16 NLU graduates clear the UPSC Civils; 5 each from NUJS and NLSIU, and 2 from NALSAR, NLU Jodhpur and NLIU Bhopal

A total of sixteen graduates from various National Law Universities cleared the Civil Services Exam conducted by the Union Public Services Commission. Of the sixteen, Ananya Agarwal from NLU Jodhpur secured the highest rank of 27. The other NLU Jodhpur graduate was Raghav Sharma (Rank 73). Five graduates of NUJS, Calcutta and five from NLSIU, Bangalore also cleared the “mains” while NALSAR, Hyderabad and NLIU Bhopal each had two its graduates pass the examination..Out of the sixteen law graduates, Bar & Bench was able to elicit a response from twelve. This is what they had to say:.Shruti Ojha (NUJS, Kolkata) (Rank 82).Bar & Bench: Congratulations. Initial reactions?.Shruti: Thank you. I was thrilled and overjoyed. It was a dream come true..B&B: Which year did you graduate in? What have you been doing post-graduation?.Shruti: I graduated in 2012. Did not join work, was preparing for the exam since I had to write it in the same year itself. This was my first attempt..B&B: Preference with respect to the Services?.Shruti: First preference is IAS. It provides a platform to work at the grassroots level, and offers great diversity in work, take part in decision-making and in future, an active role in policy making..B&B:Any way in which law school helped in your preparations?.Shruti: Yes, it played a major role. Law schools provide an excellent platform to write this exam as evident from the number of law school graduates who clear it. The study of law is helpful in general studies as well..B&B:Any advice for those trying to crack the UPSC?.Shruti: Most importantly, have self-belief. You will need determination and patience to take you through the long, drawn-out process. And also, lots of good luck..Mansi Loiwal (NUJS, Kolkata) (Rank 83).B&B: Congratulations. Initial reaction?.Mansi: Thank you! I was filled with a sense of achievement after knowing the results. My aim was to be within the top 100. In a lighter vein, I felt relieved that I won’t have to give another attempt!.B&B: Which year did you graduate in? What have you been doing post-graduation?.Mansi: I graduated in April 2012 and gave the prelims and mains that very year in May and October respectively. After graduating from NUJS, I was selected for a judicial clerkship at Supreme Court; the clerkship ends in another three days..B&B: IAS/IPS/IFS or any other?.Mansi: My first preference is Indian Foreign Services. It is a unique career option as you serve not just one district or state, but your country. I think lawyers can be good diplomats as negotiation is an art they are well equipped to handle. Further, they can understand the intricacies of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy where international law is an important factor. We have had lawyers like Nani Palkhivala, LM Singhvi and Justice MC Chagla who were Ambassadors to the US, UK etc. Another factor, women are doing extremely well in South Block. We have many women ambassadors at important embassies like US, Germany, Japan etc..B&B: Any way in which law school helped in your preparations?.Mansi: Yes, law school education definitely gave me an edge in the written exams as I took law as my optional. It also helped me immensely in General studies which tests your general awareness about socio-economic and legal issues. In fact, the first question I was asked by the interview board was about my law school experience. Although, the number of law students clearing civil services is very less when compared to engineering or medicine backgrounds, I think a law graduate can definitely do well in administration or diplomacy..B&B: Any advice for those trying to crack the UPSC?.Mansi: My tip for the aspirants is to start preparing early, preferably in last year of college itself. The earlier you start, the lesser the need for external coaching. Secondly, take each stage of this exam seriously as there is elimination at each step. The type of preparation required for prelims is extensive and for mains its more intensive. Finally, there is no single strategy for success at this exam but what is necessary is clarity of purpose and consistent preparation..Sucheta Chatterjee (NUJS, Kolkata) (Rank 84).B&B: Congratulations. Initial reaction?.Sucheta: Overwhelmed. That about describes it. And later, I felt humbled by the fact that I was being chosen to be of service to the country..B&B: Which year did you graduate in? What have you been doing post-graduation?.Sucheta: I graduated in 2007 and since then, I have been working with SEBI. Currently I am an Assistant Legal Advisor. This was my first attempt..B&B:IAS/IPS/IFS or any other? Why this particular branch?.Sucheta: IFS is my first choice because international affairs and foreign relations have always intrigued me. I think we live in exciting times where India has emerged as a major player in global affairs and it would be quite an experience to be in the midst of all the developments worldwide..B&B: Any way in which law school helped in your preparations?.Sucheta: Law was one of my optional [papers], apart from Political Science. NUJS really