Be Your Own Competition’: IPS Officer Kassey Suhita Anupam on Cracking UPSC, GITAM Days, and Serving with Purpose

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the final merit list for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 on its official website — upsc.gov.in, with Shakti Dubey emerging as the topper. While 1,009 candidates have been recommended for appointment, the Commission is set to release the final marks soon.

IPS officer, Kassey Suhita Anupam

On the sidelines of UPSC CSE 2024 result announcement, we spoke with IPS officer Kassey Suhita Anupam, an alumna of GITAM (Deemed to be University) and a recipient of the prestigious President’s Medal for Distinguished Services. Currently posted in Bihar, Suhita reflects on her UPSC journey, the influence of her education, and the mindset required to succeed in one of India’s toughest exams.

Q. Tell something about yourself, and your educational background?

Kassey Suhita Anupam: I belong to Guntur and I studied in Lutheran English medium school from nursery to 10th grade, securing the first rank in the 10th grade. Further, I studied intermediate from Andhra Pristine College, securing the highest marks in English and was awarded for the same. Then I joined GITAM (deemed to be university) because of the reputation of the institution. The institute taught me a lot about hard work, discipline and transparency. The teachers not only talked about the engineering subjects, but also, a lot about the practical applications in life. All institutes helped me shape my personality and career.

Q. What attracted you to the civil services?

Kassey Suhita Anupam: I always wanted to get into that field. I once saw the DM’s vehicle in my school with that light on the top of it and that inspired me. Also my mother had dreamt of getting into civil services but didn’t get the opportunity and hence I wanted to fulfil her dream by getting successful in it. Also, GITAM helped me learn how to analytically and logically study for a competitive exam which further strengthened my confidence.

Q. Was this (the year you cleared) your first attempt? How many attempts did you take? What were the learnings from past attempts?

Kassey Suhita Anupam: In my fist attempt I cleared my Mains and had scored well but could not clear the interview. It was in the second attempt that I achieved success in the interview as well. I tried to figure out what I was lacking for the interview part and worked on it.

Q. Tell something about your preparation strategy?

Kassey Suhita Anupam: It should be a long term strategy so that when the exam approaches, you are not stressed or in any kind of rush. They can ask you anything under the sun as this is one of the toughest exams in the world. You have to be persistent and maintain your endurance level. Your basics should be very right and you should always prepare your own notes. These notes will help you in the last days of preparations. Discipline is of great value while preparing for the exam.

Q. What challenges you had to face while preparing for one of the toughest competitive exams?

Kassey Suhita Anupam: Managing time for the preparation was a challenge as I was also simultaneously doing my Civil Engineering at GITAM. But the discipline that the institution maintained in terms of planning the classes was of great help. There was no cancellation of classes and the schedule was strictly followed. This helped me manage my time for the preparation of civil services.

Q. How is the UPSC examination different from other examinations?

Kassey Suhita Anupam: I can tell you that this exam tests your intellectuality, your emotional stability, your rationalism, your logic, and your knowledge of the subject. It is a very transparent and fair exam and the questions that are asked are quite relevant and have real life applications. There is a certain word limit for the answers and you need to put your best in those limited words.

Q. What subjects you chose for the Mains exam, what was the reason behind selecting those subjects?

Kassey Suhita Anupam: I chose History and Geography as these were my favourite subjects since childhood. I loved watching National Geographic Channel and shows with content related to these subjects.

Q. How important is the UPSC Interview part? How were you able to crack it?

Kassey Suhita Anupam: Interview is a critical part and you need to be prepared very well for it. I had no experience of mock interviews, so I joined classes in Delhi to prepare for it. Your confidence, knowledge and truthfulness is tested in the interview. The interview tests how well you are suited to be a national civil servant.

Q. Please share the important books you referred to for the Mains Exam?

Kassey Suhita Anupam: It depends on every subject you have chosen. For general knowledge there has to be an extensive preparation. Books like Competition Success Review and reading the interviews of top applicants is important. ‘The Wonder That Was India’ was my favorite book.

Q. Can you give us the tips for IAS Main Answer Writing and tips for Prelims exam?

Kassey Suhita Anupam: You should have practical goals for yourself. Set realistic goals to achieve them during your preparation.

Q. What suggestions you would give to aspirants who are preparing to appear for the exam this year?

Kassey Suhita Anupam:I personally think that you have to be very oriented towards your goal and not get distracted. It is not a short run and you should have a plan of at least 4-5 years. I know there is pressure but you need to be in touch with your subjects. You have to be your own competition and not compare yourself to anyone.

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