Aranyak Saikia, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2020 batch from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, is a name synonymous with perseverance, academic excellence, and a commitment to public service. With an All India Rank (AIR) of 59 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2019, Aranyak has inspired countless aspirants across India. Before transitioning to the IAS, he served as an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in the Karnataka cadre, having secured AIR 148 in CSE 2017. His journey from an economics scholar to a top-ranking civil servant showcases a blend of intellectual rigor, strategic preparation, and an unwavering dedication to serving the nation.
Early Life and Background
Born and raised in Guwahati, Assam, Aranyak Saikia hails from a family with a strong legacy of public service. His father, Kuladhar Saikia, is a retired Indian Police Service officer who served as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Assam. His mother is also a civil servant, making public service a part of his upbringing. Despite this familial influence, Aranyak initially had no strong inclination toward a career in civil services. Instead, he was drawn to academics, particularly economics, which would later become a cornerstone of his UPSC preparation.
Growing up in Assam, a state known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Aranyak developed a deep connection with his roots. His early education took place in Guwahati, where he completed his schooling up to Class 12. This period laid the foundation for his academic pursuits and shaped his disciplined approach to learning.
Educational Journey
Aranyak Saikia’s academic journey is a testament to his intellectual prowess. After completing his schooling in Guwahati, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (Honours) from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, one of India’s most prestigious institutions. Graduating in 2015, he honed his analytical skills and developed a deep understanding of economic theories, which would later prove invaluable in his UPSC preparation.
Following his undergraduate studies, Aranyak enrolled at the Delhi School of Economics, a renowned institution for advanced economic studies. He completed his Master’s degree in Economics in 2017 and went on to pursue an MPhil, which he completed in 2019. During this time, he specialized in Game Theory, Taxation, and the Indian Economy, areas that not only enriched his academic profile but also provided a strong foundation for his optional subject in the UPSC examination.
His academic background in economics gave him a unique perspective on public policy, governance, and development issues, which he later applied in his civil services career.
UPSC Journey: From IPS to IAS
Aranyak Saikia’s journey to becoming an IAS officer is a story of resilience and continuous improvement. He began preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2016, shortly after completing his postgraduate studies. His first attempt in 2017 resulted in an AIR of 287, followed by an AIR of 148 in 2018, securing him a place in the Indian Police Service (IPS). He joined the Karnataka cadre as an IPS probationer in the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) under training.
However, Aranyak’s ambition to join the IAS drove him to attempt the UPSC examination again. In 2019, his third attempt, he achieved an AIR of 59, earning him a position in the IAS. This remarkable progression from AIR 287 to AIR 59 highlights his determination, adaptability, and ability to refine his preparation strategy over time.
Preparation Strategy
Aranyak Saikia’s UPSC preparation strategy has been widely discussed and admired by aspirants. Here’s a breakdown of his approach:
- Optional Subject: Economics
- Given his academic background, Aranyak chose Economics as his optional subject. However, he initially underestimated the need for thorough preparation, relying on his prior knowledge. After modest scores in his first two attempts, he adopted a more comprehensive approach for CSE 2019, particularly focusing on Paper II (Indian Economy).
- General Studies and Current Affairs
- For General Studies, Aranyak emphasized concise note-making under broad topics such as polity, governance, international relations, and economics. He relied on sources like Vision IAS Mains 365, The Hindu, and The Indian Express (especially the Explained section) for current affairs.
- He stressed the importance of revising current affairs multiple times to retain key facts, schemes, and events.
- Essay Writing
- Despite being a regular columnist for newspapers like The Economic Times and The Indian Express, Aranyak admitted to struggling with the essay paper initially. He improved his performance by practicing structured essay writing and focusing on clarity and conciseness.
- Ethics Paper (GS Paper IV)
- Aranyak’s score in the Ethics paper improved significantly from 79 in 2017 to 108 in 2018 after dedicated preparation. He emphasized understanding ethical concepts and practicing case studies.
- Test Series
- He enrolled in test series from Vision IAS and Insights on India, completing over 100 tests to enhance memory retention, assess his preparation, and build confidence for the actual exam.
