In a landscape saturated with competitive examination content, Divey Sethi, a distinguished IRS Officer of the 2014 batch and an IIT Roorkee alumnus, emerges as a beacon of authenticity and actionable strategy with the fourth edition of his book, “Crack Civil Services in First Attempt.” The book is now available on Amazon, Flipkart, and major bookstores through Notion Press.
With an exceptional track record of cracking India’s toughest exams — from IIT-JEE to UPSC CSE, including CAT, GRE, GATE, and IES, Divey Sethi knows what it takes to succeed. His journey from securing an All India Rank (AIR) 295 in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2013 to becoming Deputy Commissioner, Customs and GST, Kolkata, makes his advice not just credible, but experience-backed and deeply insightful.
A Book That Breaks the Mold
Unlike generic self-help books that oversimplify success into vague platitudes, Crack Civil Services in First Attempt provides a clear, step-by-step strategic blueprint. The book stresses the importance of smart study, intentional goal-setting, and self-awareness — challenging the culture of rote learning and uncritical reliance on coaching institutes.
“The book isn’t just about what to study — it’s about what not to study, when to study, how to introspect, and how to strategize right from day one,” says Divey. “It’s also a subtle wake-up call to the profit-driven coaching industry that often misleads aspirants.”
This latest edition delves deeper into psychological preparedness, practical hacks for optional subject selection, and ways to start preparing for the UPSC interview from the very first day — a technique Divey attributes as a game-changer.
A Decade of Cracking Exams — Now a Mission to Help Others
Divey Sethi has turned a decade of academic victories into a mission to empower civil service aspirants. His unique strength lies in understanding the anatomy of competitive exams — having cleared almost every major one in India — and distilling that knowledge into concise, practical advice.
“Investing just 2 hours in this book can potentially save aspirants 2 hours of wasted effort every single day, guiding them with clarity and purpose,” he asserts.
What Sets Divey Apart
- Exemplary Academic Track Record: From AIR 113 in IES 201, AIR 13 in IES 2012 and then to AIR 295 in CSE 2013.
- Wide Experience: From Indian Engineering Services to Indian Revenue Services.
- Author & Mentor: His book has become a trusted companion for thousands across platforms like Amazon, Quora, Goodreads, and UPSC preparation portals.
- Advocate for Conscious Success: Divey emphasizes authenticity, introspection, and strategic alignment over blind hard work.
“Before beginning preparations, you must ask yourself why you want to become a civil servant,” he adds. “This clarity can evolve over time but must be rooted in honesty. The interview panel at UPSC can sense authenticity.”
Beyond the Book: A Vision for Impact
Looking forward, Divey is preparing to take his message to broader platforms. A TEDx talk is on the horizon, where he hopes to inspire the next generation of changemakers with his unique blend of strategic insight and ethical leadership.
“This isn’t about being just another civil servant. It’s about nurturing a new wave of mindful, strategic, and socially conscious bureaucrats,” he says.
Call to Action
Aspirants and educators can access Crack Civil Services in First Attempt through the following platforms:
About the Author
Divey Sethi is an IRS officer (Customs and Central Excise) from the 2014 batch and a graduate of IIT Roorkee. With more than a decade of firsthand experience in navigating India’s most competitive examinations, Divey is committed to demystifying the process and guiding aspirants with a blend of practical strategy and introspective wisdom.
For media inquiries, interviews, or speaking engagements, please contact:
📧 diveysethi2007@gmail.com
