Insights from a Top Scorer: Success Strategies and Reflections on Public Service Competitive Exams
Public Service Commission Interview with Mrs. Krishna Kumari Shrestha, First Class, Gazetted First Class Post, Joint Secretary (Saha Sachiv) or Equivalent Position Recommendation in the Competitive Examination for the in the Nepal Administrative Service, General Administration Group
(1) First of all, congratulations on being selected through open competition for the Gazetted First Class, Joint Secretary position in the Civil Service. How did you prepare for the competitive examination conducted by the Public Service Commission, studying the syllabus and other relevant topics?
Thank you very much. I prepared for the competitive examination conducted by the Public Service Commission by studying the syllabus and other relevant topics in various ways. When preparing for the Branch Officer exam, I had ample time. Since I wasn't working, I spent a lot of time reading and writing. I occasionally discussed with friends I met during preparation, but I mostly studied alone.
The preparation for the Joint Secretary level exam was different. I had the opportunity to learn a lot about the civil service and had many friends. We used to study and analyze by discussing in the mornings and evenings. Regular practice exams helped me pass the exam easily. For the preparation of the Joint Secretary level exam, I studied along with my office work. I regularly studied, understood, and memorized the topics specified in the syllabus and other relevant subjects. Practice exams boosted my confidence, and attending various programs helped me understand and analyze the subjects better.
(2) In your experience, what is the best way to write answers during the exam? Based on your experience, what suggestions would you give to candidates preparing for the Public Service Commission exams?
During exam preparation, you should have a clear understanding of the topics. You should focus on understanding the content required by the question. When writing answers, addressing the topic in the introductory paragraph and listing the points in a bullet format helps cover the answer from different angles and makes time management easier.
(3) Can you briefly describe the efforts you made to prove yourself as the best in the competitive examination? What factors played an important role in achieving this success?
Everyone has their own way of preparing for the Public Service Commission exams. There isn't just one style. My study method is straightforward—it's mainly rote learning. I keep writing about a topic until I can write fluently about it. This makes studying sustainable and helps me remember it for a long time after learning it once.
Similarly, if you regularly take practice exams, you can understand your progress. The feedback you receive helps you improve. Therefore, I believe that continuous study and practice are key to success in the exam.
(4) There are complaints that public service delivery has not been impartial and people-centered. What suggestions would you give to improve the existing working system and behavior to bring reforms in public service delivery?
There are complaints that public service delivery has not been impartial and people-centered. The increase in public awareness, rising public expectations, easy access to information, and the provision to lodge complaints have also contributed to the complaints being heard more frequently. If we can increase the use of information technology and the service provider's behavior reflects a sense of service, it may help reduce people's grievances.
(5) What steps do you think would be appropriate to attract the best talents in the job market to public service?
First and foremost, it is necessary to cultivate the feeling of staying in the country. Then, to attract them to public service, they should be informed. They should be encouraged to enter the service, and after entering the service, they should receive fair distribution of appointments, placements, and opportunities at various stages.
(6) Do you see any need for improvement in the existing syllabus for the Gazetted First Class, Joint Secretary position?
I don't see any need for improvement at the moment.
(7) What improvements do you see as necessary to make the selection system more credible and scientific, and to further increase trust in the Public Service Commission? Please provide suggestions.
The existing examination system of the Public Service Commission has given more emphasis on impartiality. To avoid weaknesses in the evaluation system, the commission conducts double evaluations of answer sheets by two examiners, and assesses accountability, ethics, and professional values. The system that allows candidates to view their marks ensures transparency. This has increased the trust and confidence of ordinary people like me in the Public Service Commission. Therefore, I do not see any immediate need for improvement.
| Disclaimer: This article was taken from Samacharptra, Year-13, Issue-4, Total Marks-45 (Baisakh-Asar, 2081) published by the Public Service Commission. It has been used purely for educational purposes. |
