Jamia Millia Islamia’s Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) has again made headlines with its remarkable success in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2023. A stellar number of 31 candidates, out of 71 who appeared for the interview, have been selected for one of the most challenging exams in the country. This marks an impressive increase from the previous year and highlights the academy’s commitment to excellence. Among the achievers, Nausheen, with an All-India 9th rank, leads as the top performer from RCA, exemplifying the quality of coaching and support the institution provides.
Empowering Aspirants to Achieve Dreams
RCA, established under the aegis of the Centre for Coaching and Career Planning (CC&CP) by UGC in 2010, has been a beacon of hope for students from SC, ST, Women, and Minority communities, offering free coaching and residential facilities. The academy’s well-structured program, including over 500 hours of classes, group discussions, and mock interviews, has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many civil servants since its inception. This year, 11 of the 31 selected candidates are girls, showcasing RCA’s role in empowering women to achieve their dreams.
Atif Waquar Shares His Success Story
Atif Waqar, a Jamia Millia Islamia University student, has completed the Civil Services Examination. Every year, around 34 students from Jamia clear this prestigious exam. Atif secured an impressive rank of 899.
Expressing his joy, Atif said, “I’m happy. I’ve been preparing for this for many years. My family has supported me, and I’m grateful to them.” He revealed that it took him 5-6 years of dedicated preparation after graduation to crack the exam.
Atif highlighted the role of Jamia’s Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) in his success. He joined RCA in 2021 and credited the academy’s positive environment, guidance, and mentorship for helping him rectify his weaknesses and stay motivated.
Sharing his preparation strategy, Atif emphasized the importance of analyzing the previous year’s question papers (PYQs) and identifying the frequently asked topics. He also stressed the need to make self-made notes or from toppers for efficient revision.
For aspirants preparing for the upcoming prelims, Atif advised thorough PYQ analysis, identifying weak areas, and focusing more on those sections. He also recommended maintaining a flexible study routine to accommodate individual learning styles.
Atif’s dedication and strategic approach have paid off, and his success inspires many aspiring civil servants.
Professor Samina Shares the Secret to RCA’s Success
Professor Samina expressed immense pride as the Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) of Jamia Millia Islamia University achieved remarkable success in the Civil Services Examination. This year, 31 students from RCA cleared the prestigious exam, including 11 female candidates.
Professor Samina highlighted RCA’s unique advantages: “RCA is not profit-based and is run by the government. This allows underprivileged students to access quality coaching without worrying about the high costs.” She also credited the supportive environment and collective wisdom of the students studying together as significant factors contributing to RCA’s success.
Professor Samina emphasized the importance of focus and determination for aspirants preparing for the UPSC exam. She advised them to leverage RCA’s strengths, such as the library, study spaces, and guidance provided by previously selected candidates.
RCA’s success is not limited to the number of students clearing the exam; it also takes pride in the achievements of its alums. Nausheen, a Muslim female candidate, secured an impressive 9th rank, while Prerna and others also performed exceptionally well.
With the increasing number of students clearing the Civil Services Examination each year, RCA’s reputation grows, attracting more aspirants to seek admission. Professor Samina expressed confidence that the administration would consider expanding the number of seats to accommodate the growing demand.
Nazia Shares Her Journey to Success
Nazia, a Jamia Millia Islamia’s Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) student, has achieved remarkable success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2013. She secured an impressive rank of 670, a moment of immense joy and pride for her and her family.
Expressing her happiness, Nazia said, “I am grateful that my hard work has finally paid off.” She credited her success to the RCA, which was crucial to her UPSC journey. Joining the academy in 2021, Nazia found invaluable support, guidance, and motivation from the faculty and seniors and a conducive learning environment.
Nazia’s preparation lasted four to five years, and this was her fourth attempt at the prestigious examination. She emphasized the importance of discipline, hard work, and quality over quantity in her studies. Current affairs and newspapers were her primary sources for staying updated on contemporary issues.
