New Delhi, May 26 (IANS) Chandigarh-resident Himanshu Gupta, who stood third in the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) entrance exam, wants to take the civil services exam after completing his engineering course.

'Right now, completing my engineering course will be the main focus. Later, I want to give exams for the IAS (Indian Administrative Service),' said Gupta, who wants to take up Computer Science at IIT-Delhi.

Looking tired as he had just flown into the city from Mumbai where he is participating in the Chemistry Olympiad, Gupta says staying focused is the key to winning the race.

'Be focused and take guidance of teachers,' Gupta suggested to students appearing for the IIT entrance.

'Don't lose confidence and seek appropriate guidance. Guidance is most important.'

A student of B.M. Model School Chandigarh, Gupta scored 94.8 percent in Class 12 and 92.8 percent in Class 10.

Asked about his hobbies, Gupta said: 'I like playing cricket and basketball... but I have to give more time to studies now.'

Gupta took coaching for the exam at Narayana Institute which also has to its credit the 1st and 2nd ranked students of the IIT entrance exam.

The topper, Anumula Jithendar Reddy, and second-ranker Uday K. Shah are both from Hyderabad.