Interview: Dr A.R. Khan of KSG
Khan Study Group’s (KSG) success ratio has turned out to be the best in recent years. It has seven training centres across the country. Two are situated in Delhi—one in the heart of Delhi University, Hudson Lane (Vijay Nagar), and the other in Central Delhi, Rajender Nagar. Both centres are well connected with the Delhi Metro Rail network. The other centres are located in Jaipur, Bhopal, Patna, Indore and Dibrugarh.
Dr A.R. Khan of KSG spoke with Frontline:
What makes the Khan Study Group (KSG) different from other institutes in the business?
KSG is a specialised institute for general studies with a highly professional and dedicated team. The methodology pursued, viz. modulebased course, daily tests, updated exclusive study materials for different topics, proof of delivery tests and current affairs updation programme, makes us stand apart from others. We are mainly a team of specialists.
How do you demystify the IAS exams for candidates and help them emerge successful?
Demystifying the civil services examination is based on a clear understanding of the syllabus and the thematic spread of various topics, and preparing a number of probable questions on these. The capacitybuilding exercise of aspirants in this context involves the use of various sources to meet the requirements of the syllabus.
How has KSG reinvented itself in a continually changing context?
Since its inception, KSG has reinvented itself to suit changing contexts under the guidance of its qualified and able faculty members. When the syllabus of the civil services examination was revised, the entire team at KSG worked day and night so that none of our students would face any hurdles in meeting the challenges of the new pattern. We are a team of specialists synonymous with 3Ps—performance, profession and practice.
What has your success rate been over the past few years?
The success graph of KSG is soaring high, and this is evident from the fact that in the 2017 civil services examination, every second successful candidate was from KSG.
What subjects do you specialise in?
For the general studies course, I have been guiding students in subjects such as Indian economy, geography, Indian polity and international relations. Inculcating and honing writing skills among the aspirants is another service that I render. It gives me immense satisfaction when they come out with flying colours.
What is the ideal personality type of a bureaucrat in the present times?
In a secular welfare state like India, a bureaucrat is responsible for the smooth and speedy implementation of government policies and programmes to promote the greater common good. He/she should work towards upholding the law of the land and the provisions of the Constitution. He/she should be region, religion, ideology and casteneutral. He/she should work towards eradicating poverty, enhancing the level of education, women’s empowerment as well as removing any kind of caste and communal prejudice. The importance of general studies cannot be overemphasised. A bureaucrat must possess a wide range of knowledge as his/her area of jurisdiction is large. A broad knowledge base is also crucial for better implementation of policies and programmes of the government.
Writing skills are essential because bureaucrats are the best coordinators between people and the government. General studies is equally significant for other competitive exams. Witnessing the present pattern of the UPSC and the current trend of questions, the analytical aspect, which is based on writing skills, is more important. Although a knowledge base is useful, answers to analytical questions can only be framed on the spur of the moment. Clarity of concept and easy dissemination of information can be achieved only through better writing skills.
Do you work on personality development?
Yes, our interview guidance programme is designed for this purpose. Moreover, facetoface meetings with mentors help in personality development. By A Special Correspondent