From IT to Public Sector: My Journey from TCS to GST Inspector

A journey that took six years of continuous preparation, passion, and perseverance, I am happy to share my experience of transitioning from working as a software engineer at TCS to becoming a GST Inspector with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Custom (CBIC). This article chronicles my path through the challenges of balancing career and preparation, ultimately achieving my dream of working in the public sector.

Embarking on a New Chapter

Ashok Madireddy recently graduated from Gayatri Vidya Parishad College of Engineering, Vizag. After successfully completing a campus drive at TCS in Hyderabad in July 2015, he began his journey with utmost enthusiasm and camaraderie. However, by 2017, he faced increasing frustration with the sedentary nature of his job and the high work pressure. Fueled by this dissatisfaction and a hunger for a change, he decided to pursue a career in the government sector by preparing for the Staff Selection Commission Combined Competitive Examination (CGL).

Preparation and Opportunities

With a gut feeling that s/he could achieve this goal with proper preparation and strategy, Ashok began his preparation for the CGL 2018. Around May of the same year, he was given an on-site opportunity to travel to Italy and Sweden, which provided him an invaluable break from his rigid IT job to enhance his preparation. Despite the difficulties, he managed to balance his work and preparation for the CHSL 2018 and CGL 2018.

Although s/he cleared all tiers of the CGL 2018 exam, s/he was unable to secure the coveted inspector role, for which s/he had always harbored a great aspiration. Disappointed but not disheartened, s/he resumed preparation for the CGL 2019, which became even more challenging with the extended work-from-home period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, s/he was successful, scoring 633 out of 700 in the final examination. However, the journey to achieving his goal was not without challenges. The court case delayed the results, but eventually, s/he was elated to receive his selection as a GST Inspector on April 8, 2022.

Reasons for the Change

Several factors influenced Ashok's decision to switch from the corporate sector to the public sector. Firstly, the desire for social security and social respect was paramount. Secondly, the work-life balance in the public sector promised a more fulfilling life outside of professional commitments. Finally, his hard work during preparation paid off, which he attributes to the constant motivation derived from his parents' arduous labor in the agricultural field.

Preparation Timeline and Tips

Timeline: Applied for CGL 2019 - October 2019 Tier-1 - March 2020 Tier-2 - November 2020 Tier-3 - November 2020 Document Verification (CPT) - September 2021 Tentative Final Result Date - February 2022 Court Case - March 2022 Final Result - April 8, 2022

Advice: For all those preparing for the SSC CGL, Ashok imparts that one must try hard and have more patience than initially expected. Success usually comes with a little more effort and time than anticipated.

Conclusion

This journey through preparing for and achieving the desired career change is a testament to the power of motivation, resilience, and grit. Whether it be through the Marshmallow Experiment, personality development, pep talks, or understanding the Murphy's Law, this journey will inspire both aspiring candidates and those looking to navigate the challenges of career transitions. It is a story of never giving up and believing in oneself.

Thank you for reading my post.

Keywords: TCS, SSC CGL, GST Inspector