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Making a Difference: The IAS as a Career
Making a Difference comes as a handy guidebook for IAS aspirants in the country. The preface is by Yogendra Narayan, a retired IAS officer and also the ex-chief secretary of U.P. The introduction is about the challenges and opportunities of IAS as a career. It also includes everything from the motives to join the IAS to the written exam to the personality test to the training required. The book also talks about the myths and realities about the IAS - interesting sections include questions about integrity, how citizens perceive the IAS, and what is the IAS' relationship with the political executive of the government.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 21, 2023
"Making a Difference: The IAS as a Career" by Alok Ranjan serves as a valuable guidebook for aspiring IAS officers across India. With a preface by Yogendra Narayan, a retired IAS officer with vast experience, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) career path.
The book commences with an insightful introduction, addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by a career in the IAS. It touches upon the diverse motives that drive individuals to pursue this prestigious profession.
Alok Ranjan covers every aspect of the IAS journey, from the rigorous written examinations to the personality tests and the requisite training. It delves into the myths and realities surrounding the IAS, debunking misconceptions and providing a clear understanding of what the profession entails.
Ranjan's writing style is clear and accessible, making complex topics easy to grasp. He navigates through intricate details with finesse, ensuring that even readers new to the field can follow along.
In this guidebook, the "characters" are the aspiring IAS officers themselves. Ranjan focuses on their aspirations, challenges, and the transformation they undergo in pursuit of this career.
While there isn't a traditional plot, the book follows a logical structure, guiding readers through the various stages of an IAS officer's journey, from preparation to placement.
The book addresses themes of integrity, public service, and the IAS officer's crucial role in the nation's governance. It explores how citizens perceive the IAS and the intricate relationship between IAS officers and the political executive.
"Making a Difference" may not evoke intense emotions, but it does inspire a sense of purpose and a desire to contribute positively to society.
Its comprehensive coverage, clear language, and practical insights make it an invaluable resource for IAS aspirants. It dispels misconceptions and offers a realistic perspective. The book could benefit from more real-life anecdotes and personal stories from IAS officers to make it even more engaging and relatable.
As a guidebook, "Making a Difference" excels in providing essential information for aspiring IAS officers. However, a touch of personal narratives could further enrich the reading experience.
Alok Ranjan's book serves its purpose as a guide to the IAS career. It's a must-read for anyone aiming to make a difference through public service. While it might not be the most emotionally engaging read, it offers a wealth of practical knowledge and insights.
The book commences with an insightful introduction, addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by a career in the IAS. It touches upon the diverse motives that drive individuals to pursue this prestigious profession.
Alok Ranjan covers every aspect of the IAS journey, from the rigorous written examinations to the personality tests and the requisite training. It delves into the myths and realities surrounding the IAS, debunking misconceptions and providing a clear understanding of what the profession entails.
Ranjan's writing style is clear and accessible, making complex topics easy to grasp. He navigates through intricate details with finesse, ensuring that even readers new to the field can follow along.
In this guidebook, the "characters" are the aspiring IAS officers themselves. Ranjan focuses on their aspirations, challenges, and the transformation they undergo in pursuit of this career.
While there isn't a traditional plot, the book follows a logical structure, guiding readers through the various stages of an IAS officer's journey, from preparation to placement.
The book addresses themes of integrity, public service, and the IAS officer's crucial role in the nation's governance. It explores how citizens perceive the IAS and the intricate relationship between IAS officers and the political executive.
"Making a Difference" may not evoke intense emotions, but it does inspire a sense of purpose and a desire to contribute positively to society.
Its comprehensive coverage, clear language, and practical insights make it an invaluable resource for IAS aspirants. It dispels misconceptions and offers a realistic perspective. The book could benefit from more real-life anecdotes and personal stories from IAS officers to make it even more engaging and relatable.
As a guidebook, "Making a Difference" excels in providing essential information for aspiring IAS officers. However, a touch of personal narratives could further enrich the reading experience.
Alok Ranjan's book serves its purpose as a guide to the IAS career. It's a must-read for anyone aiming to make a difference through public service. While it might not be the most emotionally engaging read, it offers a wealth of practical knowledge and insights.
February 23, 2025
I picked up this book because I wanted to know what exactly I am striving for. Did I get all the answers? Well, no. But regardless this is a good primer to begin with. The initial chapters did make me want to put the book down (because I knew it already), but I'm glad that I stuck through.
Although one can sense a slight bias, the author has tried his best to walk the thin line of neutrality. He also seems like a pretty good officer (Although I doubt the veracity of autobiographical accounts for character certificates). Nonetheless, I did get to know a lot that I didn't know before; so that is a win for me.
The book definitely could have done away with some repetition, but since this is not a seasoned writer, all is excused. Overall, a good read, but only if you're an aspirant.
Although one can sense a slight bias, the author has tried his best to walk the thin line of neutrality. He also seems like a pretty good officer (Although I doubt the veracity of autobiographical accounts for character certificates). Nonetheless, I did get to know a lot that I didn't know before; so that is a win for me.
The book definitely could have done away with some repetition, but since this is not a seasoned writer, all is excused. Overall, a good read, but only if you're an aspirant.
March 25, 2024
Cross-posted from Medium (please follow the link below for a detailed review):
https://mbashiyer.medium.com/book-rev...
The book, “Making a difference,” written by Alok Ranjan, is a memoir that chronicles the life and experiences of the author, who is a highly accomplished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. The book details the various roles that he held throughout his career, culminating in his appointment as the Chief Secretary of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It provides an in-depth look at the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the impact that he made during his time in public service.
https://mbashiyer.medium.com/book-rev...
The book, “Making a difference,” written by Alok Ranjan, is a memoir that chronicles the life and experiences of the author, who is a highly accomplished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. The book details the various roles that he held throughout his career, culminating in his appointment as the Chief Secretary of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It provides an in-depth look at the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the impact that he made during his time in public service.
August 28, 2022
A must read for every aspirant and all those youngsters who are in search of an insight into the life of a Civil Servant in India, her struggles, achievements, challenges and worklife. Really important experiences of the author about the UPSC exam that are worth taking seriously. The language is easy to understand and the author's experiences are vast.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2024
Great work on the inside view on the working of government.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews