For thousands of young Indians, cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a dream that demands years of relentless effort, sacrifice, and patience. While many falter under its sheer difficulty, some refuse to give up. One such name is Vishal Narwade, an IIT graduate who failed the UPSC exam five times before finally securing an All India Rank of 91 on his sixth attempt and fulfilling his dream of becoming an IAS officer.
THE EARLY YEARS AND THE UPSC CALLING
Hailing from the Latur district of Maharashtra, Vishal was a bright student from the start. He pursued B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from IIT Jabalpur, a prestigious institute known for shaping the careers of India’s top engineers. While studying, he realized that his true calling lay beyond corporate life—he wanted to serve the country by joining the civil services. That realization set him on a path that would test his patience and self-belief like never before.
FAILURES, SETBACKS, AND THE FIRST BREAKTHROUGH
The UPSC exam is notorious for its unpredictability. Despite being an IIT graduate, Vishal struggled to clear the exam five times in a row. Each failure could have shattered his confidence, but he refused to back down. Instead of getting discouraged, he analyzed his mistakes, refined his strategy, and kept pushing forward.
His efforts bore fruit in 2016 when he cleared the UPSC exam and became an IPS officer. Though it was a huge achievement, Vishal wasn’t satisfied. His ultimate goal was the Indian Administrative Service, and he wasn’t ready to stop until he got there.
THE SIXTH ATTEMPT AND THE IAS DREAM REALIZED
Three years after becoming an IPS officer, Vishal appeared for the UPSC exam again in 2019. This time, he finally made it to the IAS, securing 91st rank in his sixth attempt. The moment was nothing short of life-changing. Years of struggle, long hours of studying, and countless sacrifices had finally paid off.
WHAT KEPT HIM GOING?
For many UPSC aspirants, multiple failures can be disheartening. Vishal’s journey, however, is a reminder that success comes to those who refuse to quit. He strongly advises students to:
- Avoid comparisons: Everyone’s journey is unique, and measuring oneself against others only leads to unnecessary stress.
- Stick to a plan: Constantly changing study materials or preparation strategies can be counterproductive.
- Believe in oneself: Confidence and self-motivation are key to overcoming setbacks.
AN INSPIRATION FOR FUTURE CIVIL SERVANTS
Vishal Narwade’s story is not just about clearing an exam—it’s about relentless effort, staying strong in the face of repeated failures, and never losing sight of the goal. His journey from an IIT graduate to an IPS officer and finally an IAS officer serves as a powerful message to every aspirant who has ever doubted themselves after a setback.
His success proves that it’s not about how many times you fail—it’s about how many times you rise and try again.