helped me build my base and get a grasp over some basic concepts of law and legal theory. In the UPSC exams, it’s your understanding of concepts which helps, not rote learning because the pattern of questions has changed over time..B&B:Any advice for those trying to crack the UPSC?.Sucheta: UPSC preparations do not have to be about grueling hard work and long hours of study. What truly counts is how much knowledge you’ve accumulated over the years since you began schooling as a toddler. Somehow people tend to assume that the exams require loads of preparation and years of dedication. From my personal experience, I can tell that it’s not necessarily true. While working full time, I barely had any time or even the inclination to put in a lot of hard work. What really helps is reading newspapers regularly over years and years, even though this is somewhat of a cliché. Answers which are argumentative and analytical tend to score more than ones that are filled with factual details bereft of analysis..Adwait Singh (NLIU Bhopal) (Rank 92).B&B:Congratulations ! What was your initial reaction?.Adwait: I felt really fortunate and humbled as only a thousand candidates out of lakhs appearing make it to the final list. I was also relieved that I will not have to face this grueling examination again..B&B: Which year did you graduate from Law School? What did you do after graduation?.Adwait: I graduated in 2011 and started preparing immediately thereafter. That year, I failed to clear the prelims..B&B: Have you chosen which service you will be joining? Any particular reason behind that decision?.Adwait: My first preference is Indian Administrative Service. A career in administrative service gives an individual the opportunity to touch the lives of millions of people by improving the last mile delivery to the weakest and marginalized sections. It is a job that exposes a young individual to a variety of challenges and responsibilities which enables him to learn more..B&B: Any way in which law school helped in your preparation?.Adwait: Law was one of my optional papers. Inter-disciplinary approach of the law school helped me develop a better understanding of complex legal and socio-legal issues. A good background in jurisprudence and legal theory was of immense help while studying Philosophy which was my second optional..B&B: Any advice for those trying to clear civil services exam?.Adwait: As it is said, “Slow and steady wins the race”. On similar lines, I would ask the students to be regular. The candidates must also have faith in their abilities. Lastly, the aspirants should treat this exam as an experience in their learning curve. Not clearing this exam does not mean the end of the road. Probably they are meant for greater deeds. ALL THE BEST..Nidhi Malik (NALSAR, Hyderabad) (Rank 108).B&B: Congratulations. What was your initial reaction?.Nidhi: Thank you. To be honest, I wasn’t exactly jubiliant when I saw my result, I had expected a much better rank. But I guess there is only so much one can sulk after having cracked the UPSC Civil Services exam in the very first go, so I am now looking forward to the roller coaster ride that lies ahead of here!.B&B:Which year did you graduate in? What have you been doing post-graduation?.Nidhi: I graduated in 2011. Wrote the exam in 2012..B&B: Which Services will you opt for? Why this particular branch?.Nidhi: I have given IAS as my first preference. Its challenging, prestigious and gives you a real chance to make many lives better..B&B: Any way in which law school helped in your preparations?.Nidhi: I think law school education comes handy for the preparation of this exam at multiple levels. It helps a candidate with things that I consider vital for UPSC- confidence, expression (both verbal and written), perspective and ability to rationalise. I have always believed that law students are slightly better suited to the demands of such exams..B&B: Any advice for those trying to crack the UPSC?.Nidhi: To all the aspirants, I would just say that this exam is effectively a test of nerves. Dealing with the uncertainty it entails is tough, but is a part of the game. So have faith, and keep working towards your goal..Harshita Mathur (NLIU, Bhopal)(Ranked 112).B&B: Congratulations. What was your initial reaction?.Harshita: Thank you! I was overwhelmed and relieved that the result was positive..B&B:Which year did you graduate from law school? What did you do after graduating?.Harshita: I graduated in 2010 and was placed with ICICI Bank where I worked till January 2012. I quit my job to return home and prepare for the exam..B&B:Have you chosen which service you will be joining? Any particular reason behind that decision?.Harshita: My first preference is IAS. Reason being, the quantum of ground level impact that one’s work has is unmatched. Besides, the diverse work areas contribute in a big measure to one’s personal development..B&B:Any way in which law school helped in your preparation?.Harshita: Definitely helps. I had one of my subjects as Law. Preparing Law as a subject also helps preparing General Studies (Polity, Constitution etc. specifically) and it also reflects generally in your answer writing