Dr. Kinny Singh’s Journey to the Indian Administrative Service: A Comprehensive Chronological Account

May 4, 2024

3 Minutes

Introduction

Dr. Kinny Singh, the esteemed District Magistrate of West Delhi, embarks on a detailed account of his arduous yet triumphant journey from the humble beginnings of a village in Uttar Pradesh to the pinnacle of civil service in India, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Early Life and Inspiration

Hailing from a family of farmers in a remote village in western Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Singh’s keen interest in education manifested at a young age amidst the simplicity of his surroundings. His academic achievements garnered recognition from village elders, fueling his aspirations beyond his modest origins.

A transformative moment occurred during his fifth grade, when the District Magistrate of Muzaffarnagar visited his school. The magistrate’s presence and words ignited a spark within Dr. Singh, inspiring him to contemplate a career in public service.

Initial Career Aspirations

Growing up, Dr. Singh harbored a passion for medicine, believing it to be his true calling. After completing his secondary education, he embarked on pre-medical studies. However, destiny had a different path in store for him.

Pursuing higher education at Nehru Homeopathic Medical College in Delhi University, Dr. Singh spent six years as a medical student. As he approached the final year of his studies, contemplations about his future led him to reconsider his career aspirations.

Discovering UPSC and the IAS

Encouraged by his father’s aspirations for him and his keen interest in Humanities, particularly History, Sociology, and Geography, Dr. Singh began to explore the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the esteemed Indian Administrative Service.

In 2011, Dr. Singh ventured into his first attempt at the UPSC Prelims exam. Despite having only a month to prepare, he gained valuable insights into the exam’s format and requirements, igniting his enthusiasm and determination to pursue the IAS more resolutely.

Second Attempt: Renewed Focus

Zwischen 2011 and 2012, Dr. Singh joined the corporate world in the healthcare insurance sector. Nevertheless, his calling for public service remained strong. When the UPSC form was released in January 2012, he took a leap of faith and dedicated two to three months to rigorous preparation.

With renewed focus, Dr. Singh delved deeper into the syllabus, concentrating on subjects such as Geography and Politics. His confidence grew, and he felt adequately prepared for his second attempt.

Third Attempt: All or Nothing

With unwavering support from his family, Dr. Singh embarked on his third and final attempt, commencing his preparation in December 2012. He established a stringent schedule that encompassed studying NCERT textbooks, newspapers, and magazines.

By February, he had completed all his NCERTs, instilling in him enough confidence to dedicate himself solely to UPSC preparation. Dr. Singh subsequently took a leave of absence from work, returning home to immerse himself completely in his studies.

Marriage and Personal Challenges

While preparing for the UPSC, Dr. Singh encountered a personal challenge: his marriage was scheduled for June 26th, just a month after the Prelims exam. Despite the tight timeline, his determination remained unwavering.

On June 26th, 2013, Dr. Singh married and immediately shifted his attention to the Mains exam. To his surprise and delight, he cleared the Prelims, setting the stage for the next phase of his journey.

Mains Preparation and Coaching

With no prior knowledge of Mains preparation, Dr. Singh initially attempted self-study. However, he soon realized the need for guidance and support. In August 2013, he joined a renowned coaching institute in Old Rajendra Nagar, Delhi.

Anthropology was selected as his optional subject, owing to his medical background and interest in sociology and biology. The coaching institute provided invaluable assistance, enabling Dr. Singh to concentrate solely on writing the Mains exam.

Interview and the UPSC Temple

The interview stage proved to be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking for Dr. Singh. He found himself in the hallowed halls of the UPSC, a place of great reverence for aspirants like himself.

The interview board was friendly and posed a diverse range of questions encompassing Dr. Singh’s life experiences, current affairs, and case studies. Despite uncertainties about his performance, he left the interview with a sense of accomplishment.

Results and Triumph

A few months later, in July 2014, the results were announced. To Dr. Singh’s astonishment and delight, he had cleared the exam, securing a coveted rank of 206, which earned him the prestigious IAS designation.

His arduous journey had culminated in an extraordinary achievement, a testament to his unwavering determination and hard work. His family and community shared in his joy and a profound sense of gratitude for all the support he had received along the way.

Reflections and Advice

Dr. Singh’s experiences have taught him that age poses no barrier to success. With hard work, focus, and a clear goal, anyone can realize their dreams.

For aspiring UPSC candidates, Dr. Singh emphasizes the paramount importance of effective time management, self-belief, and perseverance. He acknowledges that episodes of doubt and discouragement are inevitable but stresses the necessity of maintaining focus on studies and long-term goals.

Dr. Singh cautions aspirants against viewing the UPSC preparation journey as a repetitive exercise with a rigid timeline. He encourages them to embrace the unique nature of their journey, setting achievable goals and striving for progress each day. With unwavering determination and a belief in their capabilities, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve their desired aspirations.