Shubhankar Pratyush Pathak’s Extraordinary Journey: From Aspiring Engineer to UPSC Rank 11

May 16, 2024

3 Minutes

Introduction

Shubhankar Pratyush Pathak, the author of this article, embarked on an extraordinary journey that culminated in his exceptional achievement of securing the 11th rank in the coveted Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2021. This remarkable success, achieved in his first attempt, is a testament to his unwavering determination and the transformative power of perseverance.

Early Influences and the Spark of Ignition

During his secondary education, Pathak’s inclinations towards mathematics overshadowed his interest in social sciences. Despite his father’s distinguished career as a civil servant, Pathak initially pursued electrical engineering at the prestigious IIT Dhanbad. However, during his second year of college, a realization dawned upon him. He reconnected with his childhood dream of following in his father’s footsteps and resolved to attempt the CSE, albeit with a sense of trepidation. His first efforts at self-study proved challenging, leading him to seek guidance from an online coaching center.

Rigorous Preparation and the Path to Prelims

With renewed vigor, Pathak dedicated himself to rigorous daily study sessions of eight to ten hours. He meticulously divided his time between General Studies (GS) and his optional subject, mathematics. His confidence steadily grew as he systematically covered the vast syllabus.

As the Prelims exam approached, Pathak’s thorough preparation paid dividends. He secured a seat for the Mains exam, a significant milestone in the competitive CSE process.

Honing Writing Skills and Overcoming Challenges

The two-month interregnum between the Prelims and Mains provided Pathak with an opportunity to refine his answer-writing skills. He actively participated in live answer-writing sessions to enhance his time management and content delivery.

With the Mains exam on the horizon, Pathak focused on strengthening his weaker areas. Upon the announcement of the results, he had the privilege of participating in mock interviews, preparing himself for the final and most crucial stage of the CSE process.

The Moment of Truth: Interview

On April 6th, 2022, Pathak faced the UPSC interview panel with a combination of nerves and unwavering confidence. He answered each question with honesty and eloquence, drawing upon his personal experiences and knowledge. The atmosphere lightened when he shared a Kishore Kumar song with the board members, showcasing his versatility and composure under pressure.

Receiving the News and the Path Ahead

The result, when it arrived on June 30th, was both surreal and overwhelmingly joyous. Pathak’s rank of 11 was a resounding affirmation of his countless hours of hard work and sacrifice. The feeling of elation was beyond words.

As he embarks on his career as a civil servant, Pathak is determined to make a meaningful contribution to society. He is deeply grateful for the support of his family and mentors who believed in him throughout his journey.

Lessons Learned and a Call to Action

Through his remarkable journey, Pathak has gleaned valuable lessons that he shares with aspiring candidates:

• Prepare with the Right Mindset: Avoid societal pressures and tailor your preparation strategy to your unique strengths and weaknesses.
• Read Smart: Stick to the core materials and supplement them with class notes.
• Practice Answer Writing: Develop your ability to articulate your thoughts concisely and effectively.
• Do Not Underestimate Yourself: Believe in your abilities and do not be daunted by the difficulty of the exam.

Inspired by his own story, Pathak has joined hands with an initiative to provide financial support and mentorship to underprivileged students who aspire to excel in prestigious exams like the UPSC. By empowering future generations, he aims to make a lasting impact on society.

In conclusion, Pathak’s journey to UPSC success is not merely a story of passing an examination. It is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the world. Pathak invites aspiring candidates to embark on this extraordinary journey with unwavering determination, knowing that anything is possible with hard work and the right mindset.