Govind Jaiswal’s UPSC Preparation: A Tale of Grit, Struggle, Persistence, and Determination

November 7, 2023

10 Minutes

Introduction

In life, there are folks who come from really tough situations and still manage to achieve great things. One such inspiring story is about Govind Jaiswal. He grew up in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and his journey from the streets of Benaras to becoming All India Rank 48 in the UPSC exam in 2006 is truly amazing. Govind’s UPSC preparation journey is a story of hard work, facing challenges, never giving up, and having strong determination.

A Humble Beginning

Govind's life started in Varanasi, a city full of history and culture, where his father worked as a rickshaw operator, while his mother diligently managed the household. They worked tirelessly to make both ends meet, with no inkling that their son would ultimately accomplish something genuinely extraordinary.

As a youngster, Govind would wander through the streets of Banaras with an inquisitive mind. He had grand aspirations and he always thought of going beyond the ordinary existence he observed around him. However, the people around him always suggested that he should follow his father and upgrade to auto-rickshaw driver, as his father drove a cycle-rickshaw.

The Awakening

In the 6th grade, Govind experienced a strange incident which changed his life forever. He realized that society was divided into different groups, and people often judge others based on their family’s background and profession.

Once, he went to a friend's house, and his friend's dad asked him about his father. On telling him his father’s name and profession, he was insulted and told to leave the house, even though he was a topper of his class.

This experience deeply affected him. He went to his teacher and told him everything. The teacher then explained that this discrimination based on people's backgrounds was common in the society. The teacher smiled at Govind’s curiosity and told him there were two ways to break through these barriers: either become a successful businessperson and earn a lot of money or pass the most respected and toughest exam in India called the IAS. That day, little Govind had already made up his mind that he will go for UPSC preparation

The Dream Takes Shape

When Govind was in 6th standard and was just 12 years old, he made a big decision. He decided that he is going to become an IAS officer one day, and even though he had very little knowledge on how to prepare for UPSC, he started to ask around for preparation tips. During this phase, someone advised him that if he wants to do UPSC preparation, he has to read the newspaper every day.

To follow this advice, he convinced a doctor in his neighborhood to give him the newspaper every evening. He would wait for the doctor to come in the evening everyday. Every evening, he would read the newspaper and then give it back to him.

As he reached the 10th grade, Govind started to put more effort into his studies but he always kept his dream a secret. On one hand, he was studying hard and on the other hand his family was expecting him to finish 12th grade and somehow procure an auto-rickshaw, which cost 35,000 rupees back then.

The Path of Dedication

Not giving up in the face of problems, Govind managed to save money from the 6th to the 10th grade. He used that money to buy books on General Studies before every summer vacation and studied really hard.

His study space was quite small, just 12 feet by 8 feet, and he had to share it with his family's kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. Despite the limited space, Govind managed to create his own little world and studied diligently under the light of a single lamp. No struggle ever came in the way of his UPSC preparation.

He understood that when you commit yourself to a dream, the universe somehow helps you along the way. While his father’s knowledge was so limited that he thought that jobs like Lekhpal and constable are highest. He didn’t know back then that Govind had his eyes set on a bigger goal. He realized that he needed to finish his academic education before he could fully focus on his dream.

Sacrifices and Determination

Yet, life had more challenges in store for Govind. When his mother passed away, his sister had to leave college during her second year. People suggested that she should take up simple jobs, but Govind had a different approach. He believed there were two ways to respond to such negative situations: either answer them or use that negativity as motivation to achieve your goals.

When he was in the 8th grade, Govind began teaching tuition classes to support his studies. As his father's health declined, he took on a part-time job as a salesman at a shoe store, earning just 150 rupees as his salary. As time passed, Govind's ambitions grew and his UPSC preparation became intense.

The Pursuit of Knowledge

Reaching graduation was a big deal for Govind. He asked for two more years of study, which surprised his father because he didn't know much about what came next. Then, during an orientation camp, Govind learned about the schema of UPSC preparation and decided he wanted to move to Delhi to pursue it. But there was a big problem: money.

