Life of an IAS Officer!! Interview for every UPSC CSE aspirant

Becoming an IAS officer is a dream that motivates lakhs of young people to work hard day in day out to crack one of the toughest exams in the world and compete for seats that are very few. But, every UPSC CSE aspirant must know about the nature of the work and life of an IAS officer, and not just about glory and praise associated with the position, before dedicating everything to achieve it.

Keeping this in mind, we interviewed Mr Abinash Mishra, an IAS officer from Chhattisgarh cadre, to let every aspirant know more about the work and life of an IAS officer. Mr Abinash is born and brought up in Odhisha, and he did graduation from Indian Institute of Technology – Kharagpur before clearing UPSC Civil services examination in 2017 with All India Ranking of 65.

So, here are the responses to the questions from Mr Abinash Mishra:

1. Can you share an instance, which shows the positive effect that an IAS officer can bring?

When I was studying in Bhubaneswar Ms Aparajita Sarangi took charge of Bhubaneswar Municipality commissioner. There were lots of traffic issue in Bhubaneswar then. So, she first asked street vendors to vacate the roads and footpaths, then she created special vending zones by rehabilitating those street vendors. Today’s Bhubaneswar, the much talked about the smart city is hugely contributed by her.

There is a district named Bijapur in South Chhattisgarh, which is highly infested with Maoist activities. Here, providing health facility was a big challenge. Then a young IAS officer Mr Ayyaj Tamboli took charge of it. He incentivized doctors to come to Bijapur, provided the best of the facilities to them, and gave them moral support. He built the district hospital with best of the infrastructure and facilities. Soon, Bijapur was hugely recognized by Pan India for its public healthcare facility.

Thus, an IAS officer has huge scope to bring a positive change. You just need an intention to do service, and not just a job.

2. A person must see ‘nature of the job’, instead of perks/facilities associated with it. What do you have to say about it?

One can not stay long and work well if he or she joins this service for the perks and glamour. This job is quite challenging, so does the level of satisfaction. One has to be self-motivated and clear within and know why he or she wants to join civil service.

3. How your duty affects your personal life? Both in a positive and negative way.

On a positive way, it keeps you satisfied. Even if you work for long hours, seldom you get tired. The reason is the diverse nature of the job. On the negative side, at times you get lesser holidays. And leaving your work station is not frequently allowed.

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4. What are some harsh realities of the life of an IAS officer that every aspirant must know?

All the charm of glamour and perks associated the position of an IAS officer will vanish in one to two months. Thus, one has to be self-motivated. This service is challenging from all-around; from media to politician. Also, commanding 10000+ workforce that considers you their leader and boss is not easy. But, if you want to serve the society with genuine intention, and if you have strong emotional intelligence; then you can sail through it.

5. Which improvements do you see in yourself while working as an IAS officer?

My world view has been enormously increased. Each day you meet around 100+ people and hear their opinions and complains. Thus, with time, you become calmer and know the society and people in a better way. You start leading people in almost all scenarios. Also, when you are in a higher position; it engraves more responsibility in you.

6. How hobbies help an IAS officer, as they have a highly responsible job?

Hobbies help a lot. Especially to ease out the stress, and anxiety. It gives you space, where you think as an individual and not as an IAS officer. One should take up any hobby. For me, writing stories and travelling heals me from within.

7. At last, do you like to give any special message to the readers?

I give best wishes to everyone reading this. My only suggestion to all of you is to keep on working upon yourself, no matter whatever you do. Have faith in yourself. Do not doubt your capability. Human potential has no limit. One day you will reach your goal.

With an aim to give UPSC aspirants right guidance, Mr Abinash shares some practical and effective tips on a daily basis. So, do follow him on his Youtube Channel, and Twitter to know more.