P Nidhin Raj, belonging to Ravaneeswaram in Kasaragod, has secured Rank 210 in the Civil Service exam. An engineering graduate from Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, Kottayam, Nidhin speaks to Onmanorama on his preparations and future plans.
What is the secret of your success?
It is systematic studies. I never scheduled a fixed time for studying, but during the last lap, I used to spend 14-15 hours on it.
Why did you choose Civil Service?
This was in fact my second attempt. In the first try, I cleared the prelims but in the main exam I didn’t make it by 10 marks.
As a person belonging to Kasaragod district, developments here including the endosulfan stir have influenced me. I do believe that a civil service officer can do many really good things for society.
During my schooldays, I had taken part in elocution contests regularly and secured prizes at the state level. After completing my engineering course, I worked in the software sector, but I felt that my calling was elsewhere. That was how I finally zeroed in on civil service.
Are you a genius?
You may need a little bit of luck too along with hard work to clear the prelims, mains and interview. But, with hard work alone even an average student can get selected for civil service.
My optional paper was Malayalam literature. You don’t have to be a genius to master it. All you need is interest. My favourite author is Vaikom Muhammed Basheer.
As I had studied only Science subjects after Class 10, I was forced to spend much time in learning History, Geography and the Constitution for the civil service exam. I also worked at some coaching centres helping prepare the study materials. This gave me an opportunity to earn some money as well as learn for the civil service exam.
There are some people who prepare for the civil service exam even while holding a strenuous job. Each person’s talents will be different and civil service aspirants have to recognize theirs and study accordingly.
IAS officer who influenced you the most?
I was attracted to different qualities in various officials. Kudumbashree director Hari Kishore had studied in my college years ago. His book influenced me a lot. I also admire T V Anupama and Dr Vasuki.
Can you suggest any trick to avoid tension?
Magic helped me keep tension away. I loved magic from a young age. Later, I studied it too. Magic will make you believe that even impossible things can be turned into reality. This will boost your self-confidence.
I also love going to the movies.
What are your plans for the future?
I wish to become an IAS officer, but have no idea whether I would succeed with my present rank. If I am not allotted IAS, then I would join the service available and make another attempt.
What is your take on the ongoing polls?
I don’t belong to the category of people who claim that they are apolitical. Politics is something that should be discussed openly. If anybody disagrees, their opinion too should be heard.
A number of development issues are to be addressed in Kasaragod district. My vote is for the candidate who has made development his chief agenda.
Tell us about your family?
My parents are Ekkal K Rajendran Nambiar and P Latha. My sister Aswathy is an engineering student.