From Aspirant to Civil Service: A Winning Approach is more than an exam guide-it is a roadmap for unlocking your full potential. Designed for the UPSC Civil Service aspirants, it blends practical strategies with personal development techniques, addressing time management, memory enhancement, emotional resilience and the cultivation of a positive mindset. Through a Vision-Mission framework of What, Why, How, Where and When, the readers learn to overcome the fear of failure, nurture inherent talents, and sustain mental, emotional and physical well-being. With grounded advice, motivational insights and a touch of humour, this book equips aspirants for success, not only in examinations but in life itself.
Endorsements
“Very little is written about how the UPSC examinations are to be approached—this book lays bare the process of preparing not the content, but the craft of writing the exams.”
—Vivek Mehra (PhD), Founder and CEO, VIKRAMSHILA Education,
Former CEO of SAGE India Publications
“Enriched with the fine insights of this formidable duo in the mentorship space, this book fills a void for the anxious aspirant.”
—Dr Syed Mustafa Hashmi, IPS 2022 (Jharkhand Cadre)
The authors, with their rich administrative experience and youthful dynamism, aim to promote a holistic personality development to prepare aspirants not only for the Civil Services examinations, but more importantly for leading a fruitful and successful life, by unleashing their potential, nurturing their talent, strengthening self-confidence and promoting strong ethical values. A must-read for youngsters.
—Mr B.V. Wanchoo, Former Governor, Goa
A structured and systematic compass to guide aspirants to face competitive exams in a smarter and well-planned manner.
—Mr Mohd Shabir, IAS 2022 Batch (AGMUT Cadre)
A unique contribution to civil service systems and higher education, From Aspirant to Civil Service: A Winning Approach aims to mentor aspirants in understanding the civil services process, strategic planning, mastering the preliminary examination, cracking the personality test, and exposure to the mantras of success. An excellent guide to India’s youth seeking a career in civil services to build "Viksit Bharat",
it is a must-read for policymakers, higher education experts, leaders, students, organisations managing exams, and global stakeholders.
—rof R.K. Mishra
Former Director, Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE), Hyderabad
Much has been written about the UPSC exam, with numerous courses addressing this need, but little on how to approach it, particularly a book that lays bare the process of preparing and writing the exams. Mr RH Khwaja stands out as a highly respected IAS officer; someone who has rewritten the code. I wish him all success in this latest venture, along with the emerging scholar Dr Khan, the co-author.
—Dr Vivek Mehra (PhD)
Founder and CEO, Vikramshila Education
Former CEO, SAGE India Publications
Enriched with the insights of such eminent authors, the book fills a void for anxious aspirants. The book balances preparation mechanics with the mindset officers require, blending the authors’ bureaucratic experience with real-world coaching. This combination of UPSC strategies and personal transformation makes it more than just an exam guide; it’s a blueprint for success.
Having benefited from RH Khwaja Sir’s mentorship, I wholeheartedly endorse this work for aspiring civil servants.
—Dr Syed Mustafa Hashmi
IPS 2022 Batch (Jharkhand Cadre)
This book provides a thorough understanding of the process, helping to develop personal strategies and implement ideas in line with the requirements of this examination.
Mentored by Mr RH Khwaja Sir during my successful attempt, this book reflects his guidance. I wish all readers the best as you draw on his public service experience to succeed in the UPSC CSE!
—Mr Asad Zuberi
IFS 2023 Batch
R. H. Khwaja, IAS (1976), served as Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministries of Mines and Tourism. An alumnus of St. Stephen's College and Aligarh Muslim University, he has held several senior Union and State roles, including Joint Secretary (MoEFCC), Commissioner of Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, and CMD, Singareni Collieries Company Limited. An award-winning administrator, environmentalist and former Director General of the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), he has mentored Civil Service aspirants for decades.
Dr Sablu Khan holds a PhD in Business Administration from Aligarh Muslim University and served over seven years as Assistant Professor at the Residential Coaching Academy, mentoring Civil Services aspirants. An accomplished researcher and educator, he has guided 700+ aspirants, with 50+ entering prestigious services. Currently, Dr Khan serves as Associate Supervisor at Victoria University, Melbourne, fostering excellence and leadership among young aspirants.
