SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, April 18: The Department of Animal Genetics & Breeding of Birsa Agricultural University organised the Zenith-5 on ‘How to prepare for state civil services examinations post-BVSc (Bachelor in Veterinary Science) & AH (Animal Husbandry)’ under a veterinary career guidance series. Dr Anu Kumari, an alumnus of Ranchi Veterinary College (RVC) and DSP of the Bihar Government, dwelt on the secrets to cracking the PCS examinations and replied to the students’ queries related to career planning.
She said that students of a 5-year UG course in veterinary science must make decisions about their future careers in the third year. They should pursue a masters degree if they want to go into teaching & research or prepare for CAT if they aspire for a career in the corporate sector or seriously indulge in preparation for UPSC/ State PCS if a career in administration is their priority.
She further said most technical graduates opt for humanities and social science subjects for the civil services examination which is not a healthy practice. If one has studied veterinary science for five years, they must keep veterinary as one of the optional subjects. Four to five hours of regular study is a must while preparing for the same. One should also go through the last 10 years’ questions papers of UPSC/ JPSC for having an understanding of the question pattern.
“Since time will not return, every minute should be utilised judiciously, aspirations must have positive thinking and self-confidence. Forming a group of 3-4 aspirants, dividing chapter-wise topics for preparations and discussion at a later stage will be also useful,” she added.
Dr Anu, who never had help from any coaching, was elected to the Bihar Animal Husbandry Service, then to the Bihar Finance Service and finally to the Bihar Police Service.
Dr Nandani Kumari, who conceptualized and coordinated the counselling series, said veterinary students who could not make it to IITs of the Indian Institute of Science & Research at the UG level can pursue Master’s and Ph D programmes there as these institutes have PG programmes in biotechnology and life sciences also. In the case of PG programmes in veterinary science, NDRI Karnal and IVRI, Bareilly are the best options.
BAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Onkar Nath Singh said that teachers should always have a kind heart and positive attitude to help and mentor students. “Rules and regulations are for pushing up work and not for creating hurdles. However, the scope of correction and improvement is always there,” he added.
Notably, in the earlier series of Zenith, eminent veterinarian Dr Sandip Gulia, RVC and IIM alumni Dr Satish Ojha, BHU Associate Prof Dr Sanjay Ravi and senior officer of IRS, Dr Anand Mishra were invited to guide the students.
