“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
In a quiet village tucked near Pushkar in Rajasthan, where farming is not just a livelihood but a way of life, rose a young man who dared to dream beyond the boundaries of his circumstances. Kushal Chaudhary, a farmer’s son from Dungaria Kalan village in Ajmer, not only dared to dream but turned it into a reality – securing the top rank in the Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) 2023 in his second attempt, purely through self-study, unshaken determination, and relentless hard work.
A lab assistant by profession, a topper by grit, and a son who brought immense pride to his family – Kushal’s journey is nothing short of heroic. His story proves that success belongs not to the privileged, but to the persistent.
The Journey So Far: A Path Paved with Struggles
Kushal began preparing for RAS in 2018, all the while working as a lab technician. His first posting was at a physics school, where a teacher, also preparing for RAS, inspired him and even shared his notes. That was the spark. He decided to give it a try and started his RAS preparation – without any coaching.
In 2021, Kushal appeared for his first RAS attempt and secured Rank 1038. The failure hit him hard, and he considered giving up. Stress, pressure, and self-doubt crept in. But this was also a turning point. His family refused to let him give up. Their belief in him rekindled his spirit.
He came back stronger, more focused, and with refined strategies. In 2023, after nearly seven years of preparation, he emerged victorious – not just as a successful candidate, but as the topper of the RAS 2023 examination.
Humble Roots: Background and Early Life
Born into a modest farming family, Kushal is the youngest of six siblings – with five sisters and one brother. His father, Prabhuram Chaudhary, is a farmer who supported the family through agricultural work and nurtured Kushal’s education from a very young age. Despite limited resources, his family stood like a pillar behind him, offering both emotional and moral support.
Kushal studied till Class 10 in a government school in his village. He completed his 12th grade at Noble School in Kuchaman, and went on to graduate from the prestigious Maharaja College in Jaipur. In 2018, he secured a job as a lab assistant, which helped him sustain himself and support his family while pursuing his dreams.
Currently, he works at the Government Higher Secondary School, Tabiji, and lives in police line quarters in Ajmer. His workplace and home became his coaching centers – he didn’t join any institute. His journey is a testament to the fact that education and excellence are not defined by geography or economic status.
Balancing Job and Dreams: The Lab Technician Who Topped
Throughout his preparation, Kushal continued to work as a lab assistant. Balancing a full-time job with competitive exam preparation is never easy, but he made it work. Living in Civil Lines, Ajmer, and later at his sister’s in-laws’ place, he carved out time for his studies amidst responsibilities.
He also faced immense family pressure regarding marriage, especially since his sisters were getting married. He pleaded for one more chance – just one more attempt. His family stood by him once again. Today, that chance has transformed his life.
Preparation Strategy: The Power of Self-Study
Kushal’s story shatters the myth that coaching is essential for cracking prestigious exams. He didn’t attend any coaching institute. His entire preparation was based on self-study, shared notes, and authentic sources.
He emphasized that self-study saves time, money, and builds a deep understanding of subjects. According to Kushal, the two most crucial elements in exam preparation are:
- Dedication
- Commitment
He didn’t rely on shortcuts or YouTube hacks. His approach was straightforward: study sincerely, revise consistently, and stay focused.
Kushal also pointed out a humorous but meaningful detail – every time he checked his results himself, he wasn’t selected. So this time, he gave his roll number to a friend. The friend called and said, “You’ve got Rank 1.” Kushal didn’t believe it until he matched the roll number himself at home. Only then did the weight of his success sink in.
The RPSC Interview: Calm, Composed, and Confident
In the RAS interview, Kushal was asked a mix of analytical and current affairs questions. Some highlights –
Q: What is the process when sugar dissolves in tea?
A: It’s an endothermic reaction.
Q: What type of knot is your tie tied with? Why use a tie pin?
A: A Four-in-One knot, and tie pins are used to keep the tie attached to the shirt.
Q: Which international organisations did former US President Donald Trump pull America out of?
A: WHO and WTO
His calm, logical responses reflected not just preparation, but a well-rounded personality – a critical trait for any administrative officer.
Turning Points: Faith, Family, and Fierce Determination
Kushal’s journey was not linear. There were setbacks, failures, and overwhelming social pressure. Among the major turning points:
- Failure in 2021: Rank 1038 was disappointing. He almost quit.
- Family support: His family, especially his father, believed in him.
- Inspiration at school: A fellow RAS aspirant-teacher sharing notes motivated him.
- Pressure to marry: He managed to convince his family to give him time.
- Studying at his sister’s in-laws’ house: He found peace and focus in that supportive environment.
Message to Aspirants: The Self-Study Mantra
Kushal’s advice to RAS and other competitive exam aspirants is crystal clear –
“You don’t need expensive coaching to succeed. If you’re dedicated, committed, and disciplined, self-study is enough to become a topper.”
He urges students to rely only on authentic and trusted sources, avoid distractions, and maintain consistency. His story is a reminder that rural background, financial struggles, or lack of coaching are never barriers—unless you let them be.
A Role Model for Rajasthan and Beyond
Kushal Chaudhary isn’t just a topper – he’s a symbol of perseverance, a voice of inspiration for lakhs of aspirants across the nation. His humility, honesty, and hard-earned success make him the kind of officer every state dreams of.
When asked about his future, he simply said –
“I will serve with full confidence and dedication in whichever department I am assigned.”
The Victory of Grit Over Circumstance
From Kadel village near Pushkar to the RAS 2023 Topper’s list, Kushal’s journey is a saga of faith, hard work, and family support. A boy who studied under his father’s guidance, failed once, fought societal pressures, and emerged victorious with no formal coaching – he is proof that dreams backed by dedication are unstoppable.
Let Kushal Chaudhary’s story echo in every village, town, and city, telling every aspirant:
“Your background doesn’t define your destiny. Your courage does.“
