Interview with Mr Satyajit Biswas , Rank 8 of 2011 WBCS Exam

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We thank Mr Satyajit Biswas for sparing his precious time for giving us an interview.Here is the details.

WBCSMadeEasy: When and how did the inspiration and idea of joining civil service come in your mind?

Satyajit Biswas (Rank 8, 2011):My father was a government servant and he attempted for WBCS once, but can’t succeed. So, it was lying in my mind since childhood that someday I will be a WBCS officer to achieve the dream of my father. But initially the dream was threatened while I joined corporate world after getting my engineering degree. But the corporate job was not enough to satisfy my dream, so I made my mind to be a civil servant. But it was hardly possible without the constant support of my best friend, who makes me believe that “Yes, I can”.

WBCSMadeEasy: Tell us something about yourself? Educational Qualification, Marks/Division/Class, schooling…..
Satyajit Biswas (Rank 8, 2011): I did my schooling from Ichapur Northland High School. Scored 87.88% in Madhyamik and 81.5% in Higher Secondary. Ranked 52 in WBJEE and got enlisted in Computer Science and Engineering Stream in Jadavpur University. Scored 76.11% in my engineering discipline.

WBCSMadeEasy: What factors did you consider before selecting your optionals? What were they?

Satyajit Biswas (Rank 8, 2011):To score high score was the only issue of consideration while choosing the optional subjects. The choice was many, but I considered Anthropology and History as my optional, as both are considered as scoring subjects. And also during the preparation of preliminary exam, one can prepare almost 60% of the History syllabus of mains exam. Why Anthropology? According to the trend, questions are very straight forward, which makes scoring easier and also questions on “Harappa Civilization” is common in both the subject, so one can prepare a 20 marks question of Anthropology while preparing History.

WBCSMadeEasy:How did you sustain the study-momentum throughout the year?

Satyajit Biswas (Rank 8, 2011):There is no trick to sustain the study-momentum. One thing I had in my mind that I have to be a WBCS officer. I quit my job for preparation. So at that time I was jobless. The urge of getting a job as soon as possible helped me to sustain the momentum.

WBCSMadeEasy:How many hours did you study per day? How many months did it take you to complete the core syllabus of Compulsory and optional subjects?

Satyajit Biswas (Rank 8, 2011): Prelims: I used to study 7-8 hours per day for first 6 months to complete the entire syllabus and after that 4-5 hrs daily to revise the whole till the preliminary exam was over.

Mains: I used to study 7-8 hours per day before the preliminary result was out. And after that 13-14 hours per day till the mains exam was over. In my case it was 53 days.

WBCSMadeEasy : Did u use internet, was it effective?

Satyajit Biswas (Rank 8, 2011): No. I didn’t take the help of internet. Books available in the market are enough to crack the exam.

WBCSMadeEasy:Which newspapers & magazines you went through?

Satyajit Biswas (Rank 8, 2011): Times of India, Anandabazar Patrika
Magazine: Protijogita Darpan, Protijogita Kiran, Protijogita Poriprekkhit, Yojona, Competition Success.

WBCSMadeEasy:Did u took coaching? How was the experience?

Satyajit Biswas (Rank 8, 2011):Yes. I took coaching from RICE education. Yes it was a great help. On self-study one can hardly create the pressure and the exam environment. Both of which is easily available in any renowned institute.

WBCSMadeEasy:What about Interview in WBCS? Was the board cordial? What should be a proper preparation?

Satyajit Biswas (Rank 8, 2011): My interview lasted for around 40 minutes and it was in Bengali only. The board consists of 7 interviewers including the PSC, Chairman. The Board was very much cordial. Questions were asked on my present job, current affairs, optional subjects. No such special preparation for interview is required. Just keep in touch with daily newspapers.

WBCSMadeEasy:Plz suggest some good books for pre, comp, optional.

Satyajit Biswas (Rank 8, 2011): Prelims: Books of Madhyamik level
Mains: Anthropology : R.M. Sarkar
History: Jibon Mukhopadhyay

WBCSMadeEasy:What should be the strategy for cracking this exam?What message you want to give to all aspirants?

Satyajit Biswas (Rank 8, 2011): One and only strategy should be to study hard and the study must be according to the syllabus, nothing else.

WBCSMadeEasy:Anything else u want to share?

Satyajit Biswas (Rank 8, 2011): Never let your hope die. One day you will be in flying colours.

WBCSMadeEasy:Was it ur 1st attempt? If not what about previous ones? You are from which batch and what was your rank in WBCS Exam (Plz don't mind)?

Satyajit Biswas (Rank 8, 2011):Yes this one was my First attempt.
Batch: 2011
Rank: 8