‘Pandemic witnessed a surge in demand for government jobs’

THE Centre for All-India Competitive Examination on the Khalsa College campus commenced its first batch of offline classes recently. The first such coaching centre established by an educational institution in city, it will offer coaching and training to the students aspiring to compete for various all India services exams, including civil services (IAS, IPS, IFS and PCS), defence, banking and other sectors. It will offer multiple programmes to aspirants with extensive training and mentoring. In an interview with Neha Walia, social scientist, former educator and chief coordinator for the Centre for All-India Competitive Examination Dr Paramjit Singh Judge shares the details regarding the centre and its significance.

What was the purpose behind setting up the Centre for All-India Competitive Examination?

Given the surge in the number of candidates appearing for competitive exams in India every year, especially the administrative exams, having one specialised agency to cater to the needs of aspirants taking multiple competitive exams becomes a necessity. Also, in the post pandemic scenario, the private sector job market has shrunk immensely, giving government sector an advantage for better employment opportunities. A lot of students have been opting to sit for competitive exams that offer government sector jobs. So, there is a need for such centres now more than ever. The maiden batch of the centre commenced recently.

What is the fee and course structure being offered to applicants?

We had 32 candidates attending the classes on the first day and we hope for an increase thereafter. We have begun with three programmes – five-month course, seven-month course and one-month training for just the interviews. General enrolment fee of Rs500 will be charged from candidates and a fee of Rs 6,000 per month, later. Each course has been divided into three categories, depending on the preliminary stage and the mains. We will conduct classes for various competitions including IAS, IPS, PCS, UGC/NET, judicial, defence forces. The programmes have been designed by renowned political scientist Dr Jagroop Sekhon and me.

How will your approach for training candidates be different from private-run coaching centres?

We will not just train the aspirants academically but also work on attitudinal barriers with them. Most aspirants who take multiple competitive exams face a lot of confusion regarding choosing their subjects and their specialisation. Also, we will function as a skill development centre as well through detailed programme and training schedule that will cater to improve their language proficiency, academic performance and overall personality.

What according to you is required to build a temperament conducive to excel in competitive exams?

With three decades of academic career and observing several success stories in administrative and other institutional competitive exams, I would say that commitment and consistency are two most important requirements for anyone aspiring to excel in any competitive exam. It is a myth that only academic achievers are successful in competitive exams. 

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