<div>Nandini K R did not expect that she would top the civil services exams. But, when the news was broken to her on Wednesday evening, initially Nandini did not believe it. But her batchmates erupted in joy. <br /><br /><div>Her phone did not stop ringing then. <br /><br /></div><div>Nandini, who belongs to the OBC community, spoke to DH’s Ajith Athrady amid celebrations at the National Academy of Customs, Excise and Narcotics in Haryana’s Faridabad where she was undergoing training.</div><div><br /></div><div>DH: This is a great achievement. How do you feel?<br /><br /></div><div>Nandini: I am really happy. It is a big achievement for me. I see this as a great opportunity to serve the poor.</div><div><br /></div><div>Did you expect to be the topper?<br /><br /></div><div> You won’t believe it, I did not expect to be the topper. I had worked hard. Now, my hard work has not gone waste and I have been rewarded.</div><div><br /></div><div>What was your preparation strategy?<br /><br /></div><div>I did go for coaching for a short period. When I was working in Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi, initially, I used to study for six hours after work. Then I realised that I need to put it in some more effort. So, I decided to put in another two hours of studying.<br /><br /></div><div>What are your tips to civil service aspirants?<br /><br /></div><div>Hard work, hard work and hard work. It never goes in vain. There are no other means. My result is an example.</div><div><br /></div><div>What will be your priority areas?<br /><br /></div><div>Education and women empowerment would be my priority areas of work.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which cadre will you select?<br /><br /></div><div>I don’t have a problem working anywhere in the country.</div><div><br /></div><div>Who was your source of inspiration?<br /><br /></div><div>My parents. I am also thankful to the Karnataka government and Resident Commissioner in Delhi Atul Kumar Tewari for allowing me to write the civil service exams and giving proper guidance. </div></div>
<div>Nandini K R did not expect that she would top the civil services exams. But, when the news was broken to her on Wednesday evening, initially Nandini did not believe it. But her batchmates erupted in joy. <br /><br /><div>Her phone did not stop ringing then. <br /><br /></div><div>Nandini, who belongs to the OBC community, spoke to DH’s Ajith Athrady amid celebrations at the National Academy of Customs, Excise and Narcotics in Haryana’s Faridabad where she was undergoing training.</div><div><br /></div><div>DH: This is a great achievement. How do you feel?<br /><br /></div><div>Nandini: I am really happy. It is a big achievement for me. I see this as a great opportunity to serve the poor.</div><div><br /></div><div>Did you expect to be the topper?<br /><br /></div><div> You won’t believe it, I did not expect to be the topper. I had worked hard. Now, my hard work has not gone waste and I have been rewarded.</div><div><br /></div><div>What was your preparation strategy?<br /><br /></div><div>I did go for coaching for a short period. When I was working in Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi, initially, I used to study for six hours after work. Then I realised that I need to put it in some more effort. So, I decided to put in another two hours of studying.<br /><br /></div><div>What are your tips to civil service aspirants?<br /><br /></div><div>Hard work, hard work and hard work. It never goes in vain. There are no other means. My result is an example.</div><div><br /></div><div>What will be your priority areas?<br /><br /></div><div>Education and women empowerment would be my priority areas of work.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which cadre will you select?<br /><br /></div><div>I don’t have a problem working anywhere in the country.</div><div><br /></div><div>Who was your source of inspiration?<br /><br /></div><div>My parents. I am also thankful to the Karnataka government and Resident Commissioner in Delhi Atul Kumar Tewari for allowing me to write the civil service exams and giving proper guidance. </div></div>
