IAS, IPS officers turn online teachers

More than 30 civil services officers from around the country have been working tirelessly for the past three years to ensure that candidates appearing for civil services exam have a better chance at clearing one of the toughest entrance tests in the country. These officers, who call themselves the civil services guides, provide a virtual classroom for focused students who want to do well and join the ranks of the Indian Administrative Service or other cadres such as the Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service, and Indian Revenue Service. Organised using the Telegram Messenger app, guidance is offered to students who want to get their doubts cleared through daily classes between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Another option given to students is a more intensive course where the classes would require at least 6 to 9 hours of preparation beforehand. “We initially started with a WhatsApp group but shifted as it was limited to 50 to 100 students per group. We wanted to do something larger and so shifted to Telegram. This year, we have 450 candidates with 35 more waiting to join. We want only serious candidates and those unwilling to work hard are kicked out. The group has been successful so far,” said a senior officer from Karnataka who has been connected with the group since its inception. Want to join? Send an email tocivilserviceguides@gmail.com The Hindu