‘The school’s goal is to cultivate exceptional leaders through quality education’

This future IAS aspirant epitomises values like sincerity, dedication, and hard work. Meet Deepanshu Sheoran who passed out of Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri in 2010. In a candid conversation, Deepanshu shares how he wants to have a fulfilling professional and philanthropic life and shares important tips on how to crack the most coveted and competitive government examination.

Read edited excerpts here.

 Tell us about your professional plans. 

In the future, I plan to work in public service, with a particular focus on policymaking. My goal is to address and solve the structural problems of administration rather than just implementing band-aid solutions. I am deeply passionate about environmental conservation and empowering people to achieve sustainable sources of income, especially within the agricultural sector. I aim to develop policies that support these areas, ensuring long-term positive impacts on both the environment and local communities. Through my work, I hope to create lasting change and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable society.

What does your typical day look like?

At present, I am preparing for the Civil Services. Before this, I worked in Japan for 4.5 years at a medical device company, where I gained significant experience in SCM strategy and project management. I returned to India in 2021 to pursue my goal of entering public service.

How did Apeejay help you hone your skills? 

Apeejay School provided a strong foundation in both academics and personal development. The school’s focus on conceptual understanding of subjects ensured that I had a deep grasp of core concepts, which has been invaluable throughout my educational and professional journey. Additionally, the emphasis on language skills, especially English, greatly improved my command of the language. This proficiency has been immensely helpful in language papers, essay writing, and answer writing for exams. Despite being from a small town, I never felt underconfident among peers from metro cities because of the quality education and exposure provided by Apeejay. The supportive environment and diverse opportunities allowed me to grow and excel, instilling a sense of confidence and competence that has carried through to my endeavours to date.

How were the teachers at school?

As I mentioned earlier, despite being from a small town I was incredibly lucky to find teachers who were extremely knowledgeable and experienced in their fields. I used to see students from other schools going for tuition classes after school but my friends and I, at Apeejay, never felt the need for that. They were also approachable and accessible, always willing to support students both academically and personally. Apeejay was also known for its discipline, which I believed was essential for my academic success and personal development. Moreover, the teachers were highly motivating. They encouraged us to strive for excellence and provided constant encouragement and guidance. Their mentorship not only helped me achieve academic milestones but also nurtured my confidence and determination.

Share any sweet nostalgic memories from school.

One of my most cherished memories from school was when I participated in a play in class VIII. It was my first time on stage, and I initially felt nervous about public speaking. However, the supportive environment created by my friends and teachers, helped me deal with it. The experience of performing in front of an audience was transformative. The praise I received afterward boosted my confidence, not just concerning public speaking but in general as well. 

What’s your advice for future PSC aspirants?

Begin by thoroughly understanding the exam pattern, syllabus, and previous years’ question papers. This foundational knowledge will guide your study plan effectively, allowing you to allocate time wisely to each subject based on its importance in the exam. Focus on developing a deep conceptual understanding rather than mere memorisation. In recent years the exam pattern has changed and questions (especially in mains) are designed to test the conceptual understanding of candidates.Additionally, stay updated with current affairs, particularly issues related to governance, policy-making, and public administration. This knowledge is essential for both the preliminary and main exams, as well as for the interview stage. Finally, maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, and exercise. And make some time for your hobbies, family, and friends too. It was very important for mental health during the exam process.

What changes would you like to bring to the Indian administration?

I envision making the Indian administration more approachable to common people. Introducing client orientation akin to the private sector is important in my opinion, along with the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen.

Who is your biggest inspiration in life?

My mother is my biggest inspiration. Despite getting married early, she continued her studies and worked incredibly hard. She taught me the importance of education and always encouraged me to chase my dreams, even when I had doubts. Her support has been crucial in shaping my goals and achievements.

What’s your goal? 

My dream is to help those who are less fortunate than me in our society and to make the people around me happy. I want to bring joy to whatever work I do and do it well. 

What is your success mantra in life?

My success mantra revolves around three principles: Dedication, positivity, and continuous improvement. I believe in dedicating myself fully to every task, whether big or small and approaching challenges with a positive mindset. I see every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow, striving to improve myself and my impact on others.