The UPSC Civil Services Examination has been made into something mystical, beyond the reach of the ordinary mortal. It is touted as one of the most difficult exams in the world; and we are told it is impossible to pass without coaching, without mentors, guides and sundry experts. Join Sunil Oberoi as he attempts to demystify the exam, make the entire process intelligible, and starting with the syllabus, break down the whole thing into manageable, meaningful parts. His attempt will include his own experience as a one-time aspirant, and the experiences of many of his colleagues from various services, and his later experiences as an examiner for multiple exams as well as being the government nominee on various interview boards. It will also include his take on where aspirants go wrong and why they feel bogged down in the course of their study. Sunil Oberoi is an IAS officer of the 1984 batch, and has worked in various capacities in the Government and in international organizations. During the course of his service, he has closely worked on in-service training of civil servants, civil service reform, urban development, gender issues, disaster management, internal security issues and of course, governance.