• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

ClearIAS

UPSC: Latest News, IAS, IPS, UPSC Online Preparation

UPSC Prelims Test Series 2021Enroll Now
  • Home
  • Start
    • IAS
    • IAS Exam Eligibility
    • UPSC
    • UPSC Syllabus
    • UPSC Exam Date
    • UPSC Results
    • FAQs
  • Programs
    • Prelims
    • Mains
    • Interview
  • Buy
    • Courses
    • Mock Test Series
    • IAS Books
    • eBooks (PDF)
  • Free
    • Study Materials
    • Guidance
    • eBooks (PDFs)
    • Mock Exams
    • ClearIAS App
    • Downloads
  • Toppers
  • Blog
  • Login
ClearIAS » UPSC Toppers » Harikrishna Pai (CSE 2013 Rank 218) UPSC Topper’s Interview – Part 5

Harikrishna Pai (CSE 2013 Rank 218) UPSC Topper’s Interview – Part 5

Last updated on May 26, 2017 by Alex Andrews George

This is the last part of the detailed interview of Harikrishna Pai (CSE 2013 Rank 218) in ClearIAS.com’s UPSC Topper’s Interview series. Hari has already shared his background, approach, preparations strategies, books referred, UPSC interview etc in the previous parts. In this 5th part, he answers queries about his backup plans, previous attempts, work experience, detailed marks etc. And finally, he winds up the long interview, sharing some important success tips.

Previous Attempts/ Backups/ Others Jobs Qualified (if any)

Harikrishna Pai (CSE 2013 Rank 218) UPSC Topper’s Interview – Part 5

ClearIAS.com: Comment on your previous attempts on UPSC Civil Services Exam, if any? What have you learned from the mistakes/failures?

NA

ClearIAS.com: What was your backup plan in case you didn’t qualify? Sorry to ask, a question just for curiosity, in case if you didn’t improve your last year performance this time, what would have been your decision?

I would have definitely given more attempts, as this was my first one. But truly, uncertainty is a rule in this exam, so I had affirmed that, even though I don’t succeed, I need not feel let down. In that case, I would have opted to teach, a job which I always like to do.

130+ Prelims Marks is Possible. Only if you are guided the right way.

Join ClearIAS Prelims Test Series 2021.

Take a Free Test

ClearIAS.com: Did you write/clear any other exams (Like Bank exams/State PSCs/ Private Jobs) during the preparation period or before:

I wrote Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination. Qualified for mains, but the infamous exam was eventually cancelled (L).

Work Experience (if any)

NA

Marks – Prelims, Mains and Interview

Preliminary Exam (Just for qualification; but please also indicate the approximate number of attempts and correct answers in each paper)

  • General Studies Paper 1: (Out of 200): 115 (68 attempted 9 wrong)
  • General Studies Paper 2: (Out of 200): 157 (74 attempted)

Mains: Please also indicate the approximate number of attempts in each General Studies paper and the optional paper. For how many marks did you attempt in each paper?

  • Essay (Out of 250): 113
  • GS1 (Out of 250) : 68 (attempted for 230 marks)
  • GS2 (Out of 250) : 58 (attempted for 190 marks)
  • GS3 (Out of 250) : 75 (attempted for 230 marks)
  • GS4 (Out of 250) : 90 (attempted for 250 marks)
  • Optional Paper 1 (Out of 250)- History : 119 (attempted for 220 marks)
  • Optional Paper 2 (Out of 250)- History : 129 (attempted for 250 marks)
  • Written Total  (Out of 1750): 652

Interview (Out of 275)

  • Marks for Personality Test: 165
  • Final Marks (Out of 2025): 817

Success

 

Don't miss the latest updates of ClearIAS!

Join ClearIAS Telegram Chanel.

Get free studymaterials and guidance.

Join for FREE

ClearIAS.com: What preference in services have you opted for? Any particular reason for that priority?

My preference was IAS>IPS>IFS>IRS(C&CE). I preferred IAS & IPS as they offer more opportunities, diversity & challenge.

ClearIAS.com: Did your life change after success/attempt in UPSC Civil Services Exam? If yes, how?

After the results came out, I got the opportunity to mingle with lot many people. Further, I too try to realise the responsibility that we are supposed to take. The best part after the result is to see our loving ones happy and proud.

ClearIAS.com: Does the educational or financial status of the family of the aspirant impact the UPSC preparation and result?

UPSC exam is qualified by many people who represent the broader spectrum of the society. Financial and other issues may definitely put additional pressure, but many people who qualify too have overcome the same through some alternatives.

ClearIAS.com: Any tips on Civil Services exam preparation and other priorities in life (Financial security, Higher Studies, Marriage, Family life etc.)

Trusted by Toppers. Loved by 3,00,000+ Registered Users.

ClearIAS UPSC Prelims Online Mock Exams.

Take a Free Test

It is better to have a balanced view on our priorities in life. Civil Service Exam preparation definitely needs time investment. But this need not diminish other things in life completely out of the picture. Find time for other things also, without losing focus on preparation. After all, success in any competitive exam need not make you successful in your life. Learn to prioritise things accordingly.

ClearIAS.com: What is your advice to the freshers who are going to appear in this exam?

Those who opt themselves for this career are opting a challenging path – of which, the exam is only a part. So gather the strength to surge ahead. Be accommodative of new ideas. Don’t see this as a test of pure academic excellence, which is only one among many aspects that will carry you forward.

