Interviewtimes 
Amlan Kumar Sahoo is a 2022 batch Indian Forest Service officer who is currently under training at the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun for IFS. He has pursued his BTech in Civil Engineering from NIT Rourkela. He belongs to Kendrapara, Odisha. The Interview Times had a conversation with him, below are the answers he responded to The Interview Times questionnaire –
Q1- Would you please like to tell us in details about your journey of achieving IFS?
Answer: The Indian Forest Service (IFS) stands as a prestigious pillar among India’s civil services, dedicated to the vital task of managing and conserving our nation’s forests and wildlife. As the son of a member of the Odisha Forest Services, I grew up immersed in the workings of the forest department in Odisha. Attending awareness programs on significant occasions like World Environment Day, World Forest Day, Earth Day, held in the Science Park, Dhenkanal, fueled my passion for the environment and Mother Nature.
Following my graduation from NIT Rourkela in 2019, I diverged from the conventional path. Opting out of my campus placement job at KEC International and bypassing a master’s degree in the US, I embraced a different journey. Joining the renowned coaching institute Vajiram and Ravi in Delhi for my GS and optional preparation, and Shankar IAS for Forestry optional, I embarked on the pursuit of a dream.
Living in a rented house in Patel Nagar with my mother, I faced the challenges of Delhi’s cuisine. The onset of COVID-19 and the subsequent nationwide lockdown prompted a return to Odisha by road, a journey spanning three nights and two days. Back home, armed with collected resources, I continued my preparations.
Fortune smiled upon me, and I cleared the Odisha Administrative Services (OAS) examination in 2020, gaining entry to the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration (GAA) for training in Bhubaneswar. Concurrently, I undertook the UPSC IFS exam, successfully clearing it on my third attempt. The moment of realization arrived on July 4 when the results were declared. Seated with my fellow OAS officers during training, a surge of satisfaction enveloped me – the culmination of relentless effort, resilience, and an unwavering belief that each small step forward is a triumph in itself. I can confidently affirm that success is not just a destination; it is the sum of dedication and unwavering belief in the face of challenges.
Q2- What was your preparation strategies for the exam?
Answer: My strategy was straightforward: I delved into extensive revision, committing my syllabus and Previous Year Questions (PYQs) to memory to discern crucial study areas. Employing monthly, weekly, and daily planners, I maintained meticulous organization. Having graduated in 2019, I pursued classes at Vajiram & Ravi for General Studies and Shankar IAS for Forestry Optional in Delhi. The routine classes instilled discipline, while teacher-provided notes broadened my understanding of topics. Eight months into my Delhi stint, the Covid-19 lockdown prompted my return home, where I transitioned to self-study, utilizing online platforms like Unacademy.
My approach centered on attempting the maximum number of questions within stipulated time frames. For General Studies, I adhered to standard reference books and dedicated efforts to ace the qualifying language paper (ODIA). Rigorous preparation included refining my essay structuring, accumulating quotes, and anecdotes.
Leveraging my father’s field expertise, I sought guidance for Forestry optional, consulting original texts such as L.S. Khanna and Negi, alongside compilation books like Manikandan. To enrich my responses, I incorporated precise forestry terminologies and scientific names of trees.
For Geology, I sought assistance from a professor at Ravenshaw College, dedicating three hours daily to grasp the fundamentals. Recognizing the constraints post-prelims, I strategically focused on major topics, using resources like ‘Physical Geology’ by G.B. Mahapatra, ‘Principles of Engineering Geology’ by K.M. Bangar, and ‘Palaeontology’ by Jain and Anantharaman. Thoroughly reading these texts, I condensed essential information into one-page notes.
Reflecting on my journey, I can assert that success isn’t solely about initial preparation; it’s an ongoing process of consistent revision. In the orchestration of progress, success’s harmonious melody arises from the unwavering commitment to refining one’s knowledge. Consistency acts as the key that unlocks mastery, ensuring that every detail resonates as a permanent note in the composition of achievement.”
Q3- What message would you like to share to people who wanted to become like you?
Answer: Mistakes were an integral part of my preparation journey. Initially, I chased after new resources and books, intoxicated by the thrill of acquiring fresh knowledge. The neglect of revision and adherence to a structured syllabus were glaring shortcomings. Anxiety plagued my nights before exams, disrupting my sleep. However, I confronted these challenges, turning to meditation to find calm and cultivating patience. Introducing activities like cycling and gym workouts for 45-60 minutes became my antidote to the monotony of prolonged study sessions.
To those reading this, I urge you to embrace the lessons from your mistakes, prioritize both physical fitness and mental strength. Above all, I advise against emulating my journey; instead, strive to become the best version of yourselves. “Embrace the art of self-improvement, for in each passing day lies an opportunity to sculpt a better version of yourself—an ongoing journey of growth, learning, and the relentless pursuit of becoming the person you aspire to be.”
For the readers – Everyone around you is going through some phase in life. All we can do is be kind and empathetic.
For the aspirants- Believe in yourself and your dreams. Everything you’ve ever wanted is one step outside your comfort zone. (“ kaise aakaash mein sooraakh nahin ho sakta , ek patthar to tabiyat se uchhaalo yaaro” ) which is a line from the poem of the famous Dushyant Kumar.
Q4- Would you please like to tell what was your Motivation behind this success?
Answer: My parents have been the bedrock of my life. My father, serving as Deputy Conservator Of Forest (DCF), not only exposed me to the wonders of nature but also instilled in me the aspiration to pursue civil services. My mother, a beacon of love and affection, made incredible sacrifices for my education and future. In the symphony of my success, they stand as unwavering pillars, providing the steady rhythm and support that harmonized my journey to achievement.
Before 10th grade, I made a pivotal decision to pursue UPSC exams and aspire to become an IAS officer. While my peers engaged in internships at prestigious institutions like IITs, I immersed myself in Civil Services coaching in Bhubaneswar. Despite securing a position at KEC International in my final year, I explored other avenues, taking the GRE and TOEFL for master’s programs in the US. Offers from Texas A&M and Leeds materialized, and I even ventured into management, securing calls from IIM Lucknow and Indore after rigorous interviews.
Faced with diverse paths leading to distinct destinations, I took a moment to introspect, contemplating my dreams and aspirations. In that self-reflection, I found my unique path and haven’t looked back since. Choosing an unconventional profession post my NIT education, I am reminded of Robert Frost’s timeless words in ‘The Road Not Taken’: ‘I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.’ In the future, I hope to share this journey with my colleagues, a testament to the significance of forging one’s distinct path.”
Q5- What do you love to do during leisure time and what are your hobbies?
Answer: In my leisure time, I immerse myself in enlightening Netflix documentaries spanning history, wildlife, and science & technology. To stay abreast of daily affairs, I make it a habit to read newspapers regularly. The joy of staying active resonates with me, and I indulge in swimming, football, tennis, and badminton. Novels, offering diverse perspectives, are a cherished part of my routine. Among my favorites are Animal Farm, 1984, The Outliers, The Mountain is You, and The Silent Patient.
Music is a constant companion, and I find solace in the melodies of Imagine Dragons, Coldplay, Arijit Singh, Atif Aslam, K.K., and more. Additionally, I have a deep appreciation for nature, often engaging in activities like trekking, bird watching, and relishing the mesmerizing moments of sunrise and sunsets.
Image Credits – Mr. Amlan Kumar Sahoo
