Senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers have identified excessive mobile phone usage, addiction to social media platforms, and a critical lack of self-discipline as the primary obstacles facing candidates preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and other competitive government examinations. They shared these insights during the silver jubilee celebrations of the Trichy Study Circle, held on Sunday.
Key Advice from Top Bureaucrats
Addressing the gathering as a special guest, K Veera Raghava Rao, Secretary of the Labour and Employment Department, underscored the pivotal role of effective time management for serious aspirants. He cautioned students about the double-edged nature of digital platforms. Rao emphasized that social media should strictly serve as a source of information and not become a distraction. He warned that if not handled with care, these platforms can consume valuable time and ultimately destroy opportunities.
M Saravanan, the District Collector of Trichy, built on this sentiment by stressing the need for aspirants to go beyond the standard syllabus. He outlined the non-negotiable qualities required for success: self-discipline, consistent hard work, and unwavering effort. Saravanan specifically alerted students to the dangers posed by distractions from social media, stating that ultimate success often hinges more on personal discipline than on knowledge alone.
Celebrating a Transformative Initiative
During the event, Veera Raghava Rao praised the visionary efforts of Suresh Kumar, the former Regional Deputy Director of the Employment Department, who founded the study circle back in 1999. Rao hailed the initiative as potentially the best program run by the Employment Department, noting its profound impact on students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
He remarked that what was once considered an unattainable dream has now become a tangible reality for thousands, thanks to this sustained effort. The officer highlighted the impressive outcome of this initiative, revealing that over 1,135 candidates have successfully entered civil services and various central and state government positions through the association fostered by the Trichy Study Circle.
A Gathering of Achievers
The silver jubilee function was organized by the former alumni of the Trichy Study Circle and witnessed participation from numerous IAS officers who traveled from across the nation to mark the milestone. The event served as both a celebration of past achievements and a motivational platform for current aspirants, delivering a clear message about the habits that lead to success or failure in one of the country's most challenging examination processes.
