Prahlad Narayan Sharma’s Journey to UPSC Success: Overcoming Obstacles and Triumphing in Hindi Medium

May 8, 2024

3 Minutes

Prahlad Narayan Sharma, a native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, emerged as a beacon of hope for Hindi medium aspirants when he secured the 104th rank in the prestigious UPSC examination in 2021. His journey towards this remarkable achievement was not without its share of challenges, but his unwavering determination and resilience ultimately led him to triumph.

Early Education and Financial Constraints

Prahlad’s early educational experiences were shaped by financial limitations. After attending a private school until the fifth grade, he transitioned to a government school for his 10th-grade education due to the financial constraints faced by his farmer father and their large family of five brothers.

Discovery of Passion in Jaipur

While attending the government school in Jaipur, Prahlad discovered a contrasting environment that nurtured his passion for current affairs and journalism. The relaxed atmosphere allowed him to explore his interests, and he immersed himself in reading The Hindu and Dainik Jagran, two renowned newspapers that ignited his curiosity.

Medical and Agricultural Education

After completing his secondary education, Prahlad embarked on a path towards medical studies but was unable to secure a seat. Undeterred, he pursued and completed his graduation in agriculture, followed by a postgraduate degree from the esteemed Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Delhi.

Unsuccessful Attempts and Setbacks

In 2018, Prahlad made his first attempt at the UPSC exam, but he encountered a setback during the prelims stage. This disappointment did not deter him, and he embarked on a journey of introspection and analysis. He recognized the importance of comprehensive syllabus preparation and balanced time allocation to each subject.

Breakthrough in 2021

Armed with renewed determination and a refined strategy, Prahlad approached the 2021 exam with meticulous planning. He delved into previous year’s question papers, identifying core topics and the intricacies of how questions were framed. Short notes from NCERT and standard books became his trusted companions, boosting his confidence.

Overcoming CSAT Challenges

In previous attempts, Prahlad had neglected CSAT preparation. This time, he dedicated significant time to solving practice papers and studying original UPSC question papers with answer keys. This rigorous approach enabled him to master the required skills for this component of the exam.

Pressure Management

Prahlad understood that UPSC exams are designed to test candidates under immense pressure. The vast syllabus and challenging question patterns are intended to push students to their limits. However, he learned to navigate this pressure with composure and remained focused on delivering his best performance.

Mains Preparation

For the Mains stage of the exam, Prahlad prioritized clarity and comprehension in his answers. He practiced writing within the prescribed word limit and diligently gathered data from credible sources such as reports and indexes. This unwavering commitment to detail and accuracy enabled him to provide comprehensive and well-substantiated responses.

Interview Preparation

Prahlad meticulously analyzed his Detailed Application Form (DAF), identifying areas where his background, education, and hobbies could intersect with potential interview questions. This thoughtful preparation allowed him to confidently respond to the diverse questions posed during his interview.

Importance of Discipline, Consistency, and Courage

Throughout his arduous journey, Prahlad emphasized the paramount importance of discipline, consistency, and unwavering courage. Despite setbacks and challenges, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of success. His message to aspiring civil servants, especially those from Hindi medium backgrounds, is one of perseverance and unwavering belief in oneself. By embracing these principles and maintaining continuity and consistency in their preparation, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams of serving society through the esteemed civil service of India.