KOHIMA, JULY 9: Understanding the needs and requirements of the aspiring candidates of civil service exam, a mega seminar on the topic ‘how to crack civil service exam’ was held today at Baptist High, Mission Compound, Kohima.
The seminar was organized by Alternative Learning System (ALS) IAS Kohima Centre with Jojo Mathew, Program Director of ALS, Satellite Education Pvt Ltd and Alemtemshi Jamir IAS (Rtd), former Chief Secretary of Nagaland as the guest speaker.
Addressing a jammed pack hall, Alemtemshi Jamir citing examples of Naga achievers both in the National and International level said Nagas are no less than anyone, and have proved that that we can achieve things anybody else can achieve.
Referring to the tendency to get lost in our own small world and afraid to venture out, Jamir said it is a very dangerous mindset that we need to get rid of, if one wants to succeed in life.
Highlighting the advantages of technology and the digital revolution that are taking place and are available today, he said there is the possibility of achieving greater heights as the present generation have the same access to knowledge sources as anybody else in the world.
He said the internet has made everybody’s knowledge equal, it only depends on how one applies to the opportunities and knowledge, and added that this is one of the best preparations to face any exams or any challenges of seeking employment and opportunities.
Stating that there’s so much dynamism in Naga boys and girls, Jamir advised the students on the fact that ‘we are no less than others in terms of quality and access to knowledge should be ingrained in your mind so that you do not develop inferiority complex’.
Referring to the question patterns of the civil service exam, he said the government as an employer is looking for good employees with certain qualities such as administration skills, one who can deliver justice and equity, contribute towards economic development and also be creative, innovative and think outside the box.
In this regard, the students were advised to try to let their mind grow, and make preparations to suit the kind of employers that one is seeking for.
An important quality which is required from every officer, he said is the skill of articulation where one is able to express clearly both in writing and spoken terms, which requires lots of practice. He said this practice will go a long way in preparing for the exam.
Advising the students, Jamir said ‘your success will depend on you, your mindset and your attitude. It is not how you begin, but it is how you continue with your life’.
‘Believe in yourself’ added Jamir and said that the success of a person does not depend from where one comes from, but where one has decided to head in life. He has also asked the students to take the fullest opportunity of the mass of information, that is available and put into practice what one has learned in the course of time.
Speaking on the topic, Jojo Mathew said competitions for civil service exam is very high where each year 12 lakhs aspirants apply for the exam, but only 5 lakhs manage to sit for the pre-lims and 60,000 people manage to get through but only some 20,000 clear the exam.
However, he said the exam is not a very tough exam and can be cracked by everyone. Mathew also made it clear that
to sit for the exam the background of the person does not make any difference, but it entirely depends on how willing one is ready to prepare for it, and how serious one is to achieve something in life starting right now.
Referring to the carefree attitude of students in preparing for exams only a night or two before, Jojo said this kind of attitude will never work in civil service exam, which requires dedication of time for preparation.
He informed the aspiring candidates that 85% of the syllabus are composed of general knowledge, that requires no specialised knowledge since 70% of the preparations are the basic learning acquired in schools. He said the knowledge that is learnt during school days is the real skill, background and the broadening of our knowledge towards preparing for civil service exams.
Mathew also asserted that there is no shortcut to succeed in civil service exams, which only requires sincere devotion and dedication by preparing way ahead. He also told the students that the civil service exam, one of the highest exams is done with all honesty by a team of great academics selected from all over India.
He also stressed the importance of writing skills, which he said is very important for preparation of the exam that determines the caliber of a person. He also explained in detail on the How’s, skills and abilities that are required to succeed in the exam.
Advising the students, Mathew urged them to start accumulating knowledge and information, and also start revisiting their high schools textbooks to get themselves prepared for the exam. He said a little bit of discipline in one’s life and dedication is all that is required to succeed in the exam.
The programme was chaired by Chitsiarho Po and special numbers presented by Tsayem Thonger and Lounsala.
