Pawan Kumar's UPSC Journey (Part-2) : A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving Success 

May 4, 2024

3 Minutes

Introduction

The author, Pawan Kumar, embarked on a remarkable journey that culminated in securing the highly coveted 239th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. This in-depth account chronicles his humble beginnings, educational pursuits, and the unwavering determination that ultimately led to his triumph.

Early Life and Educational Foundation

Hailing from Raghunathpur village in Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh, Pawan’s early education was marked by challenges. The unsatisfactory quality of education at his village primary school prompted his maternal uncle to bring him to Roopwas Pachgaon, where he completed his primary education.

Despite the separation from his family, Pawan harbored a burning desire for education. Recognizing his potential, teachers at his school instilled in him the belief that he could aspire to become an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer.

In 2010, Pawan passed the Navodaya Vidyalaya entrance exam and joined Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya. This proved to be a transformative experience, as he interacted with high-achieving students from diverse backgrounds.

Initially struggling academically, Pawan faced challenges with the CBSE board and the medium of instruction being English. However, with determination and the support of seniors and teachers, he gradually improved.

The Importance of Exposure

Through his experiences at Navodaya Vidyalaya, Pawan realized the profound impact of exposure to diverse perspectives. Teachers who had prepared for civil services or were familiar with the examination provided guidance and inspiration.

Choosing a Career Path

Influenced by trends observed among UPSC toppers, Pawan decided to pursue a B.Tech degree with the intention of later preparing for the Civil Services Examination. Despite scoring 89% in class 12th, his IIT JEE score was insufficient to gain admission to a top college.

Financial constraints led Pawan to explore alternative options, including B.Sc. or BA degrees. Ultimately, he chose BA as it offered a syllabus that aligned well with the UPSC Civil Services Examination. He pursued subjects such as Geography, Political Science, and Ancient History.

Challenges and Determination

Despite his academic pursuits, Pawan felt pressure to secure employment after completing class 12th. He applied for the X and Y groups of the Air Force and Navy. However, deep down, he remained committed to his goal of becoming a civil servant.

When the day of the X and Y group exams approached, Pawan chose not to appear. He confided in his family about his decision to focus on the Civil Services Examination. While initially disappointed, they eventually agreed to support him for another three years.

Graduation and Coaching

Pawan completed his BA from Allahabad University, where he encountered students who shared his aspirations. Recognizing the need for coaching in the optional subject, he arranged for it through his aunt’s financial assistance.

Challenges with the Syllabus

Pawan encountered difficulties with the Humanity syllabus and initially struggled in his optional subject. He switched to English as the medium of instruction and dedicated significant time to reading newspapers and improving his language proficiency.

Preparing for Prelims

In his second year of BA, Pawan began serious preparation for the Civil Services Examination. He studied the syllabus thoroughly and familiarized himself with the sources used by previous toppers.

The Role of Support

Throughout his preparation, Pawan received unwavering support from his family and friends. They recognized his sacrifices and helped him maintain a positive outlook.

2021 Prelims Attempt

The 2021 Prelims exam was Pawan’s first attempt. Despite limited time to cover the vast syllabus, he gave it his all. While he scored close to the cut-off mark for General Studies (GS), he fell short in CSAT by just one mark.

Re-strategising

After his failure, Pawan analyzed the reasons and identified areas that needed improvement. He realized that he lacked the time and environment conducive to effective study. With the support of his family, he decided to move to Delhi for further preparation.

Staying in Delhi

In October 2021, Pawan arrived in Mukherjee Nagar, a hub for UPSC preparation. He witnessed the vast resources and coaching facilities available but remained focused on his goal. He connected with friends who provided guidance and support.

Focus on CSAT

Identifying his previous CSAT mistakes, Pawan devised a plan to strengthen his reasoning and mathematics abilities. He realized that he had taken the Maths and Reasoning portions of the paper for granted, leading to his downfall.

A Year of Preparation

In Delhi, Pawan dedicated himself to a rigorous study routine. He immersed himself in the exam material, attended mock tests, and sought guidance from mentors and tutors.

Mains Examination

In 2022, Pawan appeared for the Mains Examination and felt confident in his performance. He focused on critical analysis, time management, and clarity in expression, drawing upon the lessons learned from his previous attempt.

Interview and Final Result

Pawan passed the Mains Examination and progressed to the interview stage. He meticulously prepared for the interview, seeking insights from experienced individuals and practicing his responses.

On May 31, 2023, Pawan received the news that he had secured rank 239 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. It was a moment of immense joy and validation of his years of hard work and sacrifice.

Conclusion

Through his unwavering determination, the support of his loved ones, and a methodical approach to preparation, Pawan Kumar achieved his dream of becoming an IAS officer. His journey serves as a testament to the fact that with persistence and a belief in oneself, anyone can overcome obstacles and fulfill their aspirations.