

Where did you take coaching for UPSC exams? I took my coaching from DB Kumar institute, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad for my prelims and the main examinations, I prepared myself at home.

What was the one thing that helped you crack the exam this time? I took training from Vajiram & Ravi institute in Delhi on how to present myself in the interviews. The institute in Delhi helped me with many mock interviews which gave a fruitful result. The support and help that I got from my family, friends, coaching centers and professors helped me getting through the examination in one attempt. I attribute my success to all of them and success is a combined effort.

What mistake do you think you could have avoided? We have four months duration between prelims and the mains and I regret wasting a month, waiting for the result instead of utilising it for good.

What guide books/websites/question papers helped you in preparation? I used to thoroughly study the books re-lated to civils and my subjects concerned. I went through all the newspapers to improve my general knowledge and also to keep myself updated with current affairs.

Your specific advice to students One should have lot of patience and endurance and should not get depressed or break apart if the result is negative and instead he/she should try harder until their dream comes true.

How was your average day during preparations? I used to study for almost 8 to 10 hours a day.

What next from here? I hope to become a very good IAS officer. I do not have preferences for any particular department but it would be great if I get into medical department as I have a medical background.