Alok Ranjan, the former Chief Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Government, has enjoyed the kind of career that most people only dream of. As a result, he has compiled the material that every aspiring officer should be aware of. He has offered a detailed overview of the IAS as an institution, vital suggestions and insight for taking the tough UPSC test, and how to create a successful career in the services while sharing his personal experiences.
Dear Readers,
It was a difficult decision to leave from my employment and take the IAS test after receiving my MBA from IIM Ahmadabad. I was lucky enough to pass the test on my first try, placing fourth in India in the IAS and being assigned to the Uttar Pradesh cadre. After 38 years of highly meaningful and satisfying work, I retired in 2016. I can confidently state that no other agency or position offers the range and breadth of experience as a career in the IAS does.
When I meet young boys and girls who are starting a career, I find that the majority of them aspire to join the IAS or the civil service. Despite the various alternative employment options available, many people still want to work in the public service. Students study for years in order to enter the civil service’s sacred halls. For some that achieve, it is a fulfilment of long-held ambitions, while others continue to put in honest efforts year after year in the hopes of one day succeeding.
This book is for young boys and girls who aspire to become IAS officers. I wish to convey via this book that getting selected for the IAS is achievable if you have the correct drive and are willing to put in the necessary amount of focused hard work. The problems and possibilities that an IAS officer confronts during his service time are also discussed in this book. It is not an autobiography, but I have chosen intriguing incidents from my career to highlight the conditions that an IAS officer experiences and the leadership concepts that are necessary for him to offer exceptional public service and good governance. As a result, this book will be of interest to both serving IAS officials and anybody interested in public policy concerns in general.If a student wants to make a good difference in society and contribute to the country’s progress, she should consider joining the IAS. Power, position, and status are important considerations, but they should not be the primary reason for entering the IAS. This service allows you to make a positive impact on a large number of people’s lives. You have the ability to drastically improve the residents’ quality of life. This book is about creating a change in society, which should be an IAS officer’s primary purpose.
A person interested in becoming an IAS officer should mentally study for the test for at least three to five years before taking it. He should pay close attention to current events and read widely on a variety of topics. Because you will be competing against thousands of others for a limited number of seats, your preparation will need to be even more strong and thorough. It’s recommended to give this test at least a year of your undivided attention and work. You must work on developing your personality, communication skills, and a rational and analytical style of thinking. This book will provide preparation recommendations for both the written exam and the personality test for individuals preparing for the IAS. I’ve discussed one IAS officer’s experiences as a District Magistrate, which is possibly the most fulfilling and thrilling position in the service. A young IAS officer is given the chance to manage the whole district team, and he serves as the government’s representative at the district level. If the District Magistrate agrees to adopt a programme, it will be implemented. This position has a great deal of power, but it also carries a great deal of duty and accountability. It is an exciting job, and most IAS officers never weary of bragging about their accomplishments in the Districts.
State government offers a unique chance to create policies that may have a significant impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. You might be in charge of education and make a difference by enhancing educational quality, or you could be in charge of health and make a difference by lowering newborn and maternal mortality. Every position in the IAS has the ability to make a positive difference in people’s lives. The position of Chief Secretary, which leads all government officers and employees in achieving the objective of good governance, is a fantastic experience at the state level. IAS affords you the opportunity to work for the Indian government, where you will gain national and international experience and have a direct effect on the country’s policies.
I’ve also debunked numerous prevalent myths and misconceptions about the IAS, such as the necessity for domain specialization, seniority-based advancement, political involvement, corruption, professional integrity, and a lack of decision-making speed. I’ve attempted to demonstrate how some of them may be personal characteristics, but the system also plays a significant influence in shaping an IAS officer’s personality and administrative style.
I am convinced that a career in the IAS may be extremely rewarding, but the service’s future relevance demands it to reflect on and reinvent itself, which requires it to look inside and adapt to the changing needs of the twenty-first century. The IAS is a service to society and the nation, not just a job. The greatest award an IAS officer can receive is when an ordinary guy on the street believes that he has made a good impact in his life.
All the best!
