“Sir, What Should I Read to Think Like a Civil Servant?”

It was one of those late evenings in November—cold winds outside, but a hundred burning ambitions inside the reading room. A young aspirant, Ravi, walked up to a retired bureaucrat who often came to the library to mentor students.

“Sir,” he asked, nervously clutching Laxmikanth and a scribbled copy of The Hindu, “I know what to read for Prelims and Mains. But what should I read to think like a civil servant? How to develop a personality of a civil servant”

The old officer smiled, leaned back in his chair, and said, “That’s a better question than most ask. Let me tell you about five lives that taught me more than any textbook ever could.”

“Before you learn how to wield power, learn how to restrain it.”

This autobiography is not about freedom struggle events alone. It is Gandhi’s brutally honest account of his personal evolution—from a shy boy in Porbandar to a moral force who shook an empire.

What it teaches an aspirant:

• The value of truth and non-violence in public life
• The importance of self-discipline and restraint
• Leading by example, not authority
• Decision-making based on conscience, not convenience

The officer added, “When you're in service, there will be moments when doing the right thing won’t be easy. Gandhi reminds you—it’s okay to stand alone if you’re standing on principle.”

Ravi quietly noted something and asked, “But sir, do these ideals work in today’s India?”
The officer simply replied, “They’re hard to follow, but timeless to keep.”

“Dreams are not what you see in sleep. Dreams are what keep you awake.”

This is not just a scientist’s journey, it’s the evolution of a nation through one man's quiet resolve.

Why it's essential:

• From poverty in Rameswaram to Rashtrapati Bhavan—Kalam’s story reflects resilience
• Deep belief in education, technology, and youth
• A spirit of humility even after achieving greatness
• Handling failure with grace—especially in public life

The officer smiled, “Kalam teaches you to dream big—but also to stay grounded. That’s a balance every good officer must strike.”

Ravi smiled, “Sir, he made science feel spiritual.”

“Exactly,” the officer nodded, “and service feel sacred.”

“Imprisoned by the British, but mentally free enough to imagine India.”

Written during his time in jail, Nehru’s autobiography is both a historical record and a deeply reflective political memoir.

What aspirants take from it:

• Long-term, civilisational view of India
• Liberal values rooted in democracy, secularism
• The emotional and philosophical undercurrent of India’s freedom movement
• Seeing governance not as control but as care

The officer leaned in “When you become part of the system, Nehru teaches you to zoom out. To think in decades, not quarters. To think of India, not just your district.”

“You don’t need Delhi to change India. Sometimes, Anand is enough.”

Kurien, the father of the White Revolution, tells his journey of building Amul and transforming rural India through cooperative models.

Key takeaways for future civil servants:

• Innovation in administration
• Power of decentralisation
• Leadership without limelight
• Execution over rhetoric

The officer said, “Many officers go to rural postings thinking it’s a punishment. Kurien shows it can be a revolution—if you care enough.”

Ravi looked up, “Sir, he wasn’t even in IAS?”

“No,” the officer smiled. “But he served more farmers than most ever could.”

“A judge who feared no government. A diplomat who didn’t flatter power.”

M.C. Chagla was a jurist, ambassador, and education minister known for his constitutional morality and ethical backbone.

Why it shapes a civil servant’s mind:

• Standing for values even during political pressure
• Deep respect for the Constitution
• Blending integrity with intellectual sharpness
• Courage to speak up—even when alone

The officer’s tone turned firm, “You will face moral crossroads. Chagla reminds you—clarity of conscience is your only compass.”

Ravi hesitated, “Sir, can one really survive the service with such honesty?”
The officer looked him in the eye, “Not just survive. Serve. And sleep well every night.”

Ravi quietly noted the names. Not under the heading “Books for GS Paper IV”, but something more personal: “Books that will shape the officer I want to become. Books to personality development"

The officer got up, poured some tea from his thermos, and said softly:

“These aren’t just books. They’re blueprints. For an officer who doesn’t just clear UPSC—but clears doubts, dilemmas, and darkness in service.”

These biographies won’t help you answer MCQs. But they’ll help you answer tougher questions:
“What kind of officer do I want to be?”

“What will I do when rules clash with values?”

“What does public service truly mean?”

And in those answers—you’ll find your real preparation.