Divey Sethi
In today’s overcrowded civil services preparation landscape, filled with coaching hype and endless study materials, Divey Sethi—an IRS Officer (2014 batch) and IIT Roorkee alumnus—emerges as a credible voice of clarity. His widely acclaimed book, Crack Civil Services in First Attempt, is now in its 4th edition, offering aspirants a realistic, step-by-step blueprint to crack India’s most competitive exam.
Available now on Amazon, Flipkart, and leading bookstores via Notion Press, the book stands out for its strategic depth and practical wisdom.
A Rare Journey of Consistent Success
What makes Divey Sethi’s guidance authentic is his own track record. Over the past decade, he has successfully cleared some of India’s toughest exams—including IIT JEE, CAT, GRE, GATE, IES, and UPSC CSE.
In 2013, he secured All India Rank (AIR) 295 in UPSC CSE and went on to become Deputy Commissioner, Customs and GST, Kolkata, under the Ministry of Finance. His success across multiple domains gives aspirants confidence that his advice is not only proven but also replicable.
What Makes the Book Unique
Unlike generic motivational books, Crack Civil Services in First Attempt is a practical strategy manual that:
- Explains what to study and what not to study.
- Encourages smart study methods over blind hard work.
- Focuses on self-awareness and intentional preparation.
- Provides long-term guidance for the UPSC interview starting from day one.
“Hard work without direction is noise. This book helps transform that noise into a well-structured strategy,” says Divey Sethi.
Challenging the Coaching Culture
One of the most striking aspects of the book is its honest critique of the coaching industry. Sethi emphasizes that over-reliance on commercial coaching centers often misleads aspirants into inefficient study patterns. Instead, he urges candidates to focus on clarity, purpose, and self-discipline.
This makes the book not just a guide but also a mental and strategic framework for exam success.
Updated Insights in the 4th Edition
The latest edition of the book comes with refined strategies for today’s evolving UPSC exam format. Key additions include:
- Guidance on choosing the right optional subject.
- Psychological tools to beat stress and burnout.
- Tips to prepare for interviews from the start of the journey.
- Practical hacks for filtering relevant vs. irrelevant content.
These updates make the book indispensable for serious aspirants who want a competitive edge.
Beyond Books: A Vision for Ethical Leadership
For Divey Sethi, exam preparation is more than just about clearing UPSC—it is about building authentic, ethical leaders for India. With plans for a TEDx Talk, he is preparing to share his philosophy of strategic preparation and mindful leadership with a wider audience.
He has already impacted thousands through his Quora writings, speaking engagements, and earlier editions of his book. His voice resonates because it comes without coaching center bias or commercial motives—only experience and candor.
About the Author
Divey Sethi is not just another civil servant—he is a living example of strategic brilliance and consistency. An IRS officer of the 2014 batch and an IIT Roorkee alumnus, Divey has cracked some of India’s toughest examinations, including IIT JEE, CAT, GRE, GATE, IES, and UPSC CSE (AIR 295, 2013)—a feat few can claim. Today, he serves as Deputy Commissioner, Customs & GST, Kolkata, under the Ministry of Finance, while continuing to inspire thousands of UPSC aspirants with his candid insights and bold strategies. Known for his authentic voice against the commercialization of coaching, Divey blends practical exam hacks with deeper lessons in self-awareness, discipline, and leadership, making him one of the most trusted mentors for civil service aspirants.
🔗 Buy the Book on Amazon
🔗 Divey Sethi – LinkedIn
🔗 Divey Sethi – Quora
Final Thoughts
In an era where aspirants are overwhelmed with excessive study materials and coaching-driven promises, Divey Sethi’s Crack Civil Services in First Attempt offers clarity, structure, and authentic mentorship.
For those who want to clear UPSC with focus and strategy, this book is more than just reading material—it’s a complete preparation guide and mindset manual.
About the Author
