ONCE UPON AN IAS EXAM BY K.VIJAYAKARTHIKEYAN

TITLE- ONCE UPON AN IAS EXAM
AUTHOR- K.VIJAYAKARTHIKEYAN
GENRE- FICTION, MOTIVATIONAL
NO:OF PAGES- 138
PUBLISHERS- RUPA PUBLICATIONS
FORMAT- PAPERBACK

About the book-

Vishy's worst nightmare- failing the UPSC's civil service 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 coaching centers. 

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 my 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?

My rating-★★★★☆

My review-

In the modern world of rat race everyone is busy outshining the other- some succeed at it, some fail and some try again and again. Set in the background of this competitive world, our protagonist Vishy, embarks on the journey to make his future secure- get through through IAS exams and get the girl he loves- his best friend Rithika.

The story gives a vivid account of the struggle that follows. IAS exams are indeed one of the toughest exams in India and the author has brilliantly captured what actually goes into cracking it. From the pressure Vishy faces, to all kinds of people and situations he comes across, to his mindset and of those around him, this story is a very relatable one.

The author has touched various aspects of the preparations for any competitive exam in the light of the IAS exams- the self doubt that the candidates face, the need to hold their nerve and keep on striving hard, the motivation that is required during this time, the dejection that people tend to feel after failing and the reality of the people who are there just to question and undermine their hard work. He also highlights the business of the coaching centers which have evolved to provide a guidance to the candidates. What goes on in the coaching centers is yet another story.
On a humorous note, the author reveals the rigorous spoon- feeding that goes on in these classes in exchange of huge amounts of money, where the mentors are self-proclaimed masters who restrict the knowledge of the students- making them almost machine-like and where only a few teachers are genuine enough to actually guide them.
This book is a funny account of the uncertainty of student life, of the struggle that is required to secure a future, of the loopholes of our education system and how they are exploited and of human emotions and relations in times of stress.

There is a brimming love story of Vishy and Rithka which i felt was not really necessary- she just appeared as a side- character perhaps was there to motivate Vishy, however another story between Vinod (Vishy's friend) and Neena speaks volumes of the people out there who selfishly play at so called love just to secure themselves.
With a smooth narration, relatable characters, genuine plot-line and the embedded humor and sarcasm this is one of the most entertaining reads that i have come across. The way the author has portrayed the reality is commendable.

Characters-

Vishy- our protagonist and an aspiring IAS candidate, he tries again for the exams after one failed attempt, He is the ideal student- hardworking, level headed, never too serious and more focused of the efforts, rather than the outcome. He is this guy everyone should be during the time of competitive exam preparations. The occasional self doubt, the problems he faced while persuing Rithika makes him a more relatable character.

Rithika- she is the love interest of Vishy and his best friend. A very simple character, she is that confused person- confused about love, job and everything else. However she is also the person who would go to any extent to help the one she loves- even at the cost of giving up her own dreams. A huge- hearted girl always giving priority to everyone else over herself.

The other characters include Vinod and Ashok (vishy's friends from the coaching institute), Neena, Madan, Deepti and Badri who represent all types of people who pursue the competitive exams with different mindsets and different outcomes.

Writing style-

The author has written a very vivid account, lucid in nature with the necessary highlights in case of both conversations and emotions. The story just flows and is very easy to comprehend, with the right amount of humor and sarcasm the story forces the readers to think again of the reality out there- of the ironies that exist.

A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read, can be completed in a single sitting and i am definitely recommending it- a must read for all, and for those who have appeared for any competitive exam- you will find this totally relatable, nostalgic even.

I would like to thank vinfluencers for giving me this review copy as a part of their book review program.

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 and on sunny weekends he can be found wreaking havoc on the cricket ground.