For Himanshu Tyagi, the road to the Indian Forest Service was not paved with textbooks alone, but with the resilience forged by a curious mind, a desire to serve, and a deep respect for nature’s tapestry. Hailing from Hapur in Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Tyagi’s journey is a testament to the power of self-belief and a strategic approach, proving that dreams bloom even amidst the concrete jungles of corporate life. Armed with a degree in Chemical Engineering from the prestigious IIT-Roorkee, Himanshu Tyagi began his career at Indian Oil after clearing GATE.

INDIAN OIL TO IFS

However, the call of the wild resonated deep within him. Five years into his corporate life, he made a bold decision, choosing to trade spreadsheets for rustling leaves and boardrooms for towering trees. He cleared UPSC IFS exam with AIR 25 in his second attempt.

The lure of serving the people and nature at the grassroots level propelled him towards the IFS, a service where he could forge a connection with the land and its inhabitants. “It offered the opportunity to be on the ground, working hand-in-hand with communities, understanding their challenges,” Mr. Tyagi told Indian Masterminds.

STRATEGIC APPROACH

His story is not just about personal triumph, but also a beacon of guidance for aspiring civil servants. He emphasizes the importance of meticulous preparation, urging aspirants to deeply understand the exam and tailor their strategy accordingly.

“Aspirants keep on asking about their queries, so I keep on writing about the preparation strategy on my social media handles,” Mr. Tyagi shared. His mantra is simple: research, self-reliance, and timely revision. He advocates for a mindful approach to social media, advising aspirants to use it as a tool, not a distraction.

His own journey serves as an inspiration. He prepared alongside his demanding job, with a focused approach and planned strategy. He turned to Quora, not for shortcuts, but for perspective, using it as a window into the exam’s intricacies. “I didn’t take any coaching as I was preparing along with my job. I only took online test series, as my posting in Indian Oil was in Bihar,” Mr. Tyagi shared.

WISE WORDS

In a digital age dominated by social media, his advice to aspiring candidates is clear: use it wisely. He suggests a mindful approach to social media usage, advocating for its limited use if it does not hinder the study focus.

Beyond the practical advice, IFS officer Himanshu Tyagi’s message resonates with a deeper truth. He sees the preparation phase as a crucible, one that forges mental strength and shapes individuals regardless of their final destination. Even if the dream service eludes them, he believes that the lessons learned and the self-development gained during the journey empower one to contribute meaningfully in any field. “Learn from this preparation and develop yourself all through this journey,” he said in conclusion.

Himanshu Tyagi’s story is a tapestry woven with passion, resilience, and a deep love for nature. It is a reminder that even the most unconventional paths can lead to fulfilling destinations, and that true success lies not just in achieving a dream, but in the journey itself.