Topper’s talk: Interview of Saikat Biswas WBCS(Exe), 2017 Rank 12
Topper’s Interview
Personal Details:
Name: Saikat Biswas
Age:31
City/Town: Kolkata
Rank in Final List: 12
Attempt: 6
Optional Subject: Sociology
Schooling Medium: Bengali
College Medium: English
WBCS Medium: English
Work Experience: Asst Teacher in Govt High School for past 7 years
Service Preferences: 1. WBCS(EXE) 2. WBPS 3. WBRS
Educational Details:
Graduation (Subject and Percentage): Physics(Hons) 65%
Post-Graduation: Physics 64%
Hobbies: Cycling, Playing Table Tennis, Bengali Novel
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Now we shall listen to you in detail:
- How did you enter the field of competitive exams like Civil service, WBCS etc.?
During Masters Physics become too much complicated for me, so I decided to prepare for govt service instead of research.
- How did you start your prep.?
I joined ICSA for UPSC. But I had to opted for distance learning as I already started working.
- Self-study or Coaching or both which do you prefer and why?
As I was working full-time I had opted for self-study. But I studied Sociology from ICSA through regular classes.
- Which books did you follow?
History: Jibon Mukhopadhya X, Rajiv Ahir- Modern India
Geography: NCERT XI,XII-Few chapters of Majid Husain’s Geography of India, Kartik ch Mandal
Polity: Laxmikanth
Economics: NCERT XII Macroeconomics, Read some bullet points and data
Science: read few points from Lucent’s GK
Environment: studied many notes for UPSC but only some bullet points for WBCS
CA: Achievers, Affairscloud
Arithmetic & Reasoning: R S Aggarwal
I practiced MCQ from Lucent’s Objective GK, BK Publication GK, Internet etc.
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- How did you prepare for optional paper?
Sociology
NCERT XI, XII for concept building
Paper I :
Sociogical Theory – Ritzer, Sociology Themes and Perspective- Haralambos, IGNOU SOCIOLOGY BA notes, Sociology- C N Shankar Rao, Vikash Ranjan’s notes, Pinaki sir’s notes, Some xerox of different books.
Paper II:
Sociology of Indian Society- C N Shankar Rao, Society in India, Indian Social System, Social Problems in India – Ram Ahuja, Indian Society and Culture- Nadeem Hasnain, IGNOU SOCIOLOGY BA notes
Vikash Ranjan’s notes, Pinaki Sir’s notes, Some Xerox of different books.
- How did you prepare for language papers?
Regular reading of english and bengali newspaper and last minute overview of formats and types.
- What was your strategy for GS papers?
First I studied thoroughly basic text book for GS subjects then I practiced MCQs from different sources.
- Which was the most difficult part you have come across during your prep.?
2014-15 was particularly difficult for me. Failed in UPSC Mains 2014, WBCS Mains 2014. My closest friend at that time got selected but I failed in WBCS 2013 interview.
- How was your interview?
Chairman was very cordial. They asked very simple question apart from formal interaction.
- Mock tests are helpful to which extent?
If one prepare seriously and revise regularly then mock tests are definitely helpful.
Click here to Subscribe ICSG’s WBCS 2019 Prelims Mock Test Series
- What are your suggestions to the beginners?
Start in a very focused way. Pinpoint your strength and weakness. ‘Self belief and hard work will always earn you success’- Virat Kohli.
- Thank you Saikat Biswas for your valuable inputs! We wish you all the best!