Once Upon an IAS Exam
K. Vijayakarthikeyan [Vijayakarthikeyan, K.]Vishy's worst nightmare-failing the UPSC's Civil Services exam-has come true. He is plagued by insecurity, fear and doubts. The mother of all competitive examinations has rejected him and he needs a reason to live. So, what does he do? He tells his best friend Rithika, 'I love you. Will you marry me?'
In Once Upon an IAS Exam, twenty-five-year-old Vishy tries to overcome the uncertainty and confusion about his future and figure out ways of convincing Rithika to marry him. Things turn even more interesting, funny and emotional as Vishy reattempts to conquer 'Mount IAS'. As he tries to take his academic and love life towards safety, he seeks refuge in the world of IAS coaching centres.
Set in the bustling Civil Services exam coaching hub of Anna Nagar in Chennai, this book is a hilarious account of the actuality, stress and struggle faced by millions of candidates who prepare year after year for one of India's toughest exams. Join Vishy as he sets out to prove his mettle to the world-and himself. Will Rithika accept the love of her best friend? Will Vishy overcome his sense of failure? Will there be a happily ever after?
Review
Some books win you over with their sheer relatability and simplicity, and Once Upon an IAS Exam is such a book. You feel like you were once Vishy, juggling between running the rat race without becoming a rat. We have all been or known someone like Rithika, the pillar of support for Vishy and dealing with taking their relationship beyond friendship. We have all known or perhaps been one of the superbly crafted supporting characters. The author is a serving IAS officer, and that brings in a ring of authenticity to the tale that comes through on every page. Well worth a read and drives a very strong and relevant message that passing in life does not only depend on passing entrance exams. - Mainak Dhar, bestselling author
About the Author
Dr K. Vijayakarthikeyan is a medico turned bureaucrat currently working as commissioner, Coimbatore Municipal Corporation, and is the youngest ever officer to have held this charge. He is well known for his hugely popular initiatives as an IAS officer and has won several awards and accolades for his pioneering work in land, solid waste and urban management. He has authored three Tamil bestsellers-Ethum Doorathil IAS, Adhuvum Idhuvum and Orey Kallil 13 Maangai. On sunny weekends, he can be found wreaking havoc on the cricket ground with his explosive batting and deceptive spin.