Trichy, Tamil Nadu: Senior IAS officers highlighted the importance of self-discipline, consistent effort, and time management for UPSC and other competitive exam aspirants during the silver jubilee celebrations of the Trichy Study Circle on Sunday. The event was organized by former alumni of the study circle and attended by IAS officers from across India.
Social Media and Mobile Usage as Major Distractions
Addressing the gathering as a special guest, K. Veera Raghava Rao, Secretary of the Labour and Employment Department, warned students against excessive use of mobile phones and social media, emphasizing that these should be used only as sources of information.
“Social media, if not handled properly, will consume both time and opportunities,” he said, urging aspirants to adopt effective time management strategies.
Self-Discipline and Beyond-the-Syllabus Preparation
District Collector M. Saravanan stressed that aspirants must be ready to study beyond the prescribed syllabus. He noted that the real differentiator for students is self-discipline, not just knowledge.
“Hard work, consistent effort, and self-discipline are non-negotiable for those aspiring to government service,” Saravanan added, cautioning against distractions from social media.
Legacy of the Trichy Study Circle
Veera Raghava Rao praised Suresh Kumar, former Regional Deputy Director of the Employment Department and founder of the study circle in 1999.
“This initiative has transformed the aspirations of thousands of rural students. What once seemed an unattainable dream has become a reality for students from economically backward areas,” he said, noting that over 1,135 civil service and central/state government officers have emerged from the association.
About Trichy Study Circles
Trichy Study Circles are government-supported or private centers in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) offering free/affordable coaching and resources for competitive exams like TNPSC, UPSC (Civil Services), Banking, RRB, and TET, providing smart classrooms, libraries, and skill development, fostering a strong community for aspirants from diverse backgrounds to achieve government job dreams. Key ones include public centers under the Department of Employment and Training and private entities like Vetrii IAS Study Circle.
