Interview Times 
A name that resonates in making of civil servants with aplomb, is popularly known as Apti Plus (Academy for Civil Services Pvt. Ltd.) by the visionary educationalist Dr. Susijit Sahoo. Over the years the institute has earned a national repute of qualitative teaching and helping students in cracking civil services in thousands. And today it has two premium branches in both Calcutta and Odisha running successfully close to one decade. Find out the exclusive interview of the founder Dr. Susijit Sahoo by Rituparnna, The Interview Times.
1. Can you tell us about your background and journey that led you to become involved and motivated in IAS coaching in the eastern zone?
In 2015, due to the lack of adequate coaching and environment in Bhubaneswar, I initiated Apti Plus. Established in Kolkata in 2006, our experienced faculty, hailing from esteemed institutions like JNU, IIT Delhi, and Delhi University, brought over a decade of civil service coaching expertise from Delhi. Formerly, students had traveled to Delhi for prep, making our start appreciated.
2. How do you view the role of coaching institutes in preparing aspiring candidates for the highly competitive IAS exams?
While self-preparation is viable, we foster a nationwide competitive spirit at Apti Plus. Addressing the crucial Mains answer-writing skill, we emphasize its significance. Our approach involves an entrance test-based scholarship program aimed at aiding economically disadvantaged students.
3. What challenges do you see students facing when preparing for the IAS exams, and how does your coaching institute address these challenges?
This is a year-long journey, possibly spanning multiple attempts. If candidates don’t clear prelims, we inspire them for the next year. Seminars featuring successful stories offer motivation. As few crack it in their first attempt, continuous encouragement is vital due to fierce competition. Proper guidance and motivation are crucial in this open-to-all field.
4. In your opinion, what are the key attributes that a successful IAS aspirant should possess? How do you help students develop these qualities?
Attributes involve adhering to the syllabus. We provide unwavering support, guiding through the journey and techniques, aiding in relevant topic selection. Staying current, we share videos, lectures, and notes.
5. Can you share some success stories of your students who have achieved remarkable results in the IAS exams after receiving coaching at your institute?
This year, 150 Odisha students qualified, including Kasturi Panda (AIR 67), Sushree Khuntia (AIR 248), Ayushi Pradhan (AIR 334), Tajaswini Behera (AIR 516), and Rakesh Sahoo (AIR 575). Other achievers include Garima Lohia (AIR 2), Smriti (AIR 4), Aniruddh (AIR 8), Kanika (AIR 9), and numerous others.
6. What are your future plans and aspirations for your coaching institute and its students?
We launched with an initiative to provide students with accurate guidance and a suitable platform for education. Our aim is to make knowledge accessible to all. Additionally, we offer free coaching to financially disadvantaged students who pass The Apti Plus entrance exam, extending education to those in need.
