Life After Achieving the IAS: Insights from a Personal Perspective
Attaining a top ranking in the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) examination is a remarkable achievement that transforms an individual's life in ways that are simultaneously exhilarating and challenging. From widespread recognition to career and lifestyle transformations, below is a detailed exploration of the life changes one experiences after securing a spot in the prestigious IAS positions.
The Initial Hurdles and Recognition
Before diving into the life changes, I should note that achieving this rank is not just a personal accomplishment but a relief for many. For instance, myself, when I secured a top rank in the State Public Service Commission (PCS) exam, there were many layers of impact. Upon securing my results, a small piece about my achievement was carried in a local newspaper, a move that did little to alleviate my inner turmoil. Even though I had missed the IAS by a narrow margin, there was still pressure from family to pursue state services.
Recognition and Marriage Proposals
The sudden recognition came with its share of challenges. Within the community, news of my achievement quickly spread. My village folk called my father to congratulate him, and I was inundated with marriage proposals from every direction. In fact, my family received about 100 marriage proposals in a span of just a couple of days. This realization underscored an important truth – people tend to marry for a job security as much as they do for love.
Surprisingly, many old friends from my preparation days resurfaced. They initiated WhatsApp groups and kept calling to congratulate me. Those who had once mocked me for wasting years preparing now praised my patience. They acknowledged that my preparation was indeed the right choice.
Personal Satisfaction and Sense of Relief
If one's preparation and effort culminate in success, there is a sense of relief that comes with it. Even though I felt only marginally satisfied, it was enough to achieve a state of contentment. After securing the top rank, I could proudly exclaim, "My civil service journey ended in success." This statement reflects the immense satisfaction and personal pride that comes with such an achievement.
Life After Being an IAS Officer
While my career progression lies in the Indian Revenue Services (IRS), my perspective on life after securing the IAS is valid for anyone who fits the commoner background. The life of an IAS aspirant truly transforms like a cocoon turning into a butterfly.
Social and Economic Upliftment
Being selected as an IAS officer marks a significant societal transformation. Suddenly, you become an elite member of society, surpassing the status of an ordinary citizen. There is a significant elevation in your social and economic status, which reverberates across your family and social circles.
Your relatives view you with more love, and friends become more friendly. The success now has many fathers who believe they knew all along that you were the winning horse. This recognition bolsters your self-esteem and ego.
Challenges and Preferences
While the position provides a comfortable and challenging life, it also comes with its set of challenges. You receive preferential treatment everywhere you go, and your life is filled with benefits and privileges. However, the main challenge is the monotony that sets in over time. Once you realize the limited impact of your interventions, work may begin to feel like a burden.
Some IAS officers rise to key positions in the country or maintain their influence even after retirement. This is particularly true for those who come from second-generation bureaucratic families or have strong influential backing. However, for the average aspirant with a commoner background, the life can be enlightening yet daunting.
Conclusion
For many aspirants with a commoner background, securing the IAS position is a life-changing event. It provides a sense of prestige and recognition that can transform one’s life. However, life as an IAS officer is far from perfect. It involves its own set of challenges and monotony. Regardless of the challenges, the journey remains an enriching experience.
All is well that ends well.
Overall, the life after achieving the IAS is a mix of pride, transformation, and the realization that one's work is never truly done.