On the 24th July, 2021 at 8:00 pm, the Civil Service Aspirants Club, GAC conducted an online seminar ‘My Experiences in preparing for Combined Civil Service Exam 2018-2019’, with Dr. C. Laldinsangi, in collaboration with the Career Counseling and Placement Cell (RUSA) and the Student Support & Progression Cell (IQAC). The Resource Person, Dr. C. Laldinsangi, was an MCS Topper in the year 2019, and is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the department of Life Sciences, PUC.
 

The webinar was hosted  by Dr. Mary L. Renthlei, Associate Professor, Dept. of Education, who welcomed all participants, including Club members, students and teaching faculty of the college, as well as all participants in general attending both on Zoom and following the livestreamed programme on the college YouTube account. 

The Resource Person, Dr. C. Laldinsangi shared her personal experiences while preparing for the Combined Civil Service Exams. She related her educational background and her journey in academics and civil services. According to her, although she was more interested in academics and favoured research to civil services, her main reason for attempting the Combined Civil Service exams was done on the advice of her parents who perceived the civil services had better job opportunities than academics. While preparing for the Combined Civil Service Exams, the Resource Person, Dr. C. Laldinsangi was juggling work in MZU and learning afresh a new subject i.e. Animal Husbandry, for her optional paper in the competitive exams. 

Dr. C. Laldinsangi mentioned key points while preparing for the Combined Civil Services Exams. They are:

  1. Aim and Goal: The RP urged all Civil Service Aspirants to have a definite aim and goal in order to achieve success.
  2. Consistency: She stressed the importance of consistency and regularity and time-management while preparing for civil services.
  3. Reading and Writing Habit: To develop reading habits, knowledge of relevant events or phenomenon in our environment, which would ultimately help in our writing skills and communication skills. Quality instead of quantity was stressed by the Resource Person, especially during exams.
  4. Smart Studying: Student aspirants have to inculcate smart studying and not rely on spoon-feeding. Students have to fend for themselves and look for study materials, references by themselves.
  5. Competitive Spirit: A healthy competitive spirit and motivation to learn more should be nurtured among themselves.
  6. Self Knowledge: Self knowledge is crucial. Civil service aspirants were advised to cut back on social activities, if they hamper concentration from their studies. Self discipline and self assessment were highlighted when preparing for exams.
  7. Revision: Revision is the key to retain the knowledge of any subject or topic. Thorough revision to grasp and understand the notes is the key to success.
  8. Advantages & Disadvantages of Technology: Dr. C. Laldinsangi stated the advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones, Internet, etc. She has used mobile phones, internet, you tube tutorials, lecture videos, etc. to her advantage and urged aspirants to stay away from mobile games and excessive use of social networking sites.

A lively interactive session followed and a lot of questions were raised by students and attendees on Zoom and Youtube, which were fielded successfully by the Resource Person.

R. Zomuanpuia, Secretary, Civil Service Aspirants’ Club (GAC) gave a brief report of the activities of the club and delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the Club and the organisers. The webinar was well received by participants and was a huge success.