Inspiring Youth

Toppers are not different. Ones effort, mental

strength and confidence make him outshine.
Pratiyogita Darpan arranged an exclusive interview with Shashank Misra who has the credit of
being at rank-5 in IAS-2006. He deserves all admiration and our heartiest congratulations on
his splendid success. This important, thought provoking and highly inspiring interview is
being presented here in its original form.
PDHeartiest congratulations
on your brilliant success in the C.S.
Exams.
ShashankThanks a lot.
PDYour favourite magazine is
in English as well. Tell us,
(i) How did you like PD English ?
ShashankPD English no doubt
is a good magazine and has a very
good presentation and provides a
comprehensive coverage of GSs
Current Affairs and conventional
areas.
(ii) In what way is it different
from other available magazines ?
ShashankThe prime way is its
presentation which is no doubt
unprecedented. Besides, the Current
Affairs it covers in minute fashion
and the Quizes, Toppers interview,
coverage of question papers of
various exams are also commendable.
Besides PDs Indian Economy is also
very appreciable.
PDWhat more do you look
forward to PD to cover for this
Examination ?
ShashankI would like if PD
could not only provide an idea of a
large number of optionals especially
science onesPhysics, Chemistry,
etc. and but also provide mock tests
and preparation material.
PDWere you confident of your
success. How did you react to this
special news of your success ?
ShashankI had a feeling that I
could get a rank in Civil Services this
year but getting AIR-05 was un-
expected and a dream come true.
PDBefore knowing your own
result, what was your perception
about toppers ?
Shashank Misra
IAS Topper 2006 (5th Rank)
ShashankI had a feeling that but it was that strong feeling to do
toppers are, no doubt, no different that highly challenging job and that
from any student. Its the effort, the too for my nation which kept me
mental strength, the confidence one motivated.
has in oneself is what makes toppers
PDWhat were your optionals ?
outshine.
PDCivil Serviceswas this ShashankPrelims : Physics.
your ultimate goal or were you Mains : (1) Physics
preparing for other career opportu-
nities as well simultaneously ? (2) Psychology
ShashankI was preparing for PDWhen did your interview
Civil Services only as I always had take place and what were the ques-
faith in me that I could do it. tions asked during the interview ?
Pratiyogita Darpan is a good
magazine having very good presen-
tation, providing comprehensive
coverage of current affairs and
conventional areas.
Shashank Misra
PDIn how many atttempts ShashankMy interview was
have you achieved this success ? How on April 2, 2007 under Miss. Chokila
do you visualise your prepa- Iyers Board. The questions asked
ration/previous attempts ? wereWhy do you want to join CS ?
What if politician pressurize you ?
ShashankIt was my second
What if they transfer you ? Were
attempt. However, I do believe that
assignments in IIT too heavy ?
my first attempt provided me the
rock base for my 2nd attempt. Suggest reforms in Power Sector ?
What is super-conductivity ? How
Therefore I would frankly suggest
about banning of internet in IIT ?
never fritter an opportunity to gain
Why are you optimistic about India if
from experience of failure.
you are ?
PDIn todays changing econo-
mic scenario, you have lots of other PDIn your opinion at which
level of education should one start
options available. What kept you
preparing for Civil Services and what
motivated towards Civil Services ?
should be the minimum period of
ShashankI, being B. Tech. time required to prepare for Civil
from IIT Delhi had very good options Services Examinations ?

PD/August/2007/238 No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated and disciplined.