Overcoming Challenges in UPSC Preparation for Triumph: The Pawan Kumar Kumawat Way.

November 9, 2023

6 Minutes

Introduction

Inspirational stories often emerge from the most unexpected and humble beginnings. Pawan Kumar Kumawat's journey from a remote village in Rajasthan to his UPSC preparation and securing the 551st rank in the UPSC CSE 2021 is a tale of unparalleled perseverance and resilience. Let's delve deeper into the incredible life of Pawan Kumar Kumawat.

The Foundation

Pawan Kumar was born and raised in Somana, a small village in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan. His father, a truck driver, and his mother, a homemaker, laid the foundation of his upbringing. He completed his early education from his local village school, and despite the limited resources, he displayed immense potential.

After completing his schooling, Pawan graduated from the Government Dental College in Jaipur. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey off UPSC preparation that would inspire many.

The Spark of Inspiration

Pawan's life took a transformative turn when he came across the story of Govind Jaiswal, the son of a rickshaw driver who defied all odds to successfully crack the UPSC exam. The story of Govind Jaiswal's resilience touched Pawan, and he realized that he, too, could achieve greatness despite the challenging circumstances he hailed from.

Pawan firmly believed that the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), often perceived as an exclusive club, should be accessible to individuals from all backgrounds, including those who hailed from backward areas or classes.

Lessons from Childhood

During his formative years in the village, Pawan's father engaged in the family's hereditary craft of crafting clay utensils. It was during these moments that Pawan's father imparted invaluable life lessons to his son. In the absence of electricity during the nights, he recited several inspiring stories that left a lasting impact on Pawan.

These stories introduced Pawan to extraordinary individuals who had overcome obstacles, which seemed undefeatable, to achieve their goals. Figures like Dr B. R. Ambedkar, Helen Keller, and Dr Lal Bahadur Shastri became a source of inspiration and strength for Pawan during his most challenging moments.

Helen Keller's remarkable journey, particularly, left a permanent mark on his heart. Her determination to pursue education despite being deaf and blind became a guiding light for Pawan during his toughest days.

Taking a Leap

Recognizing Pawan's academic ability, the villagers noticed his potential and informed his father. In response, his father made a crucial decision. He decided to relocate from the village and admitted Pawan to a school in Nagaur. This move came at a great cost, as his father had to transition from utensil-making to truck driving to support Pawan's education. However, it was a price he was willing to pay for Pawan's dreams.

Trials and Triumphs

In 2012, Pawan proudly graduated from college with a burning desire to crack the UPSC exam on his very first attempt. However, despite his intense efforts and relentless UPSC preparation, he fell short of the mark. This initial setback dealt a severe blow to his confidence, but it didn't break his spirit.

Pawan took on multiple attempts to achieve his goal but success remained elusive. At one stage, he took a brief break from his UPSC aspirations and turned his attention to the Rajasthan State Services examination, where he got recommended. Yet, the UPSC continued to be the ultimate dream.

In the face of daunting challenges, Pawan Kumar Kumawat's resilience prevailed. He returned to his UPSC dreams with renewed determination, and in 2021, he achieved the success he had worked so tirelessly for.

Pawan’s Winning Strategies

Pawan Kumar Kumawat's UPSC preparation journey is not just about unwavering determination but also the unique strategies he employed to navigate the complexities of the UPSC examination. Here are some of his key recommendations:

Prelims

• For the preliminary stage, he emphasizes focusing on the broader aspects of each subject, rather than getting lost in intricate details.
• He categorized the preliminary subjects into distinct parts: History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Environment, Science and Technology, and Current Affairs.
• To build a strong foundation, he relied on reference books like old NCERTs and Spectrum. For Art and Culture, Nitin Singhania's book was a valuable resource.
• When it came to staying updated with current affairs, he advocated the 'one newspaper, one magazine' approach.
• In the month leading up to the preliminary exams, he advised students to refrain from learning new material and instead focus on revising and fine-tuning their knowledge.

Mains

• Pawan underscores the importance of creating concise, to-the-point notes for the main examination.
• He believes that consistent practice in answer writing is crucial for success.
• To assess one's own progress, he recommends comparing your answers with those of the top-performing candidates.
• While detailed note-making may not be as crucial for the preliminary stage, it is of paramount importance for the mains examination.

Interview

• Pawan also emphasizes the significance of practicing for the interview stage. Forming a group with fellow aspirants for mock interviews is highly recommended.
• He suggests recording mock interviews and reviewing them to identify areas for improvement.

The Source of Inspiration

Pawan Kumar Kumawat found his guiding light in a memorable dialogue from an inspirational Bollywood movie called "Manjhi." The main character passionately declares,

" Jab Tak Todenge Nahi, Tab Tak Chodenge Nahi, "

which translates to "I won't let go until I crack it." This resounding statement echoed in Pawan's mind throughout his journey.

Key Takeaways

Pawan's journey taught him valuable life lessons that are not limited to competitive examinations.

Patience: Pawan's journey taught him valuable life lessons that are not limited to competitive examinations.

" कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। "
" Do your duty and don't think about the outcome. "

Perseverance: Just as a cricket match can turn in the last over, life, too, can take unexpected turns. Pawan's journey is a testament to the power of unwavering resolve.

Stress Management: To achieve success, Pawan encourages individuals to find stress-relieving hobbies like yoga or meditation. His own experience, culminating in success nearly a decade after graduation, underscores the importance of managing stress effectively.

Conclusion

Pawan Kumar Kumawat's story is not just one of determination but a testament to the human spirit's ability to conquer even the most daunting challenges. His UPSC preparation journey from a small village to achieving the rank of 551 in the UPSC CSE serves as a inspiration for all, reminding us that with unwavering resolve, we can overcome any obstacle in our path.