Amlan Kumar Sahoo’s journey to the Indian Forest Service (IFS) is a story of deep connection to nature, years of preparation, and overcoming personal and professional challenges. His story offers valuable insights into the ups and downs of UPSC preparation, particularly for aspirants navigating the difficult journey of the IFS and PSC exams.
A FOUNDATION IN NATURE
Amlan’s early years were marked by his father’s work as a Range officer. Growing up in the Kendrapada district of Odisha, he had the unique privilege of exploring forests, gaining firsthand knowledge about wildlife, and learning from his father’s experience. Whether riding on his father’s Yamaha bike through dense forests or visiting national parks like Similipal or wildlife sanctuaries like Bhitarkanika national park and chilika wildlife sanctuary, Amlan developed an inherent fascination with nature.
“My father’s storytelling about trees like Tectona grandis (teak) planted the seeds for a deep interest in forestry. This exposure significantly shaped my desire to pursue a career in the Indian Forest Service,” Amlan told Indian Masterminds.
A SOLID EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY
Amlan’s academic journey started in Dhenkanal, Odisha, where he completed his schooling at an ICSE school. He later moved to Bhubaneswar, where he attended Mother’s Public School in the science stream. After completing his higher secondary education, Amlan joined the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, where he pursued a B.Tech. and graduated in 2019.
Amlan’s academic performance was exceptional, and he secured a placement at the institute. Additionally, he received offers from prestigious institutions like the University of Leeds, England, and various universities in the USA. Despite these lucrative opportunities, Amlan decided to focus on preparing for the UPSC exams to serve in the civil service.
THE UPSC JOURNEY
Amlan’s path to the Indian Forest Service (IFS) was not without its obstacles. After finishing his engineering degree, he moved to Delhi to prepare for UPSC. His first two attempts at clearing the prelims did not yield results. Reflecting on his earlier mistakes, Amlan said, “I identified key areas where I had failed to track my progress. In my first attempt, I struggled with time management, failing to complete the paper and leaving several questions unmarked. In my second attempt, studying alone posed its own set of challenges, as I found it difficult to gauge his progress.”
In his third attempt, he made significant changes to his preparation strategy. He formed a study group with two of his friends, Pragyanandan Giri and Debasish Jena, both of whom were also UPSC aspirants. By collaborating with them, Amlan was able to track his progress more effectively, review each other’s work, and exchange study materials. This approach helped him clear IFS with AIR 126.
However, his journey wasn’t easy. During his first UPSC attempt, Amlan faced a personal crisis when his father suffered a minor heart attack just before the exam. Amlan had to rush his father to the hospital, which understandably affected his ability to focus during the exam. Despite the setback, Amlan bounced back in the IFS exam, showing remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.
MANAGING MENTAL STRESS
One of the major challenges Amlan faced during his preparation was dealing with mental stress. Having failed in his first two attempts, he needed to find ways to manage his stress and stay motivated. “I used music as a coping mechanism, listening to bands like Imagine Dragons to unwind. I also took evening walks by the Mahanadi River and joined a gym to stay physically and mentally fit,” he shared.
Throughout this period, Amlan’s family played an important role in providing emotional support. His mother, in particular, was a source of strength, helping him with daily chores and staying by his side during difficult moments.
ADVICE FOR UPSC ASPIRANTS
Amlan’s experience offers several key takeaways for UPSC aspirants, especially those preparing for IFS and PSC exams:
1. Track Your Progress: One of the biggest mistakes Amlan made in his earlier attempts was failing to monitor his progress. For aspirants, it’s essential to simulate exam conditions and track your performance to ensure you’re on the right path.
2. Collaborate with Peers: Amlan found success in forming a study group with friends who were also preparing for the same exam. Sharing knowledge, reviewing each other’s work, and collaborating can be highly effective in preparing for competitive exams.
3. Stay Focused on the Goal: The UPSC journey is long and challenging. Amlan advises aspirants to maintain focus on their goals and stick to the syllabus. The process can be overwhelming, but staying dedicated to the preparation and avoiding distractions is key to success.
4. Mental health is key: Mental well-being is crucial during the preparation phase. Amlan used music, walks, and physical exercise to keep his mind fresh. Aspirants should prioritise mental health and find healthy outlets to reduce stress.
5. Time Management: Amlan highlights time management as one of the most important aspects of preparation. Proper planning and time allocation ensure that no subject is neglected and the entire syllabus is covered adequately.
ROLE OF FOUNDATION COURSE
After joining the IFS, Amlan underwent a foundational training course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), where he gained crucial insights into the role of an IFS officer. During his training, he met several inspiring individuals, including his roommates Vishwajeet Shauryan and Harsh Bardhan. These interactions helped Amlan grow both personally and professionally.
Despite the challenges of training and the sorrow of losing a close friend, Amlan remained focused and committed to his goals. He believes that the lessons learned during this period, including time management, teamwork, and handling difficult situations, will serve him well in his future career.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Amlan is not only an IFS officer but also an avid photographer and videographer. His passion for photography grew as he travelled across various regions of India, from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. His work captures the beauty of India’s landscapes and wildlife, giving a behind-the-scenes look into the life of an IFS officer.
Amlan invested in high-quality equipment, including GoPro and an iPhone, to improve his photography skills. He took inspiration from his roommate, Arvind, a fellow officer from Kerala who was a skilled photographer. For Amlan, photography and videography serve as creative outlets that allow him to document his experiences and share them with the world.
Amlan Kumar Sahoo’s journey from the forests of Odisha to the Indian Forest Service is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, time management, and mental well-being in UPSC preparation. His story illustrates that setbacks are a part of the process, and with the right mindset, support, and preparation strategy, success is achievable. For aspirants facing challenges along the way, Amlan’s advice and experiences provide a roadmap to follow.
