'Every Minute Counts': IPS Kassey Suhita's life story will inspire every UPSC aspirant

IPS Officer Kassey Suhita Anupam

From watching a District Magistrate’s vehicle under a streetlight to receiving the President’s Medal for Distinguished Services, IPS officer Kassey Suhita Anupam’s journey is a testament to grit, grace, and grounded leadership. Speaking exclusively with Moneycontrol.com, she shares her incredible journey.

For Kassey Suhita Anupam, the decision to pursue the Civil Services wasn’t sparked by a sudden moment of epiphany but rooted in memories from schooldays. One such memory—of seeing the District Magistrate’s vehicle stationed under a streetlamp—left an indelible impression. “That image stuck with me,” she recalls, “and cemented my ambition.”

Raised with the values of public service, Suhita’s aspirations were also deeply personal. Her mother, who once dreamed of becoming a civil servant herself, never had the opportunity. “I had vowed to fulfil her dream,” Suhita says.

Preparing for UPSC in the late 1990s wasn’t the streamlined process it can be today. “There was no internet like now, and resources were scarce,” she points out. Yet, the dual load of college coursework and UPSC prep didn’t deter her. “GITAM’s never-cancelled classes allowed me to plan around them,” she adds, underlining how structure and discipline became her early allies.

Her advice for today’s aspirants is firm and practical: “Understand that this is a long journey. Build your basics, write your own notes, and develop endurance. Don't rush.”

In today’s age of overabundant information, Suhita warns against falling into the trap of over-preparation. “There are too many resources—books, coaching centres, apps. You must be selective. The trick is to trust your strategy and build clarity rather than hoard content.” She champions the old-school method of self-written notes and recommends choosing books that offer conceptual clarity, such as the timeless The Wonder That Was India, which helped her fall in love with history.

Among her other reliable resources was Competition Success Review, a go-to for many aspirants of her generation. “Reading topper interviews gave me insight into practical strategies that worked,” she shares.

For Suhita, consistency wasn’t an occasional trait—it was a lifestyle. “I set achievable goals and built a routine that I could follow consistently. UPSC prep is a marathon. You need discipline more than anything else.”

When it came to the all-important Mains exam, she emphasises clarity, structure, and brevity. “Be concise and relevant. Link arguments to current affairs where possible. It’s not just about knowledge, but the ability to think critically under pressure.”

The Personality Test, or interview round, is where many aspirants falter, but Suhita sees it as an opportunity for authenticity. “They’re not looking for perfect answers. They want to know who you are. Be honest, calm and confident.”

No two days are alike in Suhita’s life as an IPS officer. Mornings typically begin early with briefings and field visits. The rest of the day is packed with administrative reviews, grievance redressals, inspections, and meetings. “By evening, we plan for the next day—unless there’s paperwork or urgent proposals to review. It’s demanding, but incredibly rewarding.”

Her first posting in Bihar was a baptism by fire. “It was a mix of urban chaos and rural complexity. I quickly learnt that policies look very different on paper than in practice. Listening—deep listening—to people on the ground changed my entire approach.”

Her leadership philosophy was forged in that initial posting. “Humility, empathy, and teamwork are non-negotiable,” she says. “The most effective form of governance is always people-driven.”

Receiving the President’s Medal for Distinguished Services was a proud but humbling moment. The recognition came after a series of initiatives in a particularly challenging district. “We focused on community engagement and transparency. What mattered most to me wasn’t the award but the trust we built and the belief that public service can genuinely change lives.”

Through every challenge, Suhita has remained rooted in the ideals that shaped her early on—service, perseverance, and the will to make a difference. “There’s no shortage of pressure in this job,” she admits. “But every minute counts, and every decision has the power to touch lives.”

For anyone starting out on the UPSC journey, Suhita’s message is clear: stay focused, stay grounded. Her own journey—from a young girl with a dream to a decorated officer—proves that success is not a matter of shortcuts or secrets, but of sustained sincerity.