A 2009 batch IPS officer along with his group from university days, all of whom are either IAS or in state services, is grooming the Next Gen of bureaucrats.
Currently posted as DIG Narcotics, Amit Singh from the MP cadre, along with a dozen others, including Gujarat cadre IAS Alok Pande and UP State Administrative Service officers and ADMs, Vaibhav Mishra and Pushpraj Singh, are providing free guidance to civil service aspirants.
“We are a bunch of old friends who prepared for competitive exams together about a decade-and-a-half ago. Now we are fulfilling our underlying passion for teaching,” Singh told Indian Masterminds during an exclusive conversation.
FRATERNITY
A former research fellow from Allahabad University, Singh believes, nobody else can guide the aspirants like those who have already cracked the CSEs. His group of friends, who once cleared the exams after preparing together in his Allahabad flat, have now helped write 250 more success stories.
“Every evening, we had lengthy discussions on various topics/issues, which aided us in clearing the civil services examinations,” says the officer, who hails from UP’s Pratapgarh.
Now that group is guiding the UPSC aspirants via the audio-visual medium during their free time to crack one of the toughest exams.
FULFILLING PASSION
Recalling his days as a researcher, when he tutored UG and PG students, Mr. Singh says his interest in teaching goes back a long way.
“I studied for two hours to teach a 50-minute class,” he explained. As a history teacher, he constantly searched for ways to make the topic more engaging.
He had established Historica club to encourage constructive inter-group discussions. Singh was offered a job by the UP Higher Education Department but he already got through the IPS.
Until 2011-12, he used to organise group meets between aspirants and those selected to encourage healthy exchange and these were “huge successes”.
VIRTUALLY HELPFUL
As his workload increased and postings changed, Mr. Singh decided to go virtual. He and his group would record small videos of suggestions and upload them on Allahabad University’s social media groups.
“These would include medium selection, coaching, essay writing, notes, relevant books, and improving writing skills. We also created a WhatsApp group where the aspirants posted their queries and problems,” Mr. Singh said.
The audio/visual mode was a success as they would conduct Facebook or Zoom meetings during free times to discuss things directly, he shared.
“I record short videos during breaks or on weekends/holidays for the students. They are short, to the point, and appeal to the aspirants,” he added.
IN PERSON
The core group of officers also sometimes appear offline, when they interact with students from UP and MP in the common hall of Sir Sunder Lal Hostel of the Allahabad University.
“Whenever any of us is on leave, we try to set up these meetings,” he shared.
Mr. Singh’s advice to students is to enjoy themselves while studying for the civil services. “To avoid discontent and stay motivated, people should engage in things they enjoy, even if it is just talking to friends or a partner,” he added.
