The journey of IAS Arunraj stands as a testament to the power of self-study and determination to achieve success in the highly competitive UPSC Civil Services Examination. Arunraj, a Tamil Nadu cadre IAS officer of the 2015 batch, made an impressive entry into the civil services arena by securing All India Rank (AIR) 34 in his first attempt at the UPSC CSE 2014.
A graduate of IIT Kanpur, Arunraj commenced his UPSC preparation during the fourth year of his graduation. Opting to dedicate his time entirely to studies, he refrained from taking up a job after completing his graduation. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, he chose the path of self-study rather than relying on coaching institutes for his UPSC preparation.
One of the distinctive aspects of Arunraj’s preparation strategy was his reliance on NCERT books. These foundational textbooks played a crucial role in building a strong base for his understanding of various subjects included in the UPSC syllabus. His disciplined approach and focused study routine contributed to his success.
Anthropology became Arunraj’s chosen optional subject, showcasing a strategic decision to align his strengths with the demands of the examination. Despite the challenges and intense competition, he cracked the UPSC exam at 22, securing a rank that reflected his exceptional performance.
Currently serving as the Executive Director at the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (ELCOT), Government of Tamil Nadu, IAS Arunraj’s success story inspires aspirants to believe in the effectiveness of self-study and a well-planned approach to crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination. His journey serves as a beacon for those aspiring to join the prestigious Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, or Indian Foreign Service through the UPSC route.
