18 October 2026
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From Setback to State Topper: How Ashish Akshat Topped JPSC While Working Full-Time

Ashish Akshat from Dhanbad topped JPSC 2023, proving that resilience, discipline, and family support can turn failure into success - even while balancing a full-time job and limited resources.
Indian Masterminds Stories

“Success is not measured by how many times you fall, but by how many times you rise after falling.”

In a world where one failure can break spirits, Ashish Akshat from Dhanbad stood tall, proving that true victory lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall. His journey from a working professional to topping the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC)-2023 exam is a story every aspirant should hear – not just to be inspired, but to believe.

A Historic Result and a Hero Among Us

The JPSC Civil Services 2023 results marked a landmark moment – not just for completing the entire process within a year, but for unearthing stories of perseverance like that of Ashish Akshat. Out of 342 selected candidates, Ashish stood first, not merely in merit but in grit and determination.

Despite having a full-time job as an engineer in Gurgaon, Ashish balanced his work with relentless preparation. This was not his first attempt – his journey had its share of heartbreak, but it’s what he did after failure that defined him.

The First Attempt: A Step Close, Yet So Far

Ashish first appeared for JPSC in 2022. He performed well enough to reach the interview round, a stage many dream to touch. But in the final merit list, his name was missing.

Instead of giving in to disappointment, Ashish turned inward. He analyzed his mistakes, reflected deeply, and chose to rise again. With renewed dedication, he started preparing afresh – this time with greater clarity, better planning, and stronger belief.

Rooted in Values, Raised by Support

Ashish’s success isn’t his alone – he attributes it to the unwavering support of his family. His father, Subodh Kumar Srivastava, a DSP in the Jharkhand Police, was his role model. His mother, elder brother Abhishek, and his wife stood by him like a shield, never letting doubt cloud his vision.

“Whatever I am today is because of my family’s belief in me. They never let my confidence falter.”

Balancing a 9-Hour Job with a Dream

While most people struggle to find time in a 40-hour work week, Ashish carved out precious moments for his studies. He sacrificed weekends and leisure, devoting himself entirely to JPSC preparation.

He recalls – “Time management, completing the syllabus on time, and answer writing practice were key. But the real weapon is mental strength.”

Ashish’s weekdays began early. Mornings before work were for focused study, and weekends were treated as golden opportunities for revision and mock tests.

The Foundation of a Dream

Born and raised in Dhanbad, Ashish began his academic journey at Dinobili School, later completing his 12th from DAV Public School, Bokaro. A bright student, he went on to do B.Tech in Civil Engineering from NIT Jamshedpur – a college known for producing some of the finest minds in the country.

Despite being well-settled in the corporate world, Ashish felt a calling – a desire to serve society directly. The civil services became more than a dream; it became a mission.

Lessons from the Topper

Ashish isn’t just a topper – he’s a mentor in the making. His advice to future aspirants is simple yet profound:

  • Do not fear failure – It teaches more than success ever could.
  • Believe in yourself – Your self-belief is your strongest ally.
  • Manage time wisely – It’s your most valuable resource.
  • Keep your mental health strong – The journey is long and demands resilience.
  • Focus on answer writing and timely syllabus completion – Strategy matters as much as knowledge.

He also appreciated JPSC’s new exam timeline, where all stages – from prelims to interviews – were completed within a year, calling it a “positive sign for candidates.”

A Story to Remember, A Legacy to Inspire

Ashish’s story is not just about passing an exam. It’s about fighting against odds, managing dual responsibilities, and refusing to let failure define you.

He didn’t have unlimited time or elite coaching. What he had was something more powerful – determination, family support, discipline, and faith. And that, ultimately, made all the difference.

“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb

Ashish stood up after his fall – and when he did, he stood taller than ever before, not just as the state topper, but as a beacon of hope for thousands across Jharkhand and beyond.

About JPSC

JPSC released the final results of the much-awaited Civil Services Examination 2023 on the night of July 24. A total of 342 candidates have been selected for appointment to the Jharkhand Administrative Services. This year’s result is historic, not only because the entire selection process was completed within a year, but also because it gave rise to inspiring stories of struggle, perseverance, and dedication – stories that every aspiring youth would be eager to know.

Top 10 Rank Holders–

  • Ashish Akshat – Topper
  • Abhay Kujur – Second Rank
  • Ravi Ranjan Kumar – Third Rank
  • Gautam Gaurav
  • Shweta
  • Rahul Kumar Vishwakarma
  • Robin Kumar
  • Sandeep Prakash
  • Swati Keshari
  • Rajiv Ranjan

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