From Dr.J.Ganesan ; All India Rank : fourth (4) , Civil Services Exam 2005-2006, this talk has been delivered by him.

The Indian civil service exam is a dream for lakhs of youth across the nation. For a very few, this dream comes true, for some it is partially fulfilled and for most of them it remains a dream forever. I think that any serious graduate from any college has the requisite intelligence to clear this exam but there are certain things that are paramount to realize the aspirations. In my view there are three kinds of support systems that a person needs, to be successful.

The first and the foremost is educational support or educational guidance . A fresh graduate coming into the fold of the civil services is completely baffled , at least it was true in my case. I didnot know where to start from, what to read and how to read,but it is nothing uncommon for any fresher in the civil services. My problems were eased to a large extent after i joined "vajiram and ravi", as i got the right kind of guidance, the right kind of material and all my doubts were addressed well and the only job left to me was to pull up my socks. So i think, joining an institution committed to civil services teaching would be very important.

During the course of preparation , there are lot of mental pressures and a low degree of depression can always be found among the aspirants. This is because the fear of failure always haunts us and there is absolutely no positive reinforcement. In these hard times it is very important to find an emotional solace so that we can rejuvenate ourselves. The best people we can depend on is our parents. A good friend with whom we can share ourselves will also be a good relief (friend of the "same sex" is always advisable, it can always be the other way round after clearing the exam !!)

The last and the most important support system is "self support". It is immaterial that we have joined the best coaching institute in the country or we have dumped all the books in our room, unless we are prepared to work. This exam requires a concentrated study of 8-10 hours for atleast one and a half years. Nobody can work on a 24*7 schedule. We can always take a break in the week ends but on the other days there has to be a whole hearted study.

There are certain qualities we need to develop in order to come out with flying colours. We should be a very balanced person. Before choosing our optional subjects we can consult anybody but the final decision has to be ours only. Once we have zeroed on a specific subject we should think no more and start working. It was the third attempt in which i got into the IAS and my optional subjects have always been psychology for the prelims and psychology and anthropology for the mains.

Once we have cleared this exam, people will heap us with praises and all blah blah blah about us but the situation is completely different during the preparation period. We are fed with all negative information, we may even be cornered as a laughing stock at times, but it is up to us to mentally reject all these humiliations. And it was the toughest task to transfrom all those difficulties in to oppourtunities and concentrate on work.

All these might sound very high but i think most of us have these qualities inherent and what is required is the will to rediscover ourselves. Having said and done,the pithy saying becomes true ie.."It is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration,behind any success".