"The Civil Services empowers you so that you can empower society"

A Surprise Interview with Dr. N. Ilango

Coordinator, Institute for Administrative Services Coaching, MCC

It was a surprise interview this morning at the Student Records Office with Dr. N. Ilango, Coordinator, Institute for Administrative Services Coaching, (IASC) Madras Christian College. When I called up Dr. Ilango, asking him if he would come upstairs, for his coffee, he said he would surely come. 

It was at this juncture, that I requested him to give me ten minutes of his time, for a short interview. Dr. Ilango gladly agreed, and what's more! He was kind enough to come straight to the Student Records Office, and thus began our warm interview. 

On an aside: Well, for the first time, the IASC has joined hands with the MCC IAS Academy to offer intensive coaching for the Civil Services, in Campus from this academic year onwards, at a very competitive price, exclusively for current students of MCC, thanks to the efforts of our beloved Principal, and the Coordinator, IASC, MCC.

Sir, what, in your opinion are the advantages of this Satellite Programme for IAS Preparation?

First and foremost, the affordable fee structure, which can be paid in two equated instalments (Rs.35,400) which includes GST.

Secondly, we have a thoroughly professional library facilities with all the latest books for Civil Services preparation. Added, for UPSC aspirants, the library will be open up to 8.30 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. 

Thirdly, the students will have a periodic test series practice. Material hand-outs will be given after every class.

Residents in Campus will have the comfort of residential training as well.

Fourthly, periodic classes by senior IAS officers who have graduated from MCC will be part of the coaching.

Fifthly, in the Preliminary training itself, orientation for Mains Exam will be given.

Finally, commercial academies do not have regular academicians to conduct classes, whereas in this Satellite programme, we have renowned academicians along with a host of IAS / IPS Officers, who will be giving hands-on training for the aspirants.

Sir, you have been in this field of training students for Civil Services, since the 1990s. Do you see a marked change in the number of candidates emerging successful in the UPSC Exams, from Tamil Nadu?

In the 1990s, only government coaching institutes were there for Civil Services. But since early 2000, commercial academies started sprouting up in large numbers.

The one disadvantage of commercial academies as far as Tamil Nadu is concerned is that, they have a very few academicians on their rolls to take regular, consistent classes. Even candidates who are preparing for their Civil Services are allowed to take most of the sessions. This is one reason why Tamil Nadu has not emerged in the top 100 this year in the Civil Services List.

What we need is, regular, expert academics who can double up as trainers on a regular basis. Their expert guidance and experience would prove immensely helpful for candidates.

Only 33 candidates have been recommended for IAS / IPS / IFS and other services from Tamil Nadu, out of 933 candidates from India, which is a sad state of affairs.

Sir, what do you think are the main reasons for the low success rate as regards the Civil Services from Tamil Nadu?

First of all, many students find it comfortable with the Work From Home Culture that has mushroomed these days.

Secondly, the Private Sector especially IT Sector, gives them a handsome pay package, which is added attraction for them.

Thirdly, a miniscule percentage of stigma that Civil Servants are used as pawns and given ‘punishment’ postings, which adds to their discouragement.

Finally, most of the students today want higher pay packages with immediate jobs. They don’t have the patience to prepare for three to four years, after their degree programme.

Sir, what is the marked difference you see in the preparations today, when compared to say, 20 years ago?

Well, in the past, the approach to the exam was comprehensive. Today it’s selective.

It’s like you write with an expectation, under an assumption, in the University Exams, whereas as far as the Civil Services exams are concerned, you can’t go by any of such assumptions. You will have to be very focused.

The interview board in the final stage, usually doesn’t want to entertain such ‘tailor-made’ candidates who come from academies. Hence such candidates are quizzed on a variety of parameters outside of their syllabus as well, where most of them don’t do well.

Earlier, it was clearly distributed amongst Polity, Governance, Economics, History, et al.

But today, unless a candidate is updated in all areas of knowledge, it is difficult for them to clear the exams and the interview as well.

Sir, how can a candidate equip themselves, apart from attending coaching classes?

Well, they should read their newspapers regularly. This apart, they should also take time to read periodicals like Frontline, Economic and Political Weekly, etc. regularly, to obtain informed opinions and perspectives for themselves. This apart, they should get themselves familiar with good and comprehensive Year Books, as well.

Sir, is this coaching for current students alone?

Yes, this Coaching, a first-of-its-kind in MCC, is meant exclusively for the current students of our College.

What about past students of our College who are interested in Civil Services Coaching?

Yes, they can approach the MCC-IAS Academy at Chetpet, directly.

Sir, when does the Coaching start for students?

Coaching starts on 18th July 2023. Students have to fill up the Google form using the link below. https://forms.gle/UoL8DdfH6iHPjdeT8

And finally Sir, what are your suggestions for students who are preparing for Civil Services?

I would suggest two things –

Firstly, they should opt for coaching from renowned academics who are experts in their respective field of study. Their expert guidance and experience would prove immensely helpful for candidates.

Secondly, and most importantly, they should always bear in mind that,

being part of the Civil Services, will help you to help society!

Moreover,

The Civil Services empowers you so that you can empower society… for the better.!