While many falter in the course of training to become a good administrator, 2021 batch IAS officer Jayant Nahata found invaluable lessons during his district training. His experiences not only honed his administrative skills but also coincided with personal milestones, including marriage and the unfolding complexities of adulthood. Mr. Nahata’s journey is an interesting narrative of growth, both professional and personal, amid the challenges of the civil services training.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Nahata shared about the valuable experiences he has gained so far on his IAS journey.
EARLY LIFE
Although born and raised in Kolkata, Mr. Nahata’s roots got firmly planted in Delhi’s UPSC hub, Old Rajinder Nagar, where he grew up surrounded by the aspirational air for civil services. Having moved to Delhi with his parents at the age of two, his educational journey took a significant turn when he secured admission to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi in 2013. “Over five years, I pursued a dual degree in Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, culminating in a B.Tech and M.Tech,” the officer shared.
WHY CSE?
The turning point in Mr. Nahata’s life came during his fourth year at IIT-Delhi when he earnestly began preparing for the Civil Services Examination. Motivated by seniors who had successfully cracked the exam, he realized the potential for impactful societal changes that a career in the civil services could offer. His inclination toward decision-making and creating positive transformations solidified during his tenure as the General Secretary of the Students’ Affairs Council, where he successfully introduced an electronic voting system, garnering attention from major dailies.
However, his UPSC journey was not without its fair share of challenges. “In my first attempt in 2018, I couldn’t clear the interview,” Mr. Nahata shared. Undeterred, he secured a rank of 298 in his second attempt, earning a place in the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS). However, his tenacity paid off in his third attempt when he achieved the coveted rank of 56, fulfilling his dream of joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
PREPARATION STARTEGY
Reflecting on his preparation strategy, Mr. Nahata emphasized his reliance on the insights of successful candidates. He meticulously curated his own booklist and sources based on their recommendations, laying a foundation for his preparations. His focus on regular revisions, concise note-making, and rigorous test series for both prelims and mains contributed to his success. “The interview stage was the major backbone of my preparation as it helped me to push the rank up. I paid equal attention to the third round,” the officer told Indian Masterminds.
MAINTAINING WELL-BEING
On being asked how he maintained his well-being throughout the demanding process, Mr. Nahata shared that he incorporated physical and mental aspects into his routine. Regular gym sessions kept him physically fit, while his prior experience with a 10-day Vipassana course in college highlighted the importance of meditation for mental well-being during the rigorous preparation phase.
FIELD TRAINING
The field training in Raipur, where Jayant Nahata served as an Assistant Collector, proved to be a pivotal experience. The challenges and opportunities validated his preconceptions about the field, providing him with a firsthand understanding of the impact he could make. Taking on various independent charges, including roles of SDM, Tehsildar, and Block Development Officer, Mr. Nahata spearheaded initiatives like ‘Coding ki Paathshala’, leaving a positive imprint on the community. He also implemented transformative ideas as an Additional Commissioner in Raipur Nagar Nigam, an experience that brought him immense satisfaction.
“Apart from career, I got married. All the aspects of adulthood like setting up your own house, figuring out how to run it, and all of these things were really exciting,” he added.
PHASE-II
Currently in Phase 2 training at LBSNAA, Mr. Nahata shared that this stage is the culmination of all the 182 officers’ two-year training. Drawing from diverse field experiences, he emphasizes the importance of sharing and learning from peers, and receiving specific inputs from the academy.
MESSAGE FOR ASPIRANTS
As a message to aspiring civil servants, Mr. Nahata underscores the significance of understanding the ‘why’ behind pursuing UPSC. Advising against entering the race without a clear purpose, he highlights, “Self-awareness and perseverance are most important. UPSC may not be the best career for everyone, but it’s unparalleled for those driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said in conclusion.
