Question : Why Do You Want To Become IAS?
Answer :
Ask yourself the real reason for aiming for the service that you do. And we mean the “real reason” here. Don’t say to serve humanity if all you want is to serve yourself. And even if want the latter, there’s nothing “bad” or “wrong” about it. Without being judgmental, go forth and list the reason for wanting to be an IAS in your diary and ponder over it how you will be able to achieve them.
The reason to become an IAS could be many. It could be simply because of the wonderful opportunity it provides to do something about things you feel strongly about.
To take just one example, I felt and still do that Indian roads are very dangerous to drive on and traffic mismanagement has resulted in many avoidable road accidents over the years. Pathways have been hijacked by hawkers and vehicle owners for parking their cars leaving the poor pedestrian no choice but to walk on roads with vehicles whizzing past them at jet speed. No wonder India ranks first in deaths due to road accidents.
As an IAS I wanted to change this and contribute positively to decision making relating to traffic management along with many other issues close to my heart. Of course, I also wanted to be an IAS for personal reasons as well like getting into a good career with challenging job functions, perks of office and others. But this is not about me. It’s about you. Just to prompt some ideas, do you want to be an IAS (or IPS, IFS, IRS etc.):
- For the sake of Authority as you’ve heard that “IAS rule the country”
- For money as civil servants “make a lot of it”
- For contributing positively to the society
- For your near or dear ones as everyone needs someone “well connected”
- Simply to uplift humanity
- Because it’s a very good career choice as compared to other jobs/careers
- As it’s the best combination of power and prestige
- To be a role model to your peers, friends, siblings
These are just a few among many other possible reasons and motivations for you to aim for the IAS. Share yours with others. It could be “the one” reason or multiple. Once you do it, it’s very likely that you will prepare for the IAS with renewed vigor. This is what goal-setting all about. Share it aloud so you feel more compelled to achieve it as compared to a privately held resolve. So just to restate, why do you want to be an IAS?
An IAS officer can immensely contribute towards the development of the nation by bringing in new policies, suggesting the government to take incremental steps, spending the allotted funds effectively and judiciously without any misuse and leakages.
The immense pleasure you would get seeing the happiness and smile on the face of those people who are going to remember your name for a very long time because you gave them a lifeline that they were deserving to get but were not made to enjoy it.