style as they appear more informed when interspersed with appropriate legal inputs. Law graduates are a talent pool as considering the nature of work in the services an aptitude for law is undeniably a valuable skill set..B&B:Any advice for those trying to clear the UPSC exams?.Harshita: The hardest part is to sustain the pressure and stay focused. It takes really long but it does happen. Stay calm, have fun with friends and go for it..Atul Vishwanathan (NALSAR) (Rank 258).B&B:Congratulations. What was your initial reaction?.Atul: Thanks. I had gone up till the interview stage last year too, and not making it to the final list I was quite disappointed. But I got over it within a day and made a few key changes to my strategy. Thereafter, I had worked smartly, with a lot of determination, and high levels of motivation. To be honest, the exam did not go as well as I would have wanted, but I still expected to break into the top 100 or 150. So my initial reaction on getting Rank 258 was clouded by a touch of disappointment as this was my final attempt. Having said that, the feeling has sunk in by now and I am very very pleased with my performance. I am sure whatever service I get will be equally prestigious and the job equally challenging..B&B:Which year did you graduate in? What have you been doing post-graduation?.Atul: I graduated in 2005. I worked with a company for a year, after which I studied journalism. I worked with a national daily for two-and-a-half years before deciding to write the civil services exam. This was my third attempt..B&B:Which Services will you opt for? Why this particular branch?.Atul: My preferencs, in that order, are IAS, Indian Foreign Service, IPS, IRS(C&CE), IRS (IT). There is a good chance of me getting into the IPS for the rank I have got..B&B:Any way in which law school helped in your preparations?.Atul: It was a long time after leaving law school that I decided to write the exam..B&B:Any advice for those trying to crack the UPSC?.Atul: Yes, I am full of advice! Anyone who wants to get in touch with me can do so here..Aparajita Rai (NUJS, Kolkata) (Rank 358).B&B:Congratulations. Initial reaction?.Aparajita: I was not too happy with the ranking initially. But then I saw the number of allotments for all India services (IAS IFS IPS) and I realized I would make it to IPS for sure. So that has made me quite happy..B&B:Which year did you graduate in? What have you been doing post-graduation?.Aparajita: I graduated in 2009 and started preparations soon thereafter. I took the exam in 2009 with no success. Then I appeared in 2010 and got a rank of 768, and joined the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS). I am now posted in Kolkata as Assistant Controller of Accounts- Ordnance Factories..B&B: IAS/IPS/IFS or any other?.Aparajita: IPS preferably because I honestly believe that a major reason for crimes against women (which in itself constitutes a major chunk of the crime pie) is the low presence of women in uniform. Civil services because no other place can provide such a huge platform to work for the society..B&B:Any way in which law school helped in your preparations?.Aparajita: I realised the significance of my legal background during preparation, training and even now when I’m actually working. A subject like law exposes you to the problems present in the society as well as the solutions that are or could be made available. Plus a cosmopolitan environment like in a law school broadens ones mind..B&B:Any advice for those trying to crack the UPSC?.Aparajita: Follow your passion, don’t pursue this because you want “a job”. You need to figure out your strengths and your limitations, chart out a workable plan and then just go for it! Also, for unnecessary gyaan, pep talks etc there are always people like me who can be reached on Facebook any day!.Harsh A Poddar (NUJS, Kolkata) (Rank 361) .B&B:Congratulations. Initial reaction?.Harssh: It’s obviously overwhelming to know that one has been able to clear an exam of such a scale. More so, because the UPSC is an exam where there are so many possible slips at every stage of its elaborate structure. Compound that with the fact that one is competing with 6-7 lakh other aspirants. It’s intimidating to begin with, challenging while one is in it and humbling when one clears it..B&B: Which year did you graduate from law school? What did you do after graduating?.Harssh: I graduated from NUJS in 2008. After Law School I completed the BCL in International Law at the University of Oxford as a Chevening Scholar. While in Law School I received an offer from Clifford Chance London, which I deferred to write the UPSC. In my first attempt I was selected for the IRS, which I joined after leaving Clifford Chance. I’ve been in the IRS since 2011 now..B&B: Is this the first time you have attempted the examination?.Harssh: No this is my second attempt. I was selected for the IRS in my first attempt..B&B: Have you chosen which service you will be joining? .Harssh: No not as yet. I think I’ll be choosing between the Indian Foreign Service and the Indian Police Service..B&B:Any way in which law school helped in your preparation?.Harssh: The rigour of