In a recent online session organized by the social group ‘Ignite Thoughts’ on the auspicious occasion of Good Governance Day, Alok Ranjan, an accomplished IAS officer from the Rajasthan Cadre (Batch 2013), shared invaluable insights on preparing for civil services examinations. The session, held on December 25, 2023, via Google Meet, witnessed the active participation of over 25 enthusiastic individuals eager to embark on the challenging journey of becoming civil servants.
Alok Ranjan began the session by highlighting the significance of public grievance redressal in governance, asserting that it is a pivotal aspect of effective administration. Drawing from his own experiences, Ranjan emphasized that becoming an IAS officer is akin to becoming an institution. He urged aspiring civil servants to be resolute and consistent in their pursuit, emphasizing that handling setbacks is integral to the journey.
Central to Ranjan’s guidance was the importance of clarity in one’s objectives. He advised participants to introspect and question their motives for choosing civil services, emphasizing the need for a well-defined goal. Ranjan stressed the strategic nature of preparation, recommending a meticulous analysis of previous year question papers and a thorough understanding of the syllabus.
Alok Ranjan provided practical tips for effective preparation, emphasizing the significance of clear concepts and regular practice to enhance writing skills. He endorsed the idea of limited content consumption, advocating for a focus on understanding rather than volume. He underscored the notion that daily assessments through time-bound tests are crucial for monitoring progress.
One noteworthy piece of advice from Ranjan was to treat the journey of becoming an IAS officer as an institution, emphasizing that self-assessment and skills are the determining factors for success, regardless of one’s background or field of study.
Addressing the pervasive influence of social media, Ranjan encouraged participants to stay focused on clear conceptual understanding, portraying success as a “cake walk” when foundational knowledge is strong. While coaching was not deemed necessary, he recommended having a guide or mentor for a directed approach.
He stressed the importance of a clear mindset regarding what not to study, advocating regular assessment of syllabus knowledge through previous year question papers. Additionally, he highlighted the significance of learning current affairs from reputable sources and incorporating daily practices such as answer writing, note-making, revision, and critical analysis into one’s routine.
Delving into the broader context of governance, he asserted that public grievance redressal is the cornerstone of effective administration, promoting the idea that minimalist governance is synonymous with good governance. He urged citizens to contribute to society through charity in terms of skills and services, embodying the attitude of a problem-solving bureaucrat.
The session concluded with an open question-and-answer segment, allowing students to engage directly with Alok Ranjan. The guidance provided was not only beneficial for those actively preparing for UPSC examinations but also for students at various academic stages, from graduation to post-graduation, seeking clarity on their paths to civil services.
