In the remote district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir, where aspirations often grow in silence, Akash Jaggi’s journey began without any grand declaration. His schooling was rooted in this region, shaping not just his education but his perspective on life.
From there, he moved to Jammu for higher studies, graduating from SKUAST. Like many young graduates, he stood at a crossroads, but his decision didn’t come from a single life-altering moment.
That quiet decision would go on to define his path, about which he exclusive shared details with Indian Masterminds.
FROM VETERINARY SCIENCE TO CIVIL SERVICES
With a medical background in veterinary sciences, Akash was already on a stable and respected career track. Yet, something felt limited.
“The main motivation was to reach out to a larger number of people,” he explains. “In veterinary services, we are dealing with a few people in one village. In civil services, we get a much larger perspective to be in public service.”
This shift, from treating animals in localized spaces to shaping policies impacting millions, was not just a career change. It was a change in scale, in ambition, and in purpose.
THE CSAT BARRIER
Akash’s UPSC journey began in 2022. His first attempt marked the start of a learning curve, followed by a second attempt that echoed the same struggle.
“The main hurdle in the first two attempts was CSAT,” he told Indian Masterminds.
For many aspirants, CSAT is qualifying. For Akash, coming from a medical background, the reasoning and quantitative sections posed a serious challenge.
Even when other papers were within reach, this one paper stood in the way.
STRATEGY OVER STRUGGLE
By his third attempt, Akash had changed his approach, not dramatically, but smartly.
“I focused more on solving comprehension questions because they’re high scoring,” he says. “And I worked on time management during the exam so that I could qualify that paper.”
It wasn’t about mastering everything. It was about understanding what worked.
Without any coaching, relying entirely on self-study, Akash cracked the exam and secured AIR 747.
CHOOSING FAMILIAR GROUND
Staying connected to his roots, Akash chose Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry as his optional subject. It aligned with his academic background and allowed him to build on what he already knew.
Sometimes, the smartest strategy is not to start from scratch but to strengthen what’s already there.
INSIDE THE INTERVIEW ROOM
When Akash walked into the interview, the conversation stayed close to who he was.
“The interview was mainly based on my profession,” he shares. “There were questions about stray cattle, stray dogs, and birth control rules.”
But it didn’t stop there.
“Half of the interview was regarding my duty area, Jammu and Kashmir, and my hometown, Poonch district.”
It was less about rehearsed answers and more about lived experiences.
HANDLING PRESSURE AND FINDING SUPPORT
Behind the success was a quieter battle, one that every aspirant understands.
“The main challenge was the stress that comes with this exam and its preparation,” he admits.
But there was also a strong support system.
“My family was very supportive, so there was no problem from that side.”
In an exam known for its mental demands, that support made a difference.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Now in service, Akash stands at another decision point.
With rules restricting multiple attempts for selected candidates, he is taking a pause.
“This year I will not go for the exam,” he says. “In future, maybe if I want to, I will try to give one attempt only.”
For now, the focus shifts from preparation to responsibility.
ADVICE FOR ASPIRANTS
Akash’s message to aspirants cuts through the noise of endless resources and strategies.
“Stick to one book for one subject and revise it multiple times,” he advises. “And practice questions, especially previous year questions.”
In an exam where over-preparation can become a trap, his approach is grounded and clear.
CLOSING NOTE
Akash Jaggi’s journey doesn’t follow the usual narrative of dramatic turning points or sudden breakthroughs. Instead, it unfolds through small decisions, course corrections, and clarity of purpose.
From the quiet lanes of Poonch to securing AIR 747, his story reflects a simple idea: sometimes, you don’t need a defining moment to change your life. You just need to decide, and keep moving.
