https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

“My Mother Wasn’t Pleased When I Opted Arts For Civil Services Prep”

Mr. Subrat Sen's journey from a small town in Bihar to becoming an IAS officer exemplifies perseverance and commitment to public service. Through his experience, Mr. Sen highlights the importance of securing one's home cadre in civil services and the responsibility it brings to address local issues effectively.
Indian Masterminds Stories

About 10-20 years ago, for many students in Bihar, joining the Civil Services wasn’t just a choice, but a necessity for those who aimed to achieve big dreams. With limited career opportunities in the state, most young people aspired to secure public sector jobs for a better and more stable life. However, while many sought government jobs for personal stability, some aimed to make a positive change in their home state. One such person is Mr. Subrat Kumar Sen.

An IAS officer from the 2013 batch, Mr. Sen achieved an All India Rank of 93 in the 2012 UPSC Civil Services Exam and was assigned to his home cadre of Bihar. From a young age, he was determined to take this path, making focused decisions to prepare for and succeed in the exam. His journey reflects both personal ambition and a commitment to contributing to the betterment of Bihar.

Subrat Sen, IAS of 2013 batch

In an interview with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Sen shared, “Not long ago, we struggled with necessities like electricity. Growing up in a small town in Supaul district, we sometimes went months without power due to a faulty transformer. Back then, it was rare to see women in police or other sectors. Thanks to various efforts, more girls are attending school and college, and their presence in both public and private sector jobs has significantly increased. We’ve made tremendous progress.”

He also pointed out that female voters have been increasing significantly in every election. This isn’t just due to migration; it’s also because more women are becoming independent and stepping forward to participate on their own, which was rare in the past.

In a conversation with Indian Masterminds, the current collector of Muzaffarpur, Bihar, shares his journey in civil service and emphasizes the significance of securing a home cadre.

MOTHER GOT ANGRY 

After finishing primary school in his neighborhood, Mr. Sen attended Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya starting in the sixth grade and completed his 12th grade there. He considers this a turning point in his life, saying that without this experience, he wouldn’t have understood the concept of a career or known about civil services. The excellent teachers and mentors at Navodaya introduced him to the idea of civil services and the impactful role of an IAS officer. This idea stuck with him, and by the 8th grade, he decided to aim for the UPSC CSE. Despite this, he chose science for his 12th-grade studies.

“During that time, the trend was to pursue engineering or medical fields. Not choosing science would have labeled you as a weak student. So, under peer pressure, I opted for it,” explains Mr. Sen.

Mr. Sen with CM Nitish Kumar

After finishing his 12th, Mr. Sen became determined to pursue his dream of becoming an IAS officer. He didn’t want to stray onto the engineering path only to return to prepare for the UPSC CSE later. When he discussed this with his father, who ran a small hardware shop, he received support. However, his mother reacted with anger.  “I wouldn’t say angry, but perhaps worried. She wanted me to have a good and respected job. Engineering would have provided that, but my aspirations were different. I had to persuade her to let me pursue Arts for my graduation,” explains Mr. Sen.

After graduating from Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Delhi, with a degree in Geography in 2009, Mr. Sen attempted the civil services exam for the first time in 2010. However, just before the prelims, he fell ill. “I remember it vividly. Despite being prepared, my health started deteriorating, and Delhi wasn’t agreeing with me much. Nevertheless, I went ahead with the attempt, but unfortunately, I couldn’t clear the prelims,” Mr. Sen recalls.

CLEARED FIVE BANK EXAMS 

“In 2011, after clearing Prelims and Mains, my aspirations for civil services were strong, but I also desired to relocate from Delhi and stabilize my financial situation,” recalls Mr. Sen. “During the gap between Mains and the interview, I applied for Probationary Officer positions in several banks and was fortunate to secure offers from five of them. Opting to join the Bank of India, I embarked on a rural posting in Khandwa, MP,” he narrates.

“Not securing a seat in 2011 prompted me to resume preparation while working full-time at the bank,” he continues.

“It was challenging to juggle both responsibilities, but my strong foundation helped me manage,” reflects Mr. Sen. “After returning from the bank, I devoted all my time to preparation. With minimal distractions, I could focus entirely,” he explains. In 2012, Mr. Sen achieved an impressive rank of 93 in the exam and was allocated his home cadre, Bihar. Subsequently, he served as the District Collector of Saran and Bhagalpur. He gained recognition for spearheading numerous infrastructural developments in both districts.

ON HOME CADRE

Answering a question on the importance of getting a home cadre, the officer explained, “When it comes to getting your home cadre, there’s a certain sense of connection and responsibility that comes with it. While many from other states have also contributed significantly, there’s an inherent understanding and familiarity that those of us in our home cadre possess. We’ve grown up here, faced similar challenges, and understand the local issues intimately. So, we must pave the way for future generations and make their journey smoother.”


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Anukriti Sharma IPS resized
IPS Anukriti Sharma Lights Up Lives: Sambhal Police’s Heartwarming Diwali Mission Wins the Internet
PESB
PESB Opens Applications for Director Posts in NHPC and CONCOR; Apply by November 11
CBI
2 IPS Officers Appointed as SPs in CBI on 5-Year Central Deputation – Know Their Profiles
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-21 at 2.07
Govardhan Puja: CM Mohan Yadav Performs Puja at Tilkeshwar Temple, Reiterates Commitment to Farmers & Cow Welfare
Pushkar Singh Dhami Cow
Govardhan Puja in Uttarakhand: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Highlights Cow Conservation as Key to Culture and Self-Reliance
Gujarat News
From Temple to Policy: Gujarat CM’s New Year Message Blends Tradition with Self-Reliant Growth
Vishnu Deo Sai CM
Chhattisgarh Lights Up with Development: CM Vishnu Deo Sai Celebrates Diwali at Gurudham, Announces Rs. 1.58 Crore Revamp Plan
Lucknow parks development
Lucknow’s Green Makeover: LDA to Revamp 50 Parks with Rs. 150 Crore Urban Eco-Development Plan
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
UPSC Journey Should Be Enjoyable, Not Cumbersome
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
The Many Facets of Former IRS Officer and Author, Giselle Mehta | Video Interview
IDES Saquib Alam
Beyond IAS and IPS: The Inspiring Work of an IDES officer | Video Interview 
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Rupal Rana UPSC
How Rupal Rana Cracked UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 26 After Four Attempts
UPSC Topper Rupal Rana secured AIR 26 in 2023 after four attempts. Learn her preparation strategy, booklist,...
Ankita Parashar RAS 2023
4 Attempts, 1 Dream, 0 Excuses: Meet RAS Topper Ankita Parashar, Who Fulfilled a Daughter’s Promise & Secured Rank 2 | Exclusive Interview
Ankita Parashar, a teacher-turned-officer from Pushkar, fulfilled her late father’s dream by securing...
Kushal Chaudhary RAS
From Lab Assistant’s Grit to Rajasthan Topper: How Kushal Chaudhary Topped RAS 2023 with Self-Study | Preparation, Strategy & Interview
Kushal Chaudhary, a farmer’s son and lab assistant from Ajmer, topped RAS 2023 through self-study, overcoming...
Social Media
IFS Parveen Kaswan
Heartbreak by the River: 15-Day-Old Elephant Calf Rejected by Mother, Rescued by IFS Parveen Kaswan and His Team
Jaldapra, West Bengal: In a moving incident that tugs at the heart, a 15-day-old elephant calf was rescued...
Ashwini Bhide IAS and Anand Mahindra
Who Is IAS Ashwini Bhide, Hailed as a Role Model for Mumbai Metro Transformation by Anand Mahindra?
From heritage to high-tech: Bhide’s leadership in Metro Line 3 earns public praise and admiration
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Anukriti Sharma IPS resized
IPS Anukriti Sharma Lights Up Lives: Sambhal Police’s Heartwarming Diwali Mission Wins the Internet
PESB
PESB Opens Applications for Director Posts in NHPC and CONCOR; Apply by November 11
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
IDES Saquib Alam
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT