HYDERABAD: Proper planning and sticking to preparationschedules was vital to success in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations, said alumni of the Hyderabad Study Circle (HSC).

 They warned aspirants of tougher hurdles when the pattern for the preliminary examination changes next year. The Hyderabad Study Circle organised an interaction on ``Vision2010 -- Civils Mains guidance session’’ on the HSC office premises here today.

 R Muthyala Raju, all-India topper in the 2007 civil services exam in 2007 and probationary Sub-Collector in Vikarabad was among those sharing his experiences with the aspirants. ``The first -- and in many ways most crucial -- thing to attend to is selection of optionals. Postgraduates in any discipline generally prefer their parent subject for the prelims. Though this is quite logical, those with a science background need to give more thought to the matter,’’ he said.

 He suggested that preparation for Mains should start before or at leastsimultaneously with that for the Prelims. Laya Madduri of the 2009 batch and probationary Deputy Collector suggested that Mains candidates prepare well ahead for the interview too.

 ``Candidates may answer in English or any other language, but the former option could be a better bet,’’ she averred. She also suggested that it would be the best to choose subjects for which preparation material was easily available in the market.

 M Mahender Reddy, treasurer of HSC and IPS officer, noted that most candidates were not aware of how to gather the right information for their optional subjects and this lacuna had to be redressed.

 As many as 15 toppers in the civil service exam attended the programme and interacted with aspirants. HSC president C Anjaneya Reddy, vicepresident MVR Prasad, secretary BS Raj and coordinator T Ramesh participated.