- Time Management
- Aranyak balanced his preparation for the Preliminary and Mains stages effectively, starting specific Prelims preparation a few months before the exam while covering Mains topics in greater depth earlier.
His journey underscores the importance of learning from setbacks, refining strategies, and staying persistent—a message he often shares with aspirants.
Career and Contributions
After securing AIR 59 in CSE 2019, Aranyak Saikia joined the Indian Administrative Service in the Assam-Meghalaya cadre in 2020. His transition from IPS to IAS reflects his desire to contribute to governance and policymaking at a broader level. As an IAS officer, he has been involved in various administrative roles, leveraging his expertise in economics to address developmental challenges in Assam and Meghalaya.
Aranyak’s writings on economics, public policy, and governance, published in reputed platforms like The Economic Times, Indian Express, and Economic and Political Weekly, demonstrate his analytical approach to contemporary issues. His articles often explore topics such as the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, startup ecosystems, and environmental challenges like floods and erosion in Assam.
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond his professional achievements, Aranyak Saikia is an individual with diverse interests. He enjoys reading, playing football and badminton, and writing. His love for economics is evident in his regular commentaries, where he applies economic principles to everyday life. These hobbies not only provide him with a balanced lifestyle but also contribute to his intellectual and physical well-being.
Inspiration for UPSC Aspirants
Aranyak Saikia’s success story is a beacon of hope for UPSC aspirants. His journey from an academic scholar to an IAS officer, coupled with his ability to improve his rank across multiple attempts, demonstrates that perseverance and strategic preparation can lead to success. His advice to aspirants includes:
- Consistency is Key: Regular study and revision are crucial for retaining vast amounts of information.
- Learn from Mistakes: Analyze test series results and previous attempts to identify and address weaknesses.
- Stay Motivated: Focus on the long-term goal of serving the nation to overcome challenges.
- Leverage Strengths: Use your academic background or interests to choose an optional subject and excel in it.
Conclusion
Aranyak Saikia, IAS, is a shining example of how dedication, intellectual rigor, and adaptability can lead to success in one of India’s toughest examinations. From his roots in Guwahati to his academic achievements in Delhi, and from his initial role as an IPS officer to his current position in the IAS, Aranyak’s journey is both inspiring and instructive. His contributions to public service and his insights into economics and governance continue to make a positive impact, while his story motivates countless individuals to pursue their dreams of becoming civil servants.
Top FAQs About Aranyak Saikia, IAS
- Who is Aranyak Saikia?
- Aranyak Saikia is an IAS officer of the 2020 batch (Assam-Meghalaya cadre) who secured AIR 59 in UPSC CSE 2019. He previously served as an IPS officer in the Karnataka cadre after securing AIR 148 in CSE 2017.
- What is Aranyak Saikia’s educational background?
- He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (Honours) from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and a Master’s and MPhil in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics, specializing in Game Theory, Taxation, and the Indian Economy.
- What was Aranyak Saikia’s optional subject in UPSC?
- His optional subject was Economics, which aligned with his academic background.
- How many attempts did Aranyak Saikia take to become an IAS officer?
- He made three attempts: AIR 287 in 2017, AIR 148 in 2018 (IPS), and AIR 59 in 2019 (IAS).
- What is Aranyak Saikia’s preparation strategy for UPSC?
- His strategy included thorough preparation for Economics, concise note-making, regular revision of current affairs, test series practice, and improving weak areas like the Ethics paper and essay writing.
- What is Aranyak Saikia’s family background?
- His father, Kuladhar Saikia, is a retired IPS officer and former DGP of Assam, and his mother is also a civil servant.
- Where is Aranyak Saikia posted currently?
- As of his last known update, he is serving as an IAS officer in the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, though specific postings may vary.
- What advice does Aranyak Saikia give to UPSC aspirants?
- He advises aspirants to stay consistent, learn from mistakes, leverage their strengths, and remain motivated by the goal of serving the nation.
- What are Aranyak Saikia’s interests?
- He enjoys reading, playing football and badminton, and writing, particularly on economics and public policy.
- Where can I find Aranyak Saikia’s writings?
- His articles are published in platforms like The Economic Times, Indian Express, Economic and Political Weekly, and his personal blog (aranyaksaikia.wordpress.com).
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