ClearIAS.com: What is your advice to all those candidates who didn’t succeed in this exam yet?

No advice. I think that people who can realise what went wrong and correct it need no advice. Such people will definitely emerge much more superior, even above today’s chart makers. Best is yet to come for them. My prayers and wishes to all dear friends, who are yet to begin, or couldn’t make it this time for some reason or sheer misfortune.

ClearIAS.com: We would like to express our heartiest congratulations once again for this grand success. We feel proud that you choose ClearIAS.com and our readers to share your happiness on this special occasion. ClearIAS.com sincerely thank you, on behalf our readers and ourselves, for the spirit and benevolence to find time to write answers to our detailed questionnaire. Wishing you, all the very best in career and life. 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Share63
Tweet
WhatsApp
63 Shares

Integrate Learning With Test-Taking!

Is UPSC Prelims your weak area?

Don’t worry!

We can help you score high marks!

Are you ready to practise the right way?

Yes, I want ClearIAS to help me score high!

Get our newsletter

Don't miss our email updates!

About Alex Andrews George

Alex Andrews George is a mentor, author, and entrepreneur. Alex is the founder of ClearIAS and one of the expert Civil Service Exam Trainers in India.

He is the author of many best-seller books like 'Important Judgments that transformed India' and 'Important Acts that transformed India'.

A trusted mentor and pioneer in online training, Alex's guidance, strategies, study-materials, and mock-exams have helped thousands of aspirants to become IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Aim to be an IAS Officer?

Nothing can beat practice!

Join ClearIAS Prelims Test Series 2021

Practice 40+ online mock exams!

Limited Period Offer: 40% OFF!

Enroll Now!

ClearIAS Study Materials for UPSC Prelims and Mains

  • Indian History - Indian History and Culture.
  • Geography - Indian and World Geography.
  • Economics - Indian Economy.
  • Indian Polity - Constitution, Social Justice etc.
  • General Science - Science and Technology.
  • Environment - Biodiversity, Climate Change etc.
  • Current Affairs - National and international.

ClearIAS Study Materials for UPSC Mains (Extra-Topics)

  • World History - GS paper 1.
  • Indian Society - GS paper 1.
  • Foreign Relations - GS paper 2.
  • International Affairs - GS paper 2.
  • Internal Security - GS paper 3.
  • Disaster Management - GS paper 3.
  • Ethics - GS paper 4.

ClearIAS Study Materials for UPSC Mains (Paper-wise)

  • Essay Paper
  • GS 1 Paper
  • GS 2 Paper
  • GS 3 Paper
  • GS 4 Paper

ClearIAS Online Mock Exams (Prelims and Mains)

  • Prelims Mock Exams
  • Mains Mock Exams (AWP)

Congrats! You are at the right place - ClearIAS!

  • 1 million+ monthly users!
  • 9,00,000+ ClearIAS App Downloads!
  • 4,50,000+ Facebook Followers!
  • 3,50,000+ Email Subscribers!
  • 3,00,000+ Registered Aspirants!

Prepare for UPSC Online!

Get Started

UPSC Online Preparation Guidance

  • UPSC - Union Public Service Commission
  • IAS - Indian Administrative Service
  • Civil Services Exam (CSE) - Exam Pattern
  • UPSC Syllabus - Subjects to learn
  • IAS Books - Books to learn
  • UPSC CSE Eligibility - Who can appear?
  • UPSC Exam Dates - When should you apply?
  • UPSC Result - Check UPSC Results
  • UPSC FAQs - Clarify your queries

What do toppers' say about ClearIAS?

Poonam Dalal

"Working 24*7 in the police for the last 5 years and been out of touch with the preparation, I took the guidance from your website, especially the ClearIAS prelims test series. I bought it and found it to be the best available online." - Poonam Dalal, ClearIAS Online Student

Read more reviews by UPSC Toppers...

Enroll in

ClearIAS UPSC Prelims Online Test Series 2021

Score High in the IAS Exam!

Trusted by Toppers

Limited Period Offer: 40% Discount!

Enroll now

Don’t lose out without playing the right game!

Adopt the 3 Strategies for Success in the UPSC Civil Services Exam.

Learn UPSC Strategies

  • Home
  • IAS
  • UPSC
  • FAQs
  • Blog
  • Login

UPSC Online Preparation

  • Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
  • Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
  • Indian Police Service (IPS)
  • IAS Exam Eligibility
  • UPSC Free Study Materials
  • UPSC Exam Guidance
  • UPSC Prelims Test Series
  • UPSC Syllabus
  • UPSC Online
  • UPSC Books
  • UPSC Prelims
  • UPSC Mains
  • UPSC Interview

ClearIAS

  • About ClearIAS
  • ClearIAS Programs
  • IAS Coaching
  • Announcements
  • Book Review
  • ClearIAS App
  • Sitemap
  • Work with us
  • Advertise with us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us

UPSC 2021

UPSC Exam Calendar 2021

Follow us

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFollow us on YouTubeFollow us on ClearIAS Learning AppFollow us on ClearIAS Test Prep AppFollow us on Telegram

Featured on

ClearIAS Featured in The Hindu
ClearIAS Featured in the Times of India
ClearIAS Featured in the New Indian Express
ClearIAS Featured in the Yourstory

and many more...

Copyright © 2020 - ClearIAS.com