The interview round, which often proves challenging for many aspirants, was a significant milestone for Nazia. Her educational background, interests, hobbies, and personality were thoroughly evaluated. Questions related to her home states of Jharkhand and Bihar were also asked.
Overcoming the lack of guidance and financial constraints, Nazia persevered through doubts and difficulties, drawing motivation from the RCA’s support system. She expressed gratitude to her parents for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
Nazia’s success inspires aspiring civil servants and highlights the invaluable role of Jamia’s Residential Coaching Academy in nurturing talents and shaping careers.
A Journey of Perseverance and Determination
Prerna Singh, a Jamia Millia Islamia University student, has achieved an impressive rank of 247 in the coveted Civil Services Examination 2023. Her success is a testament to her unwavering determination and perseverance.
Expressing her gratitude, Prerna said, “I feel so proud today. It feels good, and I am grateful for this opportunity.” Her journey was manageable, as she could not qualify in her first three attempts, leading to self-doubt and a loss of confidence. However, her mother’s and friends’ support motivated her to continue pursuing her dream.
Originally from Ranchi, Prerna completed her schooling at DPS and graduated from Miranda House, Delhi, with a degree in sociology. She then pursued a postgraduate degree in social work from Jamia Millia Islamia University before working briefly at Baal Co Vedanta.
Prerna credited the Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) at Jamia for providing a conducive learning environment, access to library facilities, and the guidance of experienced faculty. She emphasized the importance of identifying and addressing one’s strengths and weaknesses and using social media judiciously for educational purposes.
During the interview, the interviewer posed questions to Prerna regarding her educational background, work profile, home state, and subjects such as sociology and women’s issues.
Prerna’s success inspires aspiring civil servants by highlighting the significance of perseverance, self-belief, and the support of loved ones in achieving one’s goals.
A Journey of Resilience and Determination
Suraj, a Jamia Millia Islamia University student, achieved remarkable success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023, securing an impressive rank of 658. His journey was marked by resilience and determination, and he overcame numerous challenges.
Suraj expressed mixed feelings: “It feels good to be selected, but I wish my close friends had also made it.” He credited his parents and family for their unwavering support, which motivated him during self-doubt and failure.
Suraj’s preparation spanned several years, starting in 2017, and he initially faced setbacks in qualifying for the preliminary exams. However, his strong desire to work in the education and health sectors fueled his determination to pursue civil services.
The Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) at Jamia was pivotal in Suraj’s success. He found the peer-learning environment and guidance from fellow aspirants invaluable in improving his answer-writing skills and staying focused on his goals.
During the interview, Suraj encountered exciting questions, including one where he had to explain the societal need for his name, “Suresh Borkar,” and sing a song based on his hobby.
Suraj’s advice to future aspirants emphasizes the importance of not ignoring the CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) and thoroughly analyzing the previous year’s question papers. He also stresses maintaining a disciplined mindset and focusing on relative performance during the challenging preliminary exams.
Suraj’s success is a testament to his resilience, hard work, and the support system provided by Jamia’s Residential Coaching Academy.
University’s Support and Vision
The consistent performance of RCA has been a source of pride for Jamia Millia Islamia. Prof. Iqbal Hussain, the Officiating Vice Chancellor, and other university officials have actively supported and enhanced the academy’s facilities. Their vision and efforts towards providing a conducive environment for the students have been pivotal in achieving these remarkable results. The university administration’s continued support promises even better outcomes in the years to come.
A Legacy of Excellence
The success story of RCA, JMI, is not limited to this year alone. Since 2010-11, the academy has produced nearly 300 civil servants, including many in prestigious services like IAS, IFS, and IPS, alongside over 300 selections in various central and state services. This legacy of excellence underlines Jamia Millia Islamia’s significant contribution to nation-building by nurturing future leaders.
Jamia Millia Islamia’s RCA is a testament to the power of dedicated coaching, support, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Its achievements in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2023 are a beacon of inspiration for aspiring civil servants nationwide.
Also Read: India’s Global Leadership: G-20 and Development
You can connect with DNN24 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
