The journey of a civil servant begins the moment they are selected, not after training.
A Gentle Reminder for Future Leaders
The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) has issued an important advisory for the newly selected candidates of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024.
The message was clear: you are not just individuals anymore; you are the future face of the Indian State. Your behavior — both online and offline — must mirror the values of integrity, dignity, and discipline that define public service.
Key Highlights of the Advisory
Here’s what the candidates were specifically asked to keep in mind:
| Aspect | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Social Media Behavior | Exercise extreme caution; avoid impulsive or controversial posts. |
| Personal Conduct | Uphold dignity, humility, and integrity at all times. |
| Public Interaction | Be courteous, respectful, and empathetic toward all, especially vulnerable groups. |
| Lifestyle Choices | Lead a healthy, disciplined life in preparation for rigorous training. |
| Appearance | Dress modestly and suitably for the occasion. |
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
While the Academy encouraged the use of technology and AI for improving governance and service delivery, it placed a strong emphasis on ethical and responsible digital behavior.
Candidates were reminded:
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Every post matters — even a casual comment can have long-term repercussions.
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Think before you post — pause and assess the impact of your words or images.
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Avoid controversial or impulsive content — it’s not worth the risk.
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Self-promotion is discouraged — let your work speak for itself.
Public Behavior: Always Under Scrutiny
The note highlighted a reality every civil servant must accept:
“You are constantly under public scrutiny.”
Future officers were urged to:
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Be polite, respectful, and fair while dealing with the public, government officials, and elected representatives.
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Show compassion and sensitivity, especially when dealing with vulnerable sections of society.
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Embody the motto “Sheelam Param Bhushanam” — Character is the supreme embellishment — in every action.
Essential Behavioral Expectations
The advisory listed clear do’s and don’ts:
Uphold Gender Sensitivity
Demonstrate Punctuality
Maintain Civic Manners and Hygiene
Reject Gifts and Inducements
Refrain from Public Consumption of Intoxicants
Dress Modestly and Appropriately
In short:
The expectation isn’t perfection — it’s about striving for integrity and dignity every single day.
Preparing for the Road Ahead
The Academy also nudged the selected candidates to adopt a healthier and more disciplined lifestyle immediately.
This preparation will be crucial for handling the physically and mentally demanding training sessions that await them at LBSNAA.
“Your journey as a civil servant has already begun — start living up to it today.”
FAQs
1. Why is there so much focus on social media behavior for selected candidates?
Social media posts can easily be misinterpreted, misused, or go viral — impacting not just personal reputation, but the dignity of the service as a whole.
2. Can selected candidates still post on social media?
Yes, but they must do so responsibly — avoiding impulsive, controversial, or self-promotional content that could reflect poorly on their future roles.
3. What happens if a candidate violates these guidelines before training?
While no specific penalties were detailed, such behavior could be taken seriously and may impact their reputation, evaluations during training, and future career progression.
4. What lifestyle changes are suggested before joining LBSNAA?
Candidates are advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle — regular exercise, disciplined routines, and personal hygiene — to prepare for the Academy’s intensive physical and academic programs.
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