House surgeon in Thiruvananthapuram MCH to Rank 55 in UPSC; Meet Sabarimala ADM Arun S Nair

Dr Arun S Nair was a house surgeon at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College in 2018 when suddenly it dawned on him to prepare for what is dubbed the world’s toughest exam — UPSC Civil Services. Arun wanted to come out of his mundane MBBS life and tap into his academic talents. After pondering over a career choice, Arun ended up choosing civil service. He worked in a way to become an exemplar of the quote 'hard work pays off'. Within a year of preparation, Arun cracked the toughest exam and is now the Commissioner of Entrance Examination, Director of the State Health Agency and Sabarimala ADM.

Arun S Nair completed his schooling at Kadakkal Government HSS and had fourth rank in the MBBS entrance examination. He had no trouble thus joining the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. He also wanted to do post-graduation in the course. After completing MBBS, he started training as a house surgeon. However, the work failed to evoke any interest in him, and soon Arun made up his mind to come out of it.

In 2018, a self-trained Arun attempted the UPSC exams for the first time. Immediately after that, he set his eyes on the 2019 exams and started preparing. This time, Arun joined a coaching centre. He studied for three to 15 hours a day, taking time off to spend time with friends and on special occasions. He constantly wrote mock tests. When the results of the 2019 civil service exam were announced, the 55th rank gleamed Arun's name. Arun has also held the positions of Director of the Social Justice Department, Idukki Sub-Collector, and Kollam Assistant Collector.

Arun S Nair:

“As soon as you start dreaming, start preparing too. There should be a clear idea of what is required for the exam, and study it. Go through everything, including past question papers, and prepare an outline. It is impossible to study everything. After studying a little of it, revise it more often. Attend mock exams from preliminary to mains as much as possible. Before the interview, develop good communication skills. You must hone up skills to speak confidently. Engagingly present your ideas. Although Malayalam can be chosen, English is the best language for the civil service interview. The civil service interview is a personality test. The interview board measures personality more than knowledge. Some people unsuccessfully attempt the civil service exam many times. There should be a plan B. If not civil service, there should be an alternative career choice in mind”