In Sherpur, a remote village in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district, where children often walked kilometres to attend school and resources were minimal, a young boy quietly nurtured a dream far larger than his surroundings. That boy, Shrikesh Kumar Rai, is today an IPS officer of the 2024 batch AGMUT cadre, having cleared the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2023 with AIR 457 after a journey marked by struggle, intense self-work, and a deep inner calling to serve.
Born into a modest farmer’s family and the youngest among seven siblings, Shrikesh grew up watching his parents stretch every rupee to sustain the household. “My family didn’t have much, but what we always had was trust in one another and the belief that education could change everything,” he shared with Indian Masterminds. The challenges of rural life were real, but they built in him a strong sense of responsibility and empathy for people who live without access to basic support.
AN IITIAN WHO WALKED AWAY FROM CORPORATE COMFORT
After studying in a government school, Shrikesh’s academic excellence earned him admission into IIT Delhi, where he completed his Master’s in Chemistry. By then, he had achieved what many consider life-changing success. A high-paying MNC job offer came his way—an offer most students would accept without a second thought.
But Shrikesh felt differently.
“I realised that a comfortable career would give me a good life, but not necessarily a meaningful one. I wanted to stand with people who struggle the way my family once did,” he shares. It was this clarity that pushed him to choose public service over corporate life. He turned down the job and began preparing for the Civil Services.
FIVE ATTEMPTS, HEARTBREAK AND A SPIRITUAL COMPANION
The UPSC journey tested him repeatedly. Shrikesh appeared five times and reached the interview stage twice. “Failing after giving your absolute best is painful. There were moments when I questioned if this path was meant for me,” he admits. But instead of breaking, he looked for ways to stay rooted and mentally steady.
During his preparation, he found a powerful guide in Ramcharitmanas. It was not just a religious text in his life but a life manual. “Ramcharitmanas taught me how to live with acceptance, calmness, and clarity, no matter what is happening outside. It showed me that inner strength is built when we continue to walk even when the road is rough,” he says. Those teachings helped him stay composed through uncertainty and disappointment.
LEARNING TO RISE AFTER EVERY FALL
Shrikesh deeply believes that the most important battle is within. His personal philosophy is simple but strong:
“Success is not about winning once. It is about not quitting, especially on days when everything tells you to stop. The day you refuse to settle for less than what you are capable of—that is the day you win.”
Instead of dwelling on failure, he analysed his mistakes, sought feedback, and improved his strategy. “I never hesitated to approach seniors, teachers, or friends. Accepting your gaps doesn’t make you weak—it makes you grow,” he shares. That humility to learn kept him moving.
A PRACTICAL AND BALANCED STUDY APPROACH
His UPSC preparation routine was realistic, structured, and built on balance instead of pressure.
He preferred early mornings. “Waking up early helped me begin the day with clarity, but it’s not a rule for everyone. What matters is planning your day your way,” he says.
Meditation and exercise were part of his mornings because they sharpened his mind and stamina. He made monthly, weekly, and daily plans covering every subject, revision slot, and current affair. Daily newspaper reading was essential for him.
Group study played a pivotal role in broadening his understanding. “Studying with friends gave me fresh perspectives and stopped the preparation from becoming monotonous. I owe a lot to the peers who supported me.”
IPS BECOMING ADM BEFORE BECOMING AN IPS
Before the UPSC breakthrough, Shrikesh cleared UPPCS 2022 with AIR 21 and served as SDM, Jaunpur. The role transformed his understanding of governance and people’s needs.
“My tenure as SDM was eye-opening. It taught me how administration affects real lives and how decisions on paper translate on the ground,” he says.
The exposure to law and order, revenue matters, and policy implementation strengthened his belief that he was meant for a larger canvas of service. That experience didn’t just help in his UPSC interview; it reinforced why this journey was worth every setback.
HIS VIEW OF SUCCESS, FAILURE AND LIFE
For Shrikesh, success isn’t defined by rank or designation. “Every individual is born with a unique purpose. Your job title doesn’t define you—your contribution to people’s lives does,” he says.
He believes failure is not the opposite of success. “Sometimes hitting a wall shows that you’ve progressed far enough to reach it. If life was smooth, we would never grow,” he reflects.
ADVICE FOR ASPIRANTS
To those feeling defeated after repeated failures, he speaks with the empathy of someone who has lived it:
- “Never insult yourself because of failure. Your effort has value, and life never wastes sincerity.”
- “Be like the sun—it keeps shining whether the sky is clear or cloudy. Your job is to show up every day.”
- “UPSC is just one path. If life closes a door, it often opens a better one. Don’t let an exam decide your worth.”
He emphasises the need for a strong mindset: “The real exam is of patience and mental stamina. Keep your mind healthy, hopeful, and open to learning.”
A FUTURE BUILT ON ACTION, NOT WORDS
Now stepping into the IPS, Shrikesh wants his work to speak for him. “I have just started this journey. I want to give my best and make my family and country proud through my actions and integrity,” he says with humility.
Shrikesh Kumar Rai’s journey proves that circumstances do not define destiny—choices do. His life is a reminder that great dreams do not need perfect beginnings; they need courage, clarity, and the willingness to keep moving even when everything seems uncertain.
