Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (AR/SP)

Udupi, Aug 1: Ranjan Shenoy from here, who has secured 112th rank in Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, advised students to immediately delete their Facbook accounts if they are serious about their studies and determined about achieving their goals. He exhorted the youngsters to devote their entire time to earning knowledge and skill.

He was speaking during an interactive meet with students at the Nutana Raveendra Mantap of MGM College here onMonday July 31.

"Once you achieve your goals, you can open a Facebook account, not before that. The very aim of education is to enrich your knowleldge and skill. You should aim at high achievement in the subjects of your choice. Unless you also take care to pursue high values, morality and human concern, you will turn out to be intelligent demons at the end. One should always aim at contributing to the society through honesty, hard work, and noble mindset," Ranjan asserted.

He said that UPSC provides for writing examination in 23 different services. He said he is currently serving GST and customs department of Indian Revenue Service, and that he has opted to continue in Indian Foreign Service (IFS).

"Those who want to serve IFS should aim at protecting India's interests, and providing impetus to it. One should derive satisfaction in his employment. Apart from working to secure himself he should try to bring positive changes in the society. Candidates can appear for UPSC examination in 22 languages included in the 8th schedule of the constitution including Kannada and Konkani. Out of 57 from Karnataka who appeared for UPSC examination in 2016-17, five wrote the exam in Kannada. Language should never become an impediment in the ladder of success," he stressed.

Ranjan said that people holding a graduate degree, and who have crossed 21 years of age, can appear for the civil services examination. After preliminary and main rounds of examination, the successful candidates will face interview. He asked students to make advance preparations to face examinations and interviews when pursuing degree course. "Reading newspapers for one to two years everyday will benefit you. One can appear for UPSC for a maximum of six times," he revealed.

Shenoy added that during the interviews, candidates can answer questions in Kannada too. He said that preparation for examination is very much necessary and the examination fee for men is Rs 100 and free of cost for women.

Principal of MGM college,Prof Kusuma Kamath, presided. Head of computer science department, M Vishwanath Pai, welcomed. Head of political science department, Prof Kokkarne Surendranath Shetty, introduced the guest. Justine D'Silva presented the programme. Divya Shetty proposed vote of thanks.