The devil, again!

23rd May 2010 was the day. Or was it the 29th? To hell with the number. The day wasn't dramatic. No thunders and lightning, no dust storms and absolutely no tsunami. Delhi is a landlocked city. The sun rose at its designated time. The morning breeze whizzed past the windows of the bedroom. The morning birds, the species of which I had no inkling of, kept chirping. The alarm rang and it was 06:30 AM. Mom, the usual, the ubiquitous and the prevailing deity at home, comes up close and wakes me up. Yes, I realize. It's today. Civil Services Examination Preliminary Test 2010.

What happened later is history. One year hence, the 12th of June 2011, the tough thing is here again. Preliminary Test 2011. With so many people giving the exam this time, here are a few tips from a not-so-seasoned but successful campaigner. :)

1. You have worked like an ant for the last few years. You have never given up. You have broken all norms. You have given it your all. And, you are now equipped. Can't you defend yourself for a pithy 4 hours? What are you made of if you cannot play hero for 4 tough hours? Plastic? Foam? Rubber? No. Steel! This is 4 hours of your time! Play!

2. Never Give Up! I was asked in my interview to explain the aphorism, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going". I explained. They were satisfied. The same applies to you. This perhaps is the toughest test yet of your life. Never, ever give up!

3. Concentrate on the question. The UPSC does not expect you to know the answer to every question in the paper. They donot need bookshelves to work as IAS officers. They need quick witted, smart and agile performers. So, there's no question that you look at and immediately answer. Every answer has to be thought about. Give it some time. Draw a small diagram. Create a few links. And let me tell you, you are nearer to the answer than you expected.

4. There is no emotion on earth stronger than the will to survive. And survive, you shall, survive, you will. 'Coz, you are here not to buckle under pressure! You are hear to beat every boundary that is drawn, every limit that exists.

5. Do it! And come out smiling!