Interview with Swagata Tarafdar in WBCS Exam 2008-ADSR

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

Swagata Tarafdar:My father was an Officer of the Land & Land Reforms Department. He inspired me to go for WBCS.

WBCSMadeEasy:Tell us something about yourself?

Swagata Tarafdar:
Examination Marks Division/Class Name of the Institution
Madhyamik 87% 1st Gramya Hitakari Girls’ School
Higher Secondary 81% 1st Gramya Hitakari Girls’ School
B.Tech. (Ceramic Technology) 86% 1st Government College of Engineering & Ceramic Technology


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

Swagata Tarafdar:My optional were Psychology and Anthropology. I chose the optional on the basis of my interest in the subjects and compatibility between the two subjects. Also, given the nature of syllabus of the two subjects, they can be covered within a reasonable time-frame.

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

Swagata Tarafdar:My determination to succeed kept me motivated throughout the year.

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?

Swagata Tarafdar:I gave more emphasis on the quality of learning, rather than measuring the progress in terms of hours devoted to studying. As for the second question, I completed my graduation in 2007 and appeared for WBCS in 2008. I got selected in Group-A service in that very first attempt. So the time-frame was even less than a year, within which I completed the whole syllabus of Preliminary, Mains compulsory papers and the two optional subjects.

WBCSMadeEasy:Did u use internet, was it effective?

Swagata Tarafdar:Internet was not that popular as it is today way back in 2008 when I appeared for WBCS. Had it been there, I guess it must had been proven to be effective in the preparation.

WBCSMadeEasy:Were you doing any other job during preparation?

Swagata Tarafdar:No, I was not doing any job at that time and solely concentrated on WBCS.

WBCSMadeEasy:Which newspapers & magazines you went through?

Swagata Tarafdar:Newspaper: The Times of India ,Magazines: Civil Services Chronicle, Frontline.

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

Swagata Tarafdar:Yes, I took in the IAS Coaching Centre at Presidency College, Kolkata. To some extent, coaching helps obviously, though ultimately self-study is the most beneficial.

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

Swagata Tarafdar:My interview was scheduled on 8 April, 2009. The interview lasted for about half an hour. The interview board was very cordial and tried to put me in ease. The questions ranged from my academic background, my hobby (i.e., reading), my service preference in WBCS to uniform civil code, food security, global economic meltdown etc.
For interview, one should be comprehensively prepared on his/her home district, academic background, current job (if any), hobby etc. The newspaper of that day should be thoroughly read before facing the interview board. (In fact, I was asked in my interview the name of the capital city of South Africa and the name of South Africa’s President. That day’s newspaper carried the news of Soth Africa getting three first ladies. I was asked whether polygamy is in vogue in South Africa or is found only among the particular tribe to which the President belongs).


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

Swagata Tarafdar:For Prelims: TMH General Studies Manual/ Pearson General Studies Manual for UPSC (any one).
For Mains Compulsory Papers: Oriental’s book for WBCS, Indian Economy by Datt & Sundaram/ Indian Economy by Mishra & Puri (any one) (For Five year Plans), Civil Services Chroncle (for Current affairs), GS Manual.
Psychology Optional: Margan & King, Barron, Atkinson & Hilgard, S K Mangal, Abnormal Psychology by Coleman.
Anthropology: Nadeem Husnan, Madan & Majumder, Indrani Basu.

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

Swagata Tarafdar:Study regularly and diligently and you will definitely succeed. WBCS is definitely tough, but life after WBCS is much more tough. So take the step only if you are sure that you can handle this.

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 ?

Swagata Tarafdar:It was my first attempt and only attempt at WBCS. I got selected in West Bengal Registration & Stamp Revenue Service. PSC doesn’t publish individual ranks, only the allotment of service is published.

WBCSMadeEasy:What about the changed pattern of WBCS from 2014.

Swagata Tarafdar:The changed pattern of WBCS will create a level-playing field for candidates with different academic background, as one optional is removed. I don’t know the details about the changed pattern, so can’t suggest anything.

We thank Ms Swagata Tarafdar for sparing her precious time to help for aspirants by giving this interview.