Q1. What motivated you to co-author a book on the IAS examination at a time when so much information is already available online?
RS: I agree that a vast amount of information is available online. But that is precisely the problem. There is an overload of content, and not all of it is accurate, structured, or reliable. For UPSC aspirants, the veracity of information is not optional. It is critical. And time is their most valuable asset.
Instead of spending months filtering what is correct and what is misleading, aspirants deserve a dependable starting point. That is the core motivation behind How to Get Into IAS. We wanted to create a single, trustworthy source that offers clarity, correct information, structured guidance, and sustained motivation in one place.
In a journey where confusion is common, clarity itself becomes a competitive advantage.
Q2. How did the idea of this book originate, and what gap did you feel it was important to fill for aspirants?
RS: The idea took shape in 2015 at a book fair in Patna, where I was interacting with readers and aspirants. During conversations with UPSC candidates, I noticed a common pattern. Information was everywhere, yet clarity was missing. Many felt overwhelmed, not because they lacked resources, but because they lacked direction.
They were not searching for just another strategy book. They were searching for something structured, reliable, and personal, almost like a mentor in book form.
When I discussed this with Shakti ji, he immediately related to it. During his preparation, he had felt the same absence of a single resource that combined accurate information with genuine handholding. That shared understanding became the foundation of this book. It was never meant to merely inform. It was meant to guide, reassure, and support aspirants through a demanding journey.
Q3. As a co-author, how did you divide responsibilities, perspectives, and content creation among the authors?
RS: Our collaboration was built on complementary strengths. Shakti ji brought his first-hand experience of clearing the Civil Services Examination. I brought my experience as a writer and mentor.
Before writing even a single chapter, we invested almost two years in research. We visited major UPSC hubs such as Old Rajendra Nagar and Mukherjee Nagar, interacted with aspirants, and listened carefully to what they truly needed from such a book. Those conversations shaped the blueprint.
Shakti ji designed the structure and identified the essential topics based on real ground experience. I focused on research depth, narrative flow, and ensuring that the content remained accessible and engaging. Once the manuscript was complete, he reviewed it thoroughly for accuracy and relevance.
That constant back-and-forth ensured the book was not theoretical. It was practical, lived, and carefully crafted.
Q4. What makes this book different from conventional IAS preparation guides available in the market?
RS: Most IAS preparation books focus heavily on syllabus coverage and strategy. While that is important, we realised aspirants struggle even before they open their first book.
How to Get Into IAS goes deeper. It addresses questions such as why one wants to join the civil services, when to begin preparation, how to separate facts from myths, how to choose the right optional subject, and how to approach each stage of the exam systematically. It also discusses service and cadre preferences, the realities of life after selection, and how to handle setbacks maturely.
What truly differentiates this book is its intent and tone. It is simple, practical, and encouraging. Especially for aspirants from non-English or non-metro backgrounds, we wanted the book to feel accessible rather than intimidating.
It is not just a preparation manual. It is a companion through the journey.
Q5. You are not directly from the IAS background, what inspired you to write a book on the IAS journey, and what personal or professional experiences influenced this decision?
RS: While I have written fiction extensively, I always wanted to contribute through non-fiction as well. Fiction can inspire, but non-fiction can directly guide. It has the power to impact real decisions and real careers.
During our research, we realised that aspirants did not need more content. They needed clarity. They needed something that could function like a teacher and a steady guide, especially during moments of doubt.
As someone who has mentored students and interacted with young professionals for years, I understand the weight of career-defining decisions. That perspective influenced my role in shaping this book. I may not be from the IAS background, but I deeply understand the psychology of ambition, pressure, and perseverance.
And that human dimension is central to this book.
Q6. Tell us Something About yourself.
RS: I am both a fiction and non-fiction writer. How to Get Into IAS is my first non-fiction work, and prior to this, I have published four fiction titles. Professionally, I work with a leading IT MNC and bring over 21 years of industry experience.
I was born in Amritsar and raised in the Delhi NCR region. Alongside my professional and writing commitments, I devote a significant part of my time to caring for community animals, arranging food, vaccinations, and medical support.
Writing, for me, is not just about storytelling. It is about responsibility. Whether through fiction or non-fiction, my aim is to create work that leaves a meaningful and positive impact.
Q7. What kind of research did you undertake before writing this book—did it involve interactions with serving officers, successful candidates, or aspirants?
RS: We did not want this book to be based on assumptions. Before drafting the manuscript, we spent nearly two years researching and interacting directly with aspirants.
We visited major UPSC preparation hubs such as Old Rajendra Nagar and Mukherjee Nagar in Delhi. We spoke to students from diverse backgrounds — fresh graduates, working professionals, repeat candidates, and even parents. We listened carefully to their fears, doubts, misconceptions, and expectations.
Alongside this, we analysed toppers’ strategies, official UPSC notifications, and past trends to ensure accuracy. Every chapter was shaped by real conversations and real struggles.