premier law schools like NUJS and Oxford assures a certain academic discipline that goes a long way in ensuring success..However having served in the IRS I find that a legal education is even more useful AFTER one joins the government. As a hard skill, so much of what we do in every service requires an aptitude for law. As a soft skill, a great law school gives one unparalleled exposure, holistic development and people skills, which is much appreciated at all echelons of government..B&B:Any advice for those trying to clear the UPSC exams?.Harssh: I would recommend signing up for something as arduous as the UPSC only after being assured of a viable Plan B. Nothing can be said with certainty about an exam with a success rate of 0.001 percent. A bright career after law school could easily be nipped if one were to take off 2-3 years for preparation and not meet success..Devranjan Mishra (NLSIU, Bangalore) (Rank 479).B&B:Congratulations. What was your initial reaction?.Devranjan: Its a rather long process, so at some level it was mostly relief coupled with some excitement..B&B:Which year did you graduate in? What have you been doing post-graduation?.Devranjan: I graduated in 2010. I had a fellowship from NIXI, so i participated in a few conference in USA on their behalf. I worked with gyandarshan and Consortium for educational communication and gave lectures on law and development for broadcast over various channels. I also taught at Vajiram and ravi institute for IAS..B&B:Which Services will you opt for? .Devranjan: I wanted to take up IPS, but i would most probably get either IRS or IA&AS, I prefer these in view of my background in law..B&B:Any way in which law school helped in your preparations?.Devranjan: Good commmunication skills acquired in law school, alongwith a wide exposure to various areas through extracurricular activities..B&B:Any advice for those trying to crack the UPSC?.Devranjan: It is a game of nerves more than anything, and sustained work matters a lot more than intelligence..Grace Pachuau (NLSIU) (Rank 761).B&B:Congratulations. What was your initial reaction?.Grace: Thank you. It was a relief to see my name on the final list but I shall be writing the exam again to improve my rank..B&B:Which year did you graduate in? What have you been doing post-graduation?.Grace: I graduated in 2010 and joined a coaching class in Delhi after graduation. This is my second attempt..B&B: Which Services will you opt for? Why this particular branch?.Grace: My top two preferences are IAS and IFS. IAS mostly because of the diversity of the work, and IFS because of my love for travelling..B&B: Any way in which law school helped in your preparation?.Grace: Law school gave me a lot of exposure to different people and things. My legal education was very useful in helping me with my Law optional as well as in General Studies preparation..B&B: Any advice for those trying to crack the UPSC?.Grace: It takes a lot of hard work, perseverance and a bit of luck. Giving the civil services exam should be a carefully thought out decision because once you take the plunge, there is no turning back..Latchna Gunasekaran (NLSIU, Bangalore) (Rank 846).B&B:Congratulations. What was your initial reaction?.Latchna: Thank you. I was overjoyed when I saw my name in the list. Quite unbelievable at first. Now it has finally sunk in. It was a very special moment for me..B&B: Which year did you graduate in? What have you been doing post-graduation?.Latchna: I graduated in 2010. I have been preparing for the exams. Since it is a long process and a tough exam to crack I thought it needed my whole attention. The first year was for the preparation where I cleared the prelims. The second year, before my mains, my marriage was fixed so I gave up my plan to work. Immediately after my marriage I received the call for interview..B&B:Which Services will you opt for? Why this particular branch?.Latchna: My preference is IAS. It gives a wide scope and opportunity to serve the society and to make a difference. It gives a lot of exposure in different fields, requiring creative solutions to the existing problems. It is a very challenging career which I will be proud to be a part of..B&B: Any way in which law school helped in your preparations?.Latchna: I chose law as one of my optionals. I was advised by many to change my optional to score better. But I am more comfortable with law after studying it for 5 years. Being in law school helps in writing a well-analysed answer in the mains. Also you are confident in the interview because of your presentations and vivas in the law school..B&B: Any advice for those trying to crack the UPSC?.Latchna: Cracking the UPSC requires a lot of hard work, dedication, sincerity in the preparation and most importantly perseverance in times of failure. No one should presume to crack it in the first attempt. Any such belief will only undermine your confidence if the result is not favourable. Always hope for the best..The four whose views could not be elicited were Ananya Agarwal (Rank 27), Raghav Sharma (Rank 73), Sindhu Sarma (Rank 357), and Abhas (Rank 628)..Update [18/05/2013]: Another NLU Jodhpur graduate, Avi Prasad secured Rank 171.