https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Despite Prestige and Power, Why This IAS Officer Chose a New Path

After 16 years as an IAS officer, Anurag Srivastava transitioned to the private sector He had cleared UPSC CSE 2006 with All India Rank 27 But why did this bureaucrat move from this prestigious service? Read the article to know the inside story…
Indian Masterminds Stories

Anurag Srivastava still fondly remembers the moment when destiny smiled upon him. Getting into the coveted Indian Administrative Service (IAS) took him from being an ordinary student to a “small-time celeb,” as he describes it. But, after 16 years of serving the nation as an IAS officer, he heard a familiar voice within him whispering, “it is time to move on”. He is the latest edition to the list of officers, who have quit their prestigious civil services job for their calling elsewhere. But why this IAS officer chose a new path?

Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Ex-IAS officer Anurag Srivastav, who is now working as a Partner with PwC, shared his journey and the reason behind leaving the coveted IAS, and much more.

FROM GOVERNMENT TO PRIVATE SECTOR

Mr. Srivastava’s story resonates with the modern trend of transitioning careers, particularly amongst individuals who have seemingly “arrived” in their chosen fields. He attributes this shift to the evolving nature of the world – “complex and nuanced,” demanding continual reinvention and exploration. He observes that even within the IAS, a similar phenomenon exists, with individuals venturing into different areas, driven by the desire for novelty and fresh experiences.

Ex-IAS Anurag Srivastava
Ex-IAS Anurag Srivastava

His decision was not born out of dissatisfaction with his work. “It wasn’t that the work was not interesting or challenging,” he clarifies. Instead, it was a yearning for new experiences, a desire to “see the world from a different angle.” So, at a juncture when most would consider themselves firmly rooted in their career, he embarked on a path less travelled – leaving the prestigious IAS to explore the private sector.

MODERN TRENDS

However, Mr. Srivastava’s story is not simply one of individual ambition. It reflects a growing trend in today’s dynamic world, where the idea of a singular, lifelong career path is increasingly becoming an outdated concept. He points out that “change after 16 years… is a long time, but it’s a difficult decision.” But, he sees this reinvention as crucial for maintaining a sense of purpose and excitement.

“Have you looked at a child and noticed the twinkle in their eye whenever they see a new thing?” he asked Indian Masterminds. “Reinvention is important because it gives the drive going,” he said. He argues that while comfortable familiarity has its place, stepping outside one’s comfort zone can reignite the “vigour, challenges, and the twinkle in the eye.”

CHALLENGES

His transition wasn’t without its challenges. Leaving the structure and social standing associated with the IAS required a significant mental shift. “Being an IAS is a lifestyle,” he acknowledges. But he sees this initial discomfort as a valuable learning experience, similar to navigating a new city or country. Adapting to new systems, hierarchies, and expectations helped him understand the private sector from the inside out.

Anurag Srivastava
Anurag Srivastava

He says that his background as an IAS officer proved to be an asset in his new role. His diverse experience in policymaking, project execution, and stakeholder management offered a unique perspective to his work. He explains, “The world is the same, but we intersect in multiple areas. Most intersections would be with the government.” His past experience allowed him to bridge this gap and foster better communication and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

PROJECTS AS AN IAS OFFICER

Looking back, Mr. Srivastava reflects on his achievements in the IAS with a sense of satisfaction. During his tenure as District Magistrate of Darjeeling, he spearheaded a successful “No Smoking” initiative, significantly reducing tobacco consumption in public spaces and schools. “I initially thought that it may not work, but, to my surprise, it received a lot of support,” Mr. Srivastava shared.

When he was in Bardhaman, he endeavoured to enhance the quality of schools. Mr. Srivastava and his team visited the schools, provided mentorship, engaged with teachers, stakeholders, and parents, and observed the serving of the mid-day meal. Through these efforts, he noticed an improvement in the educational attention and capabilities among the children.

