https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

How a Bollywood Scene Shaped Rahul Sharma’s UPSC Journey

What challenges did Rahul face on his journey, and how did overconfidence, severe dengue, and a humbling interview score ultimately shape his path to success? Read the article...
Indian Masterminds Stories

The 1999 film Sooryavansham features a powerful scene where a young woman returns to her village, not as the meek Radha she once was but as a respected district collector. This pivotal moment sparked a dream in a young Rahul Sharma, a dream that would propel him on a path to success in the coveted UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Rahul shared about his UPSC journey, his attempts, and the interview round.

WHY UPSC CSE?

Born and raised in Sangaria, Rajasthan, Rahul’s childhood was steeped in the warmth of a close-knit family. His mother, a homemaker, and his father, in the state GST department, instilled in him the value of public service. It was during a casual television viewing with his father in the sixth grade that the seed of ambition was sown.

Witnessing the transformation of the female protagonist in Sooryavansham, a curious Rahul inquired about her newfound position and the accompanying respect. His father’s explanation ignited a spark within him. “Someday, I will also become a collector,” he declared jokingly, unaware of the true meaning of the word ‘collector’ at the time. Yet, the essence of serving the community and earning respect for it resonated deeply.

Fast forward to his college days at the prestigious IIT Roorkee, where Rahul excelled in civil engineering. The air buzzed with discussions about the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE), a career path many of his peers aspired to. However, Rahul felt an unyielding pull in a different direction. He wasn’t driven by the allure of CSE but by the powerful memory of the ‘collector’ in Sooryavansham.

OVERCONFIDENCE LEADS TO FAILURE

Following his graduation in 2020, Rahul made a conscious decision to take a different path. He believed in his abilities and harbored confidence that he could clear the exam on his first attempt. This self-assurance, however, proved to be his Achilles’ heel. The first attempt at the prelims was a humbling experience. Overconfidence, fueled by past academic success, led him to underestimate the complexity of the exam. He was unprepared for the pressure of the prelims and failed miserably. “Some questions made me anxious, and I couldn’t attempt answers in the prelims exam,” Rahul shared.

FATE HAD OTHER PLANS

The initial setback was a harsh awakening. A week of introspection followed, filled with doubt and uncertainty. But Rahul’s determination wouldn’t be easily swayed. He rekindled his resolve and dove back into preparation. “I cleared prelims in my second attempt, but six days before the mains exam, I was struck down by a bout of severe dengue and had to skip the mains,” Rahul shared.

FINALLY CLEARED!

In his third attempt, his approach was marked by a newfound maturity. He meticulously crafted a study schedule, severing ties with distractions like social media. A new SIM card ensured minimal interruptions from friends. From April 2023 to September 2023, he immersed himself wholeheartedly in his studies, treating them as a cherished pursuit rather than a chore. He embraced a rigorous routine: “I dedicated 10–12 hours daily to effective studying. This dedication paid me off as I aced the CSE in my third attempt with AIR 628.”

LOWEST IN INTERVIEW

The third attempt, however, proved to be a charm. Rahul approached the interview with a balanced demeanor.  His usual calm and thoughtful nature, which earned him compliments during mock interviews, might have been misinterpreted in the actual round. “My humble behavior and lack of fancy English might have held me back in the interview round,” he shared. The interview, though insightful, yielded a lower-than-expected score of 124.

MATHEMATICS OPTIONAL

Despite the interview score, Rahul’s exceptional performance in the optional subject, mathematics (a subject he excelled in throughout his academic career), came to his rescue. His score of 314 in the optional subject propelled him towards success, landing him on the final list.

While concluding, he says that self-belief is important. “You should manifest your success. Be aware of your surroundings; only bookish information is not enough.”


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
South Eastern Coalfields Limited SECL
SECL’s 12 Coal Mining Projects Delay Due to Green Clearances and Land Issues Amid Rising Demand
DPIIT Primus Partners MoU startup ecosystem
From Idea to Impact: DPIIT’s New Initiative Fuels Startup Growth in India
BEL Bharat Electronics Limited
BEL Secures Rs 633 Crore Order from Cochin Shipyard to Supply Advanced Defence Electronics Boosting India’s Maritime Security
thdc_india_contributes_
THDC India Donates Rs 1 Crore to Uttarakhand Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, Showcasing Commitment to Social Welfare
IFCI-Ltd
IFCI Limited Receives ROC Approval for Three-Month AGM Extension; Meeting Rescheduled to October 29, 2025
GAIL PSU
GAIL Launches Free CNG Scheme in East Singhbhum to Boost Clean Transportation and Green Mobility
Banking Laws Amendment Act 2025
Depositors Get More Control: New Rules under Banking Laws Amendment Act 2025 to Allow Up to 4 Nominations from 1 Nov 2025
NLC-INDIA-resized-neyvili
NLC India Limited Earns Independent “CRISIL ESG 49” Rating, Highlighting Strong Commitment to Sustainability
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
UPSC Journey Should Be Enjoyable, Not Cumbersome
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
The Many Facets of Former IRS Officer and Author, Giselle Mehta | Video Interview
IDES Saquib Alam
Beyond IAS and IPS: The Inspiring Work of an IDES officer | Video Interview 
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Rupal Rana UPSC
How Rupal Rana Cracked UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 26 After Four Attempts
UPSC Topper Rupal Rana secured AIR 26 in 2023 after four attempts. Learn her preparation strategy, booklist,...
Ankita Parashar RAS 2023
4 Attempts, 1 Dream, 0 Excuses: Meet RAS Topper Ankita Parashar, Who Fulfilled a Daughter’s Promise & Secured Rank 2 | Exclusive Interview
Ankita Parashar, a teacher-turned-officer from Pushkar, fulfilled her late father’s dream by securing...
Kushal Chaudhary RAS
From Lab Assistant’s Grit to Rajasthan Topper: How Kushal Chaudhary Topped RAS 2023 with Self-Study | Preparation, Strategy & Interview
Kushal Chaudhary, a farmer’s son and lab assistant from Ajmer, topped RAS 2023 through self-study, overcoming...
Social Media
IFS Parveen Kaswan
Heartbreak by the River: 15-Day-Old Elephant Calf Rejected by Mother, Rescued by IFS Parveen Kaswan and His Team
Jaldapra, West Bengal: In a moving incident that tugs at the heart, a 15-day-old elephant calf was rescued...
Ashwini Bhide IAS and Anand Mahindra
Who Is IAS Ashwini Bhide, Hailed as a Role Model for Mumbai Metro Transformation by Anand Mahindra?
From heritage to high-tech: Bhide’s leadership in Metro Line 3 earns public praise and admiration
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
South Eastern Coalfields Limited SECL
SECL’s 12 Coal Mining Projects Delay Due to Green Clearances and Land Issues Amid Rising Demand
DPIIT Primus Partners MoU startup ecosystem
From Idea to Impact: DPIIT’s New Initiative Fuels Startup Growth in India
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
IDES Saquib Alam
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT