In a world where career paths often follow predictable routes, Bhavesh Royada dared to chart his own. Leaving behind a stable job in civil engineering, he pursued a dream that blended ambition with purpose: to serve as an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, protecting the environment amid the pressing challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
From the small town of Navsari, Gujarat, to the competitive arena of the UPSC IFS examination, Bhavesh’s journey is a compelling tale of determination, near misses, and ultimate triumph—driven by his own resolve and the steadfast support of his family. This is the story of how one man’s choice to follow his passion for nature led him to overcome setbacks and inspire others.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Bhavesh grew up in Navsari, where he completed his primary, secondary, and higher secondary education. His academic journey took him to Vadodara, where he pursued a degree in Civil Engineering at Maharaja Sayajirao University. Graduating with a solid foundation in engineering, Bhavesh secured a campus placement with Shapoorji Pallonji Construction Private Limited, a prominent name in the industry.
Posted in the Chennai division in Vellore district, Bhavesh worked for a year on the construction of CMC Hospital. However, the monotonous routine of the job left him unfulfilled. Seeking greater purpose and intellectual challenge, he made the bold decision to resign in early 2020, setting the stage for a transformative chapter in his life.
A SHIFT TOWARDS PUBLIC SERVICE
Bhavesh’s aspirations led him to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), a rigorous test of knowledge and perseverance. In his first attempt, he narrowly missed the final selection by just 3-4 marks. Undeterred, he turned his attention to the Gujarat Public Service Commission’s Range Forest Officer exam, where he again came remarkably close, falling short by a mere 0.75 marks. These near misses, rather than discouraging him, fuelled his determination to succeed.
It was during this period that Bhavesh’s interest in environmental issues deepened. The challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss resonated with him, aligning with his growing passion for working with nature. The Indian Forest Service, with its focus on conservation and environmental stewardship, became his calling. “I found IFS more interesting than IAS or IPS because here you can work with nature, for nature,” Bhavesh told Indian Masterminds. He cleared UPSC IFS 2024 with All India Rank 86.
PREPARATION AND STRATEGY
Bhavesh’s journey to clearing the UPSC IFS exam was marked by a strategic and disciplined approach. Recognising the structure of the exam—preliminaries, mains, and an interview—he tailored his preparation to maximise his performance. For the mains, he identified General Studies (GS) 2 and GS 4 as high-scoring papers, dedicating more time to these subjects while allocating moderate effort to GS 1, GS 3, and the essay component. His daily routine was methodical: mornings focused on GS, afternoons on optional subjects, and evenings on answer-writing practice.
“Consistency is very important,” Bhavesh emphasises. For two months, he wrote 5-7 answers daily, honing his ability to articulate concise and effective responses under exam conditions. This rigorous practice gave him a strong command over the mains stage.
For the preliminaries, Bhavesh relied on consistent effort and a positive mindset, supported by his family and friends. The interview stage, he believes, reflects one’s personality and cumulative growth over years. “You can’t develop your personality between mains and interview,” he notes, underscoring the importance of long-term self-development, including nurturing hobbies and building a well-rounded worldview.
OVERCOMING SETBACKS
Bhavesh’s journey was not without challenges. Missing the UPSC CSE by a narrow margin and the Range Forest Officer exam by an even slimmer one could have been demoralising. Yet, Bhavesh’s optimism and support system kept him grounded. “I was disappointed only for a short period, maybe 2-3 hours,” he recalls. “I thought, ‘I’m very near, and I can do this.’”
His family played a crucial role in maintaining his morale. His mother, a makeup artist, and his father, a PMC merchant, provided unwavering emotional support. A pivotal moment came when Bhavesh considered skipping an IFS attempt. His mother’s encouragement—“You’ve reached the interview stage before, and there’s still a month left; you should give it a try”—proved decisive. Bolstered by her faith, Bhavesh cleared the preliminaries and went on to succeed in the 2025 IFS examination, a milestone he dedicates to her.
To sustain himself financially and mentally during his preparation, Bhavesh took up freelancing at the Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration, a government institution. This work served as a practical Plan B, allowing him to remain focused on his goals while staying engaged in meaningful professional activity.
LESSONS AND ADVICE
Bhavesh’s story offers valuable insights for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC CSE or IFS. He emphasises four key principles: belief in oneself, hard work, consistency, and dedication. “You have to believe in yourself and work hard,” he advises. “People often don’t put in the effort required for exams of this level.”
Equally important, he stresses the need to balance preparation with personal well-being. Spending time with family and friends, he believes, prevents burnout and sustains motivation over the long journey of exam preparation. “If you only work hard for a short period, you’ll get bored,” he cautions. “Giving time to yourself and your loved ones boosts your morale and pushes you to keep going.”
