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Vipul Pandey has secured Rank 49 in the Indian Forest Service Examination 2015. He cracked IFoS in his first attempt. Hailing from Delhi, Vipul chose Geology and Forestry as his optionals.
Vipul completed his B.E in Information & Technology from Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi.
Vipul is an avid ForumIAS members and joined the ForumIAS family three years ago. Presenting before you Vipul’s success story.
First, tell us something about yourself!
I hail from very humble background, my father is grade 4 peon and I had to work hard from school days. Started tuitions right when I was in class 7th (yes even now even I can’t believe myself), simultaneously helped to colour toys and earn extra money. But I have very positive attitude and despite these odds I believe India gives good opportunity to succeed, provided you have to grab the opportunity at right and work towards your goals.
Studied in government schools, and made most out of them..
Your medium of instruction in school, college and in the Mains Examination?
English
How did you get started for preparation for All India Services?
I didn’t joined coaching, just grabbed notes from market. Have been serious for civils. Since final year of college. Although joined job in an Investment Bank but, regularly prepared important topics in free time..
How did you tackle GS/GK Paper?
Since college off and on preparation is going on.Good thing is that I am full time working professional and at max that I had ever devoted to studies is 4 hours.so time is not an issue during preparation,and my mobile is my best friend..
How did you prepare Forestry Optional?
Started forestry preparation after prelims, although picked required study material before prelims.
How did you prepare Geology Optional?
Took some idea of subject one month before prelims, full time preparation after prelims.
Since you cleared IFoS, you would have pretty good marks in Prelims. What books/notes did you refer to for General Studies and CSAT?
Booklist:
Standard books like spectrum history, ccrt culture, geography ncerts, economy from eco survey and budget, environment from net search and bio book class 12th.
Polity laxmikanth and PRS legislative.
Current affairs from net or some random coaching notes.
How Many questions did you attempt in GS?
85+
How Many questions did you attempt in CSAT?
Did all except one,but people can attempt as per their comfort,as it is qualify.
Do you think attempting more questions is the key to success in Prelims? Is there an ideal number of questions one should attempt? How did you decide to attempt those questions which you were not sure of?
Left if had no idea, but still attempted dicey questions, but suggestions would be attempt dicey only if u are 50:50 in 2 left out choices.
MAINS PREPARATION
When did you start preparing for Mains Examination?
For IFS/IFoS 1 month before prelims..
How did you prepare GS/GK?
Nothing special, just GS preparation for Civils.
How did you cover Current Affairs for Mains?
Random Net search, civil services times magazine, chronicle weekly.
COACHING
Did you join any coaching classes for Mains? If yes, which one?
No.
How far do you think is coaching necessary for preparing for the Mains Examination?
It’s v relevant, if subjects are alien, to aspirants. Otherwise guidance from seniors is must, I faced lot of problem in geology and forestry and got no help and that’s why I am preparing a video series for aspirants. As well as would start getting started series for IFS..
INTERVIEW
Which Interview Board did you face?
Sri. Manbir Singh
Your Interview Score?
210/300
Can you tell us briefly about your interview experience?
PT in UPSC is unique and thrilling experience. Board was cordial and very professional. Questions were on DAF and climate change.
What did you wear for the Interview?
Suit, white shirt, red tie, black shoes.
What qualities do you think are being tested in the Interview? Some strict Do’s and Don’ts for the Interview for aspirants and Interview candidates?
Quality of being non pliable, confidence, composure and logical ability .Fair control over DAF OS must.
Strict no is being over smart, whether you are topper or earning high salary, don’t boast it. Be respectful in answers.
What magazines /newspapers did you refer to for preparing Current Affairs?
Chronicle, Civil Service Times
What qualities do you think are being tested in the Interview? Some strict Do’s and Don’ts for the Interview?
Quality of being non pliable, confidence, composure and logical ability .Fair control over DAF OS must.
Strict no is being over smart, whether you are topper or earning high salary, don’t boast it. Be respectful in answers.
Do you thing marks in school or college can impact one’s score in the Interview?
No, but it’s good to have good score in school, college anyways. Gives good feeling :).
USE OF INTERNET FOR PREPARATION
How far did you use the Internet for your Preparation? Do you think in the changed UPSC pattern, today an aspirant can prepare wholly by referring sources from the Internet?
Around 70% can be with the help of net.
How far did ForumIAS.com help you as a social network, as a sharing platform for you Prelims, Mains & Interview Preparation (and the excruciating period between the exam and results to chill out with co-aspirants and other successful candidates)?
Forumias is online rajinder nagar/Mukherjee Nagar for aspirants. It’s place to chill, to have fruitful discussion. A must place for aspirants.
What is the best thing you like about ForumIAS?
It is cool and addictive. Provides nice platform for all aspirants and provide right guidance.
Finally, Congratulation for making it. Is there any message you would like to give to IAS Aspirants who look up to you?
Be positive. Believe in yourself, be yourself.
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