By Anjuman Ara Begum, TwoCircles.net
IAS syllabus is very vast. It is comprised of anything and everything. And above all, everything has to be completed within a year. For two years I really worked hard. Coaching is not essential. Sharing experiences of previous candidates is very useful, says Ashiquz Zaman of Phulbari in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya in an interview with Anjuman Ara Begum of TwoCircles.net. He secured the 221st position in the UPSC examination 2008.
About Ashiquz Zaman
Ashiquz Zaman of Phulbari in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya secured the 221st position in the I.A.S. final Examination 2008. Second son of Dr. Safiquz Zaman and Hasina Zaman, Ashiq completed his primary and upper primary education from Phulbari Government L.P School and J.N. High School, Phulbari respectively. He passed his matriculation examinations from R.B.P.H.S. School, South Salmara, Dhubri District,Assam, securing 1st division with letters in six subjects. He did his Higher Secondary and Graduation from Cotton College, Guwahati and completed Master’s Degree in History in 2005 from Guwahati University, Assam securing 1st Class fifth position.
Congratulations. Tell me about your preparation for IAS.
I started my preparation soon after my MA and appeared for the IAS preliminary in 2007. I could not qualify. I continued my preparations and attempted in 2008. This time I was successful and finally selected on May 4, 2009. 11 candidates qualified from Assam and I am the only one who studied in Assamese medium schools. Rests are convent educated.
What about your study hours?
IAS syllabus is very vast. It is comprised of anything and everything. And above all, everything has to be completed within a year. For study hours, a good sleep of 5 hours was a luxury for me. For two years I really worked hard. Coaching is not essential. Sharing experiences of previous candidates is very useful.
Did you feel frustrated at times?
Yes, very much. The system is frustrating. If you don’t qualify in the preliminary, you have to wait again till you take the next attempt. This is very depressing. Here you need family support and encouragement from others. I awe my success to me family, friends and teachers who provided valuable support in those days.
How was your personal interview for the final selection?
The interviewers are very cordial and they make you feel easy and create a friendly atmosphere. Honesty is very important. One needs to be very honest about themselves. I could not answer all the questions but I was confident of myself and honest.
Did you ever feel discriminated for belonging to a minority community?
I think 99% people don’t discriminate. Only those with vested interest promote communalism and discriminate people. Geographical ignorance sometime breeds discontentment. Globalization may remove this feeling.
What is your view about Madrasa education in Assam?
Religious teaching is necessary. But when we think of employment and livelihood, options are very less or zero for Madrasa educated students. Education is a fundamental right. We need to include career based courses in Madrasa. Madrasa education needs a complete transformation like Don Bosco Institute. By modernizing Madrasa education, one can make a difference. Women education needs to be promoted. Self-criticism and self realization is the need of the hour.
What is your advice for the future IAS aspirants?
Hard work is the only key to success. There is other way but to work hard.