HYDERABAD: “Every candidate stands a good chance as the other. Ultimately it is your commitment and hard work that makes a difference,” said Sweta Mohanty, who secured second rank in the civil services examination this year.Currently working as an assistant commissioner in the Customs and Excise department in Siliguri she says, “Becoming an IAS was a childhood dream but I pursued a professional course for the job security.” She was in the city for a visit to the Brain Tree Academy at Himayathnagar where she underwent coaching for the civil services. “I always knew I could improve on my rank of 312 I secured in 2006 and decided to give another try this time,” she said, during a press conference organized by the institute.Speaking on the role of a coaching institute, Sweta said they are important in guiding aspirants through the vast syllabus. “It is difficult for a fresher to decide where to begin. They help you through the preparations and also provide important inputs on choice of optional subjects,” she observed.Sweta preferred to take anthropology and public administration as her optional subjects as they interested her.Sweta, who was born in Odisha, considers Hyderabad as her hometown as she spent her childhood here. A BTech from JNTU-Hyderabad and daughter of senior IAS officer PK Mohanty, she cites her parents as her source of inspiration. “I have seen my father work and I know he made changes that affected a lot of lives. I would like to be an honest officer like him. Its a job which gives great work satisfaction as you have the power to reach out to a large number of people,” says Sweta. Did her background give her an edge? “No one knows of your background when your answer- sheets are being checked. Success has no shortcuts,” explains Sweta.On being asked whether being a mother will keep her from taking on certain responsibilities, Sweta says, “It will be a little difficult but I think women officers can take on responsibilities similar to their male counterparts.” When asked about political pressure on bureaucrats, she said, “The roles of the political circle and bureaucracy is well-defined and demarcated. I haven’t been subject to any such experience yet.” Sharing her secret of success, she says, “One has to keep the exam in mind, 24X7. The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge, presence of mind and ability to perform under pressure qualities which are essential in a bureaucrat. The interview round is a test of your personality. It's important to be frank, you cannot fake it there.” She said that in 2006 her interview lasted for nearly 50 minutes whereas this year it was just for 22 minutes. “I knew I had done reasonably well in the interview. ” Her dream posting is the municipal commissioner of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation.“I would like to give back to the city I grew up in.Whatever the need of the hour, I would like to address it,” signs off Sweta.
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