Lucknow: In a remarkable initiative that merges administrative experience with academic rigor, a new book titled “Indian Polity” has been released in the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. Co-authored by 2013 batch IAS officer Apurva Dubey and her father, noted academician Prof. Sanjay Dubey, the book aims to serve as a comprehensive and contemporary guide for UPSC Civil Services and State Services aspirants.
This collaborative work, spanning over two years, not only brings together perspectives from both field administration and political science scholarship but also reflects a deep personal journey for the authors – particularly for Apurva Dubey, who is carving her own identity in the world of public service and now, publishing.
Indian Masterminds recently spoke with Ms Apurva to gain insights into her book and her professional journey.
The Writer’s Journey: A Leap from Law and Governance to Literature
Ms Apurva Dubey, an IAS officer of the UP cadre, recalls how her interest in Indian politics and constitutional law laid the foundation for the book:
“Indian politics is something that intrigues me… We were kind of banking on certain books, and since Law was my optional, I felt I should try my hand at writing something substantial,” she said.
The result is a deeply researched, well-structured academic volume comprising 15 units and 93 chapters, covering a wide array of topics – from the Constitution and governance to lesser-addressed themes like Northeast India, Criminal Justice System, Legal Aid, and more.
While IAS Apurva brought administrative insights from her experiences as District Magistrate of Fatehpur, Unnao, and now as Director of State Urban Development Agency (SUDA), her father Prof. Sanjay Dubey contributed a lifetime of academic wisdom gathered from prestigious institutions like NCERT, Punjab University, and the National Human Rights Commission.
Behind the Scenes: A Collaboration Born of Mutual Respect and Shared Passion
The book was the result of a seamless partnership, despite the vast difference in their professional spheres. As Apurva explained–
“Because my father is from an academic background and I’m from an administrative one, we tried to bridge the gap – keeping the content both updated and insightful, but not so objective that it lacks depth. We wanted readers to be able to form their own opinions.”
The writing process itself was a learning curve for her –
“It was a great learning experience for me and a teaching experience for my father. We worked in sync to ensure continuity in tone and thought throughout the book.”
According to IAS Apurva, her father’s retirement two years ago allowed him to dedicate time to the project. While she handled the research and practical insights, he mentored her in the writing process – reviewing drafts, guiding the structure, and ensuring academic accuracy.
A Balanced Book for Modern-Day Aspirants
This comprehensive book on Indian Polity is designed for aspirants of central and state civil services, judicial services, and students interested in Political Science and Law.
Structured in 15 units and 93 chapters aligned with the UPSC syllabus, it covers recent legal updates, key constitutional topics, and lesser-known themes like Northeast India and various investigative agencies. The book features clear explanations, authentic sources, simplified language, and detailed insights, making it an ideal self-study guide for competitive exams.
The book has been meticulously curated to address the current demands of the civil services syllabus, incorporating latest developments such as-
- Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025
- Supreme Court rulings on state legislature procedures
- Presidential references under Article 143 (2025)
More than just a collection of facts, the book takes a conceptual and analytical approach—making it equally useful for prelims and mains preparation.
“We didn’t want to create just another guidebook. A lot of books are either too condensed or overly elaborate. We aimed for a balanced approach – crisp yet rich in content, detailed but not overwhelming,” Ms Apurva explained.
A special effort has been made to present complex legal and constitutional concepts in simple, accessible language, complete with tables, examples, and visual aids to enhance learning.
A Family Rooted in Public Service
The buzz around the book launch wasn’t limited to its content. The family background of the authors also drew attention. Ms Apurva’s husband, IAS Vishakh Iyer, currently serves as the District Magistrate of Lucknow, making this power couple a strong example of dedication and discipline in public life.
The father-daughter partnership, rare in the world of competitive exam publishing, symbolized the merging of tradition with progress. Their collaboration is an inspiring story of how generational wisdom and youthful dynamism can come together to create something truly impactful.
From Kerala Roots to National Service
Though originally from Kerala, Apurva Dubey’s educational journey took her to Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi University, where she completed her graduation in English Honours.
With Law and Public Administration as her optional subjects, she went on to secure an impressive All India Rank 19 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Since joining the IAS, her focus has remained consistent – public service, women empowerment, and rural development. Her book, in many ways, is an extension of her efforts to make governance and law more accessible to future administrators.
“We Wrote It for Aspirants Like Ourselves”
For IAS Apurva, the book isn’t just about exams – it’s about demystifying governance and politics for a new generation.
“We tried to write a book that we ourselves would’ve wanted while preparing. One that respects the reader’s intelligence and curiosity, and doesn’t just push facts,” she said.
When asked about the special message she’d like to convey to aspirants and readers, she responded–
“Our endeavour was to make the content elaborative and yet crisp – helpful not just for exam success, but also for developing a balanced understanding of the polity. I hope it suffices in both regards.”
Looking Ahead: Hindi Version on the Horizon
The English edition of Indian Polity spans 846 pages, filled with footnotes, references, and detailed chapters. The Hindi version is currently under translation and is expected to be released in the next 2-3 months, further expanding its reach among students across India.
A Valuable Contribution to the Academic Landscape
In an environment crowded with polity books, Indian Polity by IAS Apoorva Dubey and Prof. Sanjay Dubey stands out for its clarity, comprehensiveness, and contemporary relevance. It reflects not just knowledge but also intent – an intent to guide, inform, and inspire.
As aspirants across the country begin their UPSC journey, this book promises to be more than a tool – it’s a mentor in print, born out of passion, perseverance, and public service.
