Success in competitive exams is often associated with full-time preparation, coaching hubs, and ideal conditions. Ajit Singh’s journey challenges that narrative. Balancing a demanding engineering career with disciplined study, he secured rank 39 in the UPPCS 2024 and earned a position as a Block Development Officer (BDO)—proving that clarity of purpose and consistent effort can outweigh limitations of time.
EARLY LIFE IN HASTINAPUR AND THE SEEDS OF PUBLIC SERVICE
Born in a small village in Hastinapur, Meerut, Ajit grew up witnessing the everyday realities of rural life.
“Growing up in a village, I saw how basic infrastructure and governance directly affect people’s lives. Those realities planted a deep desire in me to work for grassroots development,” Ajit shared in a conversation with Indian Masterminds.
He understood early on that while policies exist, their execution often determines real impact. This awareness gradually shaped his inclination toward public service.
EDUCATION, CAREER CHOICES AND EARLY SETBACKS
Ajit completed his education in Meerut and aimed for a career that combined technical expertise with societal impact. After clearing GATE, he secured admission to IIT Roorkee. However, he made a bold decision—he chose to step away from that opportunity to prepare for the UPSC Engineering Services Examination (ESE).
In 2016, he reached the interview stage of ESE. Although he didn’t make the final list, the experience strengthened his determination rather than discouraging him.
The same year brought another opportunity—he was selected as an assistant engineer (civil) in UPPCL. Ajit began his professional journey and steadily progressed, eventually earning a promotion to executive engineer.
REALIZATION THAT CHANGED HIS PATH
While working in the engineering sector, Ajit gained valuable technical experience. However, something felt incomplete.
“Technical work solves problems locally, but administration gives the power to influence larger change. That realisation strengthened my desire to enter civil services,” he says.
This realisation stayed with him over the years, quietly shaping his long-term goals.
RESTARTING PREPARATION AFTER 8 YEARS
After nearly eight years in service, Ajit made a decision that many hesitate to take—he restarted his preparation for civil services.
“The dream never really left. Even after years of service, I felt there was unfinished work within me. I wanted to contribute beyond my role,” he shares.
In 2023, he cleared the UPSC Civil Services Prelims but could not clear the Mains. Instead of getting discouraged, he reassessed his approach and shifted focus toward UPPSC.
STUDYING WITH A FULL-TIME JOB
Preparing for a competitive exam alongside a full-time job is one of the toughest challenges aspirants face. Ajit tackled this by rethinking how he used his time.
“With a full-time job, time was limited. So I turned travel hours into study time—watching lectures on my tablet in the car, revising notes, and using every spare minute,” he explains.
Rather than aiming for long, exhausting study sessions, he focused on consistency.
“Even on the toughest days, studying a little kept the momentum alive,” Ajit says.
This approach helped him build continuity without burnout, making preparation sustainable over the long term.
OVERCOMING DOUBTS AND MAINTAINING FOCUS
“Restarting after years of a job brings doubts. But I believed experience adds maturity. Instead of fearing the gap, I used it as strength,” he notes.
His professional experience enhanced his understanding, decision-making ability, and discipline—qualities that proved valuable during preparation.
The moment of the result was both emotional and surreal. Ajit wasn’t the one who first saw it.
“My best friend sent me a screenshot and said it’s BDO. We were elated. Of course, like everyone, I also wanted deputy collector, but seeing my name on the list brought immense relief,” he recalls.
Securing Rank 39 in UPPSC 2026 marked the culmination of years of effort, strategic preparation, and patience.
SUPPORT SYSTEM THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE
Behind Ajit’s success was strong support from his family, especially his mother.
“When relatives pressured her about my marriage as I turned 32, she stood firm—‘Focus on your exam; marriage is part of life, not its goal,’” Ajit shares.
This support allowed him to stay focused during a phase when societal expectations often create distractions.
VISION AS A BLOCK DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Ajit’s technical background in civil engineering gives him a unique advantage in administration, especially at the grassroots level.
“As BDO, I want to ensure quality implementation of roads, drainage, and rural works,” he says.
His goal is clear—to ensure that development is not just planned but properly executed on the ground.
MESSAGE FOR ASPIRANTS
Ajit’s journey offers practical lessons for aspirants, especially those balancing jobs and responsibilities.
“Success is not about perfect conditions; it’s about persistence. Even with a job, disciplined effort and belief in your goal can change your path,” he advises.
For aspirants navigating similar challenges, his approach offers both direction and reassurance: consistency, clarity, and smart use of time can make even the toughest goals achievable.