Ex-IAS Anurag Srivastava while posted in Bardhaman
Ex-IAS Anurag Srivastava while posted in Bardhaman

“We facilitated online or offline coaching for talented students aiming for engineering and medical studies. Additionally, offered support beyond school hours to students requiring extra assistance,” the officer shared.

Mr. Srivastava’s journey proves that reinvention isn’t about abandoning the past, but, rather, leveraging it to build a more fulfilling future. Ultimately, it’s about embracing the “twinkle in the eye” and discovering the endless possibilities that lie beyond the comfort zone.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
BPCL_resized
BPCL Announces Senior Management Changes, Venkatraman P. Iyer Made Head of Vigilance
MIDHANI
Dr. S.V.S. Narayana Murty Given Additional Charge as Director (Finance) at MIDHANI - Know More About Him
IAS Officer President murmu
President Addresses IAS Officers from State Services Attending LBSNAA’s 127th Induction Programme at Rashtrapati Bhavan
NLC-INDIA-resized-neyvili
NLC India Renewables and RVUNL Form Joint Venture for Green Energy Projects - Check All Details
National Commission for Minorities - NCM
Leadership Crisis: National Commission for Minorities Functioning Without Chairperson & Secretary Amid Rising Workload
Namgyal Angmo IAS
IAS Namgyal Angmo Appointed as Deputy Commissioner of Lower Subansiri District, Arunachal Pradesh - Know All About Her
Engineers India Limited EIL
Engineers India Limited and MRPL Sign Agreement to Boost Energy Projects - All Details Inside
IAS Officers Indian Administrative Services IAS logo
Centre Tweaks Empanelment Policy for IAS Officers to Widen Pool for Joint Secretary Posts - Know All Changes Here
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Monika Singh
Monika Singh’s Life Beyond the Bureaucracy | Video Interview 
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
Modernising Governance: A Digital Transformation in Gangtok
IMG-20250523-WA0036
Abhishek Singh's SECRET: Vipassana, Anthropology & Smart Answer Writing | Video Interview 
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
ANUBHAV SINGH UPSC IFS 2024
9 Years, 8 Attempts, 7 Failures: How Anubhav Singh Cracked UPSC IFS 2024 with AIR 3 Against All Odds | Exclusive
Anubhav Singh’s inspiring journey to UPSC IFS Rank 3 showcases relentless perseverance, strategic preparation,...
Jogender Sihag
“I Cleared UPSC, But My Grandfather isn’t Here to Hear it,” Jogender Sihag, AIR 521, UPSC CSE 2024
"Life is short; make the most of it, whether in civil service or any other field. Just have a clear vision...
WhatsApp Image 2025-05-28 at 18.56
Didn’t Clear UPSC But Found Something Greater: A Story That Will Change How You See Success
She left a top finance job for UPSC, did not clear but built a thriving wellness brand instead. Veda's...
Social Media
Tiger jump Sundarban
Stunning Viral Video Shows Royal Bengal Tiger Making Spectacular 30-Foot Leap Across River in Sunderbans - See It Here
Retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Susanta Nanda shared the clip online, which quickly went...
shubham kumar ias marriage
IAS Topper Weds BPSC Topper: Shubham Kumar Marries IRS Officer Priyangi Mehta in Patna; Wedding Video Goes Viral
Topper Couple Alert: Shubham Kumar, Priyangi Mehta’s Wedding Grabs Spotlight in Bihar
parveen kaswan elephant
Elephant Outsmarts Electric Fence! IFS Parveen Kaswan Shares Incredible Video!
In the now-viral 51-second clip, the intelligent giant approaches a wooden pole supporting high-voltage...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
BPCL_resized
BPCL Announces Senior Management Changes, Venkatraman P. Iyer Made Head of Vigilance
MIDHANI
Dr. S.V.S. Narayana Murty Given Additional Charge as Director (Finance) at MIDHANI - Know More About Him
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Monika Singh
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
IMG-20250523-WA0036
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT