Category Manager UPSC & State PCS

Company Description

Arihant Publications India Ltd., with over two decades of experience, has been a trusted leader in the Indian education sector, empowering students and aspirants with top-quality content. As the leading publisher for Entrance Exams, School Curriculum, and Competitive & Recruitment Exam books, the company consistently delivers innovative and precise learning solutions. Backed by expert authors and rigorous research, Arihant Publications sets industry benchmarks while keeping pace with evolving exam patterns. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, growth, and creativity, Arihant provides an enabling environment for professionals passionate about shaping the future of education.

Role Description

Category Manager

Key Responsibilities

1. Product Strategy & Ideation

• Conceptualize and launch innovative print and digital products tailored for UPSC (Pre & Mains) and various State PCS exams.
• Analyze changing exam patterns, syllabi, and student pain points to identify gaps in the current market.
• Develop a robust product roadmap that aligns with upcoming exam cycles.

2. Content Excellence & Quality Assurance

• Take 100% responsibility

   for the development of error-free, high-quality content.
• Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, ensuring strict adherence to timelines and quality standards.
• Ensure all content is pedagogically sound and aligned with the latest trends in civil services preparation.

3. Digital Offerings & Systems

• Lead the development of digital learning solutions (mock tests, video courses, e-books) to complement print titles.
• Create systems and workflows to integrate physical books with digital supplements.

4. Market Intelligence & Strategy

• Identify emerging trends in the EdTech and publishing space regarding competitive exams.
• Formulate and execute marketing strategies to position our products as the "go-to" resources for aspirants.
• Monitor competitor activity and pricing to maintain a competitive edge.

5. Author & Mentor Network

• Build and manage a prestigious pool of authors, subject matter experts, and mentors specifically for State PCS and UPSC.
• Negotiate with and onboard top faculty and civil servants to contribute to our content ecosystem.

Ideal Candidature (The Persona)

We are looking for a "Scholar-Leader"—someone who has been in the trenches of UPSC preparation but has evolved into a business leader.

1. Academic & Exam Background (Non-Negotiable)

• Must have faced the UPSC Interview/Personality Test.

   We require someone who has cleared Mains and understands the depth of knowledge required at the highest level.
• Deep familiarity with the syllabus and nuances of both UPSC and major State PCS exams (UPPCS, BPSC, MPPSC, RAS, etc.).

2. Professional Experience

• Total Experience:

   5–7 years in the Education, EdTech, or Publishing domain with a focus on Competitive Exams.

• Leadership:

   Must have worked in a 

  Senior Management role for at least 3 years

  , managing teams and product P&L.
• Demonstrated success in launching new products or categories from scratch.

3. Skills & Competencies

• Market Pulse:

   An intuitive understanding of what a student needs today versus what they needed 5 years ago.

• Zero-Error Mindset:

   An obsession with accuracy; in this domain, a single factual error can damage brand reputation.

• Digital Savviness:

   Ability to bridge the gap between traditional books and modern digital learning tools (LMS/Apps).

Location:

Compensation:

Experience Level: