Keep your eyes, ears open, listen; develop analytical power to differentiate, says A.V. Surya Sen IFS

Prepare for the Civil Service Examination with a lifelong perspective, analytical skills, and a commitment to serve the country.

“The Civil Service Examination (CSE) is not a scary picture, but it is a part of life. But the preparations should start from the day you are born,” said A.V. Surya Sen, Deputy Conservator of Forests and Executive Director, Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru.

In his keynote address at Christ University, during a guest lecture organized by The Hindu Civil Services Aspirants Club in association with Shankar IAS Academy on Thursday, he advised students, “You already have 20 years of exposure and you have to refresh it and put perspectives into your preparation.”

“Keep your eyes and ears open and listen to people. Develop the analytical power to differentiate,” he said. He encouraged them to study subjects not just for exams, but for life, making learning an enjoyable experience rather than something that only demands hard work.

“If you decide to take this path, devote your attention to it completely. But even if you do not clear the exam, you should still be in a position to serve this country in another way,” he added.

Being an IFS officer, he specifically spoke about environmental responsibility, stating that as society evolves and resources are plundered the environment gets affected.

“What have we done to make conscious decisions to change the situation of the environment? It is our responsibility as citizens to protect it for future generations,” he emphasised.

He expressed his gratitude to The Hindu, acknowledging its role in shaping individuals across the country. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank The Hindu because we all grew up reading that paper. It is more than a paper and it is a way of life,” he said.