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How Did Karan Pareek Start Working With IAS Officers Without Clearing UPSC
Can a student work with the government system without becoming an IAS officer or clearing a government examination? This is one of the most searched career questions among young professionals today.
In the latest EduAdvice Podcast, Karan Pareek answered this question through his own unconventional journey from a Computer Science graduate to a public policy consultant working closely with government institutions and IAS officers.
Karan revealed that his journey did not begin with a competitive exam or a powerful connection. Instead, it started during the COVID period when he noticed serious governance challenges in his city. While most people discussed the problems from a distance, he decided to directly approach the Municipal Commissioner with practical ideas and execution plans.
Complete Q&A Below
In the latest EduAdvice Podcast, Karan Pareek shared how he built a career working with government institutions and IAS officers without clearing any government examination or having political connections.
During the conversation, Karan explained that his journey began during the COVID period when he identified governance-related problems in his city and directly approached the Municipal Commissioner with practical solutions. According to him, young people should focus less on “finding jobs” and more on “solving problems.”
Q. How did you enter the government system without exams?
Karan said he believed administrative officers are open to genuine ideas if approached with confidence, research, and practical execution plans. Instead of using political channels, he chose to work directly with the administrative system.
“If you can solve real problems, the system will eventually make space for you,” he said during the podcast.
Q. How did Computer Science help you in governance work?
Although he studied Computer Science Engineering, Karan always had an interest in governance, debates, and public systems. He believed technology would become central to governance through initiatives like Digital India and Aadhaar, which motivated him to pursue a technical background.
He added that engineers naturally become strong problem-solvers, a skill that helped him transition into public policy and governance consulting.
Q. What does your work actually involve?
Karan currently works as a third-party consultant helping government institutions improve governance and implement projects effectively. His work includes project planning, policy interventions, implementation strategies, and monitoring outcomes on the ground.
He also highlighted the demanding nature of public service, saying government-related work often requires 24x7 commitment, high accountability, and field-level execution under pressure.
Q. What is a “Portfolio Career”?
One of the key topics discussed in the podcast was the rise of “Portfolio Careers.”
Karan explained that unlike traditional jobs, portfolio careers allow professionals to work on multiple projects and with different institutions simultaneously. According to him, this model offers flexibility, financial stability, and broader learning opportunities.
Karan Pareek’s Message for Students
Ending the conversation, Karan Pareek encouraged students to step out into the real world and observe problems that need solutions.
“There are thousands of problems waiting to be solved. If you are a problem solver, create your own path,” he said.
The EduAdvice Podcast episode highlights how modern career paths are evolving beyond traditional exams and fixed job roles, opening new opportunities for young professionals with the right skills, confidence, and vision.
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