Still, Govind didn't give up and asked his father for help. Even though his father was a simple man with very limited education, he believed in his son's dream. So, he sold his only possession to give Govind 40,000 rupees for his journey.

In Delhi, Govind rented a tiny room under a set of stairs. It was just 7 feet by 3 feet, barely big enough for a bed. At that time, he weighed only 42 kilograms. Govind didn’t care for his health or comfort, all he thought about was his goal.

The Uphill Battle of UPSC Preparation

When Govind reached Delhi, he faced a lot of difficulties. His father's foot got severely infected and needed medical care while his sister was going through marital problems. Despite all these personal problems, Govind had just two years to fulfill his childhood dream.

With unwavering determination, Govind made a plan. He divided his study time into 167 topics, giving himself only 2.5 days for each topic to study, review, and remember.

He carefully calculated all his expenses and figured out that he needed 2,400 rupees every month. To save money, he stopped buying new clothes and ate less food. Meanwhile, his father's health got even worse, and he couldn't pull a rickshaw anymore. Instead, he started to repair rickshaws to make a living.

Just like Govind, you might find it challenging to answer the question, "Which is the Best IAS Coaching in India?" Make your choice wisely and consider factors such as reputation, success rates, faculty expertise, and personalized learning approaches to find the most suitable option.

The Power of Dedication in UPSC Preparation

Govind's dedication during his UPSC preparation was truly exceptional. There was a time when he studied for a straight 72 hours, focusing on his philosophy subject. During those hours, he didn't eat or rest, and it took a toll on his body. After finishing the main exam, he couldn't eat because he got dehydrated and his intestines got stuck. It took him another 6 months to come back to normal diet.

When he returned home, he found out that his father's wound had gotten worse because of a bad surgery. Govind was worried about not passing the exam, so he went back to Delhi after a short break. He always evaluated himself critically, which motivated him to do even better than he expected. And his hard work paid off when the results for the main exam were announced, and he passed.

The Transformation

When Govind was getting ready for the interview, everyone was happy that he was appearing for the interview in his first attempt but he was still tense because had no proper clothes to wear. He borrowed shoes from a friend but for clothes he had to reach out his sister for some help. He later found out that the 2000 rupees that she gave him was meant for her pregnancy ultrasound and scans in the first trimester. Despite her condition, she risked her life as she had deep faith in his dream.

While Govind faced challenges in obtaining guidance for his UPSC interview, leading coaching institutes in India, including Drishti IAS, offer comprehensive support. With almost every course, Drishti IAS simulates the UPSC interview experience through expert panels, featuring noted mentors like Dr. Vikas Divyakirti. The thoughtfully designedDrishti IAS fees structure, courses, and combo packages at the institute are tailored to meet the diverse needs of every aspirant.

When he went for the interview, he was honest and humble and told the panel that he has never thought what he would do if he doesn’t make it but he has left no stone unturned to qualify. And it turned out to be a success. When the results came out, Govind was told that he had secured All India Rank 48. Everything changed around him and even he was astonished to see that. Relatives he didn't even know started calling him, and he realized that he had broken through the social barriers he had been warned about.

The Power of Dedication in UPSC Preparation

Govind's dedication during his UPSC preparation was truly exceptional. There was a time when he studied for a straight 72 hours, focusing on his philosophy subject. During those hours, he didn't eat or rest, and it took a toll on his body. After finishing the main exam, he couldn't eat because he got dehydrated and his intestines got stuck. It took him another 6 months to come back to normal diet.

The Realization of a Dream

The shine in his father's eyes and the newfound respect he received from everyone made Govind believe that had achieved what he dreamt of 10 years ago. His story is an inspiration to all, a testament that with grit, determination, dedication, and perseverance, one can overcome any adversity.

Conclusion

In a world filled with inspiring tales, Govind Jaiswal's UPSC preparation journey stands as a shining example of the incredible power of utmost determination. His narrative isn't just a story of success; it's a potent reminder that as long as you persist and refuse to surrender, your dreams can absolutely become a reality.

Click here to know more about IAS Govind Jaiswal's UPSC Journey.