An Inspiring Journey of Animesh Pradhan: From Coal Mines to UPSC Topper

May 30, 2024

4 Minutes

Animesh Pradhan’s Extraordinary Path to Success

Animesh Pradhan’s remarkable journey to becoming the second-ranked UPSC Civil Services Examination topper is a testament to his indomitable spirit, unwavering determination, and exceptional academic abilities. Hailing from the humble coal mines region of Talcher, Orissa, Animesh’s roots were planted in the depths of India’s heartland.

The Genesis of a Dream

The seed of public service was sown deep within Animesh’s heart during his tender years. Inspired by his father’s unwavering belief in the power of public service, Animesh harbored the aspiration to become an IAS officer. This dream took root within him, fueling his determination to excel throughout his academic pursuits.

Academic Excellence in Science and Humanities

Animesh’s intellectual prowess manifested itself through his remarkable achievements in both science and humanities. He excelled in his PCMB studies during high school, earning commendable marks and ranks in both NEET and JEE examinations. However, recognizing the intensive time requirements of medical studies, he opted to pursue a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering at the prestigious NIT Rourkela.

Challenges and Triumphs

Life took an unexpected turn for Animesh when his father passed away during his 11th grade. Amidst this profound loss, his mother emerged as a pillar of strength and unwavering support, assuming the mantle of both parental roles. Her love and guidance shaped Animesh’s character and resilience, propelling him towards academic excellence at NIT Rourkela, where he earned a reputation as a skilled computer science engineer and an exceptional academic achiever.

A Divergence of Paths

Despite his academic success, Animesh’s passion for the humanities burned brightly within him. Upon graduating in 2021, he secured a job in Indian Oil Corporation through campus placement. However, fate had a different path in store for him. In December 2021, his mother was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer.

A Balancing Act

As his mother’s health deteriorated, Animesh found himself juggling the responsibilities of a working professional, a caregiver, and an UPSC aspirant. He made the heartfelt decision to embark on his UPSC preparation in February 2022, with just two years remaining until the exam.

A Strategic Approach

Animesh’s preparation strategy was meticulously crafted, leveraging his strong academic foundation. He had developed a comprehensive understanding of national and international affairs through extensive reading and engagement with current events.

Mains-Oriented Focus

From the outset, Animesh adopted a mains-oriented approach to his preparation. He invested in Laxmikant’s “Indian Polity” for a comprehensive overview and enrolled in a mentorship program for structured guidance. Each week, he meticulously reviewed news headlines and current affairs analysis, synthesizing the information into his mains notes. These notes emphasized data, value addition, and clear articulation of complex concepts.

Rigorous Test-Taking Discipline

Every Sunday, Animesh dedicated 1.5 hours to rigorous test-taking, covering a wide range of topics. This practice allowed him to assess his progress, refine his answer writing skills, and optimize his time management. He completed approximately 50 mains-level tests during this period.

Sociology as Optional Subject

For his optional subject, Animesh chose Sociology. Despite his lack of formal training, he was drawn to the subject’s relevance and the availability of comprehensive resources online. He utilized digital notes, supplemented with Nitin Sangwan’s “Essential Sociology” and value addition from various test series materials.

Prelims Focus

In the months leading up to the Prelims exam, Animesh shifted his focus to exclusively covering the standard resources for Polity, Economy, History, Environment, and Science and Technology. He supplemented his knowledge with current affairs updates and videos. He also enrolled in two test series to assess his readiness and learn from the insights of others.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

The Prelims exam pattern had undergone significant changes, and Animesh initially struggled with the CSAT section. His confidence wavered, and he grappled with the possibility of failure. However, he refused to succumb to doubt and resolved to study diligently until the results were announced.

Triumph in Mains

The Mains exam presented its own challenges. Animesh encountered unfamiliar topics and faced the pressure of writing long-form answers under strict time constraints. However, his meticulous note-making and consistent answer writing practice proved invaluable. He was satisfied with his performance and eagerly awaited the results.

Interview Preparation

With the Mains behind him, Animesh immediately began preparing for the interview. He took mock tests and sought feedback from experienced individuals. On the day of the interview, he experienced a mix of nervousness and excitement, approaching the UPSC building with a sense of awe and determination.

A Momentous Achievement

The interview process flowed smoothly, and Animesh felt confident in his responses. The boards were cordial and made him feel comfortable. He was proud of his accomplishment, although he remained humble and recognized that his journey was not yet complete.

Overcoming Challenges

Animesh’s journey was not without its trials and tribulations. The loss of his father and his mother’s illness were profound challenges that could have derailed his aspirations. However, he drew strength from their memory and found solace in the belief that they would be proud of his achievements.

Fear and Pain

Throughout his preparation, Animesh grappled with the constant fear of failure and the pain of losing his loved ones. However, he held onto the conviction that fear, while uncomfortable, is ultimately more bearable than the pain of regret. He embraced his anxiety and self-doubt as valuable fuel for his unwavering determination.

Conclusion

Animesh Pradhan’s inspiring journey is a testament to the power of aspiration, resilience, and hard work. His path from a coal mines area to the hallowed halls of UPSC is a reminder that any dream can be realized through unwavering effort. His experience serves as a beacon of hope for others to overcome their fears, embrace their dreams, and strive for excellence in all that they do.