This book is not theoretical. It is built on lived experiences, verified information, and honest observation.
Q8. How did you ensure the authenticity and relevance of the strategies, insights, and examples shared in the book?
RS: From the very beginning, we were clear about two priorities: complete information and correct information. Since this is an educational guide, even minor inaccuracies could mislead aspirants. That was a responsibility we took seriously.
We relied strictly on official UPSC notifications, verified sources, and real experiences. After completing the draft, we shared the manuscript with Smt. Saroj Bala Ma’am, IRS, who has also served as an advisor to the UPSC interview panel, for her valuable insights. Shakti ji meticulously reviewed every section to ensure practical relevance and accuracy.
Our goal was simple: if aspirants read this book, they should feel assured that they are relying on information that is both authentic and dependable.
Q9. Were there any surprising insights or myths about the IAS preparation process that stood out during your research?
RS: What struck me most was the emotional intensity of this journey. For many aspirants, UPSC preparation becomes the centre of their lives. I met candidates appearing for their final attempt, and the anxiety on their faces was unmistakable. I also met those who had given everything they had, yet could not secure a rank. Visiting places like Old Rajendra Nagar felt like stepping into a world driven entirely by one dream.
That experience reinforced an important message for us. While UPSC can be a powerful goal, it should not become one’s entire identity. An exam should test knowledge, not self-worth.
The preparation process itself builds discipline, awareness, analytical ability, and resilience. These qualities remain valuable regardless of the outcome. We also encountered several persistent myths during our research, which we have addressed clearly in the book to replace fear with clarity.
Q10. What was the most challenging part of writing this book—structuring content, maintaining motivation, or simplifying complex ideas?
RS: Each stage brought its own challenge. Research demanded patience and precision. Structuring the content logically required clarity of thought. Ensuring authenticity carried constant responsibility.
At the same time, we wanted the language to remain simple, practical, and motivating without sounding preachy. Balancing accuracy, structure, and tone was the most demanding part.
We were not just writing a book. We were shaping guidance that could influence someone’s career.
Q11. Did any real-life stories or aspirant experiences particularly move or influence you while writing?
RS: Yes, many conversations stayed with us. Interacting with aspirants revealed not just their ambition, but also their silent struggles — financial pressure, family expectations, repeated attempts, and self-doubt. Shakti ji’s own UPSC journey added another layer of authenticity and depth.
These real experiences ensured that the book did not sound theoretical. It reflects lived realities, not abstract advice.
Q12. How does the book address common fears such as failure, burnout, or repeated attempts?
RS: We chose not to ignore these fears. Failure, burnout, and repeated attempts are realities of the UPSC journey, and pretending otherwise does not help aspirants.
The book discusses realistic planning, managing expectations, maintaining balance, and recognising early signs of exhaustion. It also offers guidance on analysing mistakes objectively and rebuilding confidence after setbacks.
Our intent was to normalise struggle. Setbacks are not proof of incapability. They are often part of the process.
Q13. Even for readers who may not ultimately clear the IAS exam, what life skills or perspectives does this book aim to impart?
RS: UPSC preparation builds far more than exam readiness. It develops discipline, analytical thinking, time management, awareness of national and global issues, and emotional resilience.
These are lifelong assets.
The book encourages clarity of purpose, structured decision-making, and maturity in handling uncertainty. Even if someone does not clear the exam, the journey can shape them into a stronger, more informed, and more confident individual.
Growth never goes to waste.
Q14. How do you personally define success in the context of competitive exams like IAS?
RS: Success is not limited to seeing ones name in the final list.
Success is giving your honest effort, pushing your limits, and growing through the process. If a candidate prepares sincerely, improves consistently, and builds discipline and character, that itself is meaningful success.
The rank is the outcome. The transformation is the real achievement.
Q15. If you had to describe this book in one sentence for a serious IAS aspirant, what would it be?
RS: It is a practical and honest companion that prepares you not only to clear the IAS exam, but to understand the journey, the life that follows, and to remain strong even if outcomes take time.
Q16. What do you hope readers feel after finishing the last page of this book?
RS: I hope they feel clarity and calmness.
Clarity about what to do, how to do it, and whether this path truly aligns with their aspirations. And calmness because once the process is understood clearly, much of the anxiety fades.
Most importantly, I hope they feel supported and motivated. No aspirant should feel alone in this journey.
Q17. What message would you like to give to aspiring IAS candidates who are feeling overwhelmed, doubtful, or discouraged in their preparation journey?
RS: Feeling overwhelmed is normal. Doubt is normal. Even successful candidates experience these phases.
What matters is that temporary emotions do not dictate long-term decisions.
Take one day at a time. Focus on improving a little every day instead of worrying constantly about the final result. This examination rewards patience, discipline, and persistence far more than raw talent.
Stay steady. Consistent effort, over time, creates results.
Book is available on Amazon: https://amzn.in/d/0bwSugri
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