In a world where success is often defined by prestigious degrees and stable government jobs, Gaurav Kaushal chose a path less traveled. An IIT dropout who went on to secure an All-India Rank of 38 in the UPSC exam, Gaurav shocked everyone when, after 12 years of service as an IDES officer, he resigned to pursue his true passion: mentoring UPSC aspirants. His journey is not just about cracking exams or securing high ranks—it’s about daring to redefine success, take bold risks, and follow an inner calling that few dare to listen to.
EARLY LIFE AND THE BOLD DECISION TO DROP OUT
Born and raised in Panchkula, Haryana, Gaurav was a brilliant student right from his school days. His academic excellence led him to crack the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and secure admission to IIT Delhi, one of the most coveted institutes in India. Yet, within a few days of starting his journey there, he realized that this was not the path he wanted to pursue. Against societal norms and expectations, Gaurav made the difficult decision to leave IIT.
His next step took him to BITS Pilani, where he enrolled for a B. Tech in Computer Science. However, the restlessness that had driven him to leave IIT, crept in again. After a year, he left BITS Pilani and eventually completed his engineering degree at Punjab Engineering College (PEC).
Reflecting on his decision to change courses twice, Gaurav says, “Sometimes, the road to self-discovery is filled with false starts. But, every time I took a step back, it helped me understand more about what I truly wanted in life.”
THE UPSC DREAM: A CHALLENGE WORTH TAKING
Gaurav’s desire for meaningful challenges led him to the UPSC Civil Services Examination, one of the toughest and most prestigious competitive exams in India. In 2012, after rigorous preparation and determination, he secured an impressive AIR 38.
Joining the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES), Gaurav was tasked with managing military lands across India. He took up important roles in the Cantonment Boards, overseeing the administration of vast tracts of military property and providing civic amenities to residents. His work was both impactful and rewarding, but something still felt missing.
Speaking about his time in service, Gaurav told Indian Masterminds, “While my job as an IDES officer allowed me to serve the country, I always felt a deeper urge to do something more personal and immediate—something that would directly help others. Mentoring UPSC aspirants gave me that satisfaction.”
THE TURNING POINT: FROM CIVIL SERVANT TO MENTOR
After 12 years of service, Gaurav Kaushal made a decision that surprised many—he resigned from his government post. Instead of pursuing promotions or securing long-term job stability, Gaurav chose to dedicate himself to guiding the next generation of UPSC aspirants. This decision came from his desire to help students who, like him, were navigating a maze of expectations and societal pressures.
Launching his own YouTube channel, Gaurav began offering free guidance and motivational sessions. His channel quickly gained popularity for its high-quality content, tailored specifically for UPSC aspirants. It covered important topics, including syllabus breakdowns, study techniques, and mindset strategies. For many students, his videos became a lifeline in the often overwhelming journey of preparing for the civil services exam.
Gaurav explains, “The UPSC exam is not just about hard work, it’s about smart work and understanding how to keep your focus intact over long periods of preparation. That’s what I want to impart to these aspirants—motivation, clarity, and strategy.”
LAUNCHING THE GAURAV KAUSHAL APP
To extend his mentorship to a wider audience, Gaurav also launched an app under his name, which provides personalized guidance for UPSC Prelims and Mains. The app includes resources like previous years’ question papers, current affairs analysis, and even book recommendations. Gaurav’s mentorship is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing aspirants to get direct advice from someone who has walked the path before them.
The app offers both free and premium content, ensuring that quality education is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. The initiative reflects Gaurav’s core belief that mentorship should be a universal right, not a privilege.
“My goal with the app was simple. “I wanted to create a platform where students could get reliable, high-quality guidance without having to pay exorbitant fees,” he shared with Indian Masterminds.
BEYOND SUCCESS: A JOURNEY OF PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Gaurav Kaushal’s story is more than just one of academic and professional success. He cleared not only the UPSC exam but also the IIT-JEE and SSC-CGL exams, showing his versatility and intellectual caliber. However, each time he reached a new milestone, he made unconventional choices, guided by an inner compass rather than societal expectations.
Today, Gaurav is the hope and inspiration of thousands of UPSC aspirants. His journey reminds us that success is not a destination but a deeply personal journey. “Success doesn’t mean following a prescribed path,” he says. “It’s about finding what fulfills you and having the courage to pursue it relentlessly.”
In a world obsessed with stable careers and traditional achievements, Gaurav Kaushal’s life stands as a refreshing reminder that true success lies in the pursuit of personal satisfaction and meaningful impact.
