“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” – Walter Elliot
In a story that defines resilience and relentless ambition, Swapnil Verma has etched his name among the finest achievers of Chhattisgarh. Securing an astounding 769.5 marks and clinching 2nd rank in CGPSC (Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission) – 2024, Swapnil’s journey is far more than just numbers – it is a saga of courage, determination, and unshakable focus.
From the bustling streets of Raipur to the demanding workposts in Odisha, Swapnil faced challenges that would have discouraged many. Yet, every setback became a stepping stone, every failure a lesson, and every moment of struggle a catalyst for growth. His story is a powerful reminder that true success comes to those who persist, adapt, and refuse to surrender to obstacles.
Indian Masterminds interacted with him to learn more about his journey, inspiration, and how he achieved success, along with his suggestions for aspirants.
Early Life and Background
Swapnil hails from Raipur, specifically the locality near NIT, Tejinagar. Born to a supportive family, his mother is a homemaker, while his father works in a managerial position in the Excise and Taxation Department near Siltara Industrial Area. His academic journey began at Shri Radiant Way School, Raipur, followed by graduation in Civil Engineering from Shri Shankaracharya College of Engineering and Technology, Bhilai in 2017.
Growing up in an environment that encouraged both education and perseverance, he developed a strong foundation that would later support his civil services aspirations.
Professional Journey Before CGPSC
Before embarking on the CGPSC path, Swapnil had a flourishing career as a civil engineer. He cleared the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) examination in 2019, securing 11th rank nationwide for 9 posts, and joined as an Assistant Civil Engineer in October 2020. Posted in Odisha, Swapnil worked diligently, but the heavy workload hindered his ability to pursue higher aspirations in administration.
“Recognizing my passion for governance, I resigned in December 2021 to focus entirely on preparing for the civil services,” he said
The Journey So Far
Swapnil’s CGPSC journey is a story of persistence –
- 2021 – Began his self-study preparation without joining any coaching.
- 2022 – First attempt at CGPSC prelims; did not clear. Preparation was deemed undercooked after one year.
- 2023 – Second attempt at prelims; missed by just two marks.
- 2024 – Third attempt; cleared prelims, mains, and interview successfully, securing 2nd rank in the state.
It was a journey marked by learning from each attempt, refining strategies, and gaining confidence through consistent practice. “Unlike others, I would say that my journey has been smooth and thought-provoking. I didn’t face many hurdles except for a few exam failures, and at the right time, I proved myself,” he added.
Preparation Strategy
Swapnil’s preparation was self-driven and meticulously planned –
Study Material: Standard books for core subjects, supplemented with free video lectures from YouTube and Telegram channels.
Subject-Wise Learning: Focused on each subject individually, gradually building a strong foundation.
Note-Making: After grasping preliminary concepts, he created personalized notes for revision, which became a key tool for retention.
Mock Tests & Awareness: Regular practice with mock tests enhanced his analytical thinking and awareness – a crucial edge during the mains and interview.
He emphasizes that preparation is not just about memorization, but developing a multi-dimensional understanding of subjects and current affairs.
Core Skills That Helped
Swapnil credits his success to a combination of –
- Awareness & Analytical Thinking: Ability to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
- Consistency: Steady, disciplined study routines over several years.
- Adaptability: Adjusting strategies after each attempt based on previous experiences.
The Interview Experience
The CGPSC 2024 introduced a faceless interview system, ensuring fairness and transparency. Panel members had no information about Swapnil’s identity, background, or personal details.
Some notable aspects of his interview included –
- Questions on current affairs (e.g., New York’s newly appointed mayor, Zohran Mamdani).
- Case studies like the Bastar region, focusing on tribal populations and Naxal-affected areas.
- Technical questions related to civil engineering, such as Chenab Bridge specifications and construction planning for dams.
- General awareness questions about neighboring states’ governors and Chief Ministers and the Chairman of NHAI.
Swapnil’s approach of combining knowledge, awareness, and analytical reasoning helped him tackle the diverse set of questions confidently.
Biggest Struggles
Interestingly, Swapnil cites no major struggle, thanks to a supportive environment from his family and friends. His main challenge was justifying the decision to resign from his stable government job, but his determination and clarity of purpose guided him through.
Turning Points
Several moments shaped his journey –
- Missing prelims by two marks in 2024 taught him the importance of thorough preparation.
- Self-study with personalized notes proved transformative in consolidating his understanding.
- Faceless interviews provided a platform where merit and knowledge spoke louder than personal background.
Message to Aspirants
Swapnil emphasizes –
- Perseverance is Key: Failure is part of the journey; one must not get disheartened.
- Adapt and Evolve: With changing patterns in exams like CGPSC becoming more UPSC-like, aspirants must develop multi-dimensional answers and deeper awareness.
- Think Beyond Books: Awareness, critical thinking, and application matter as much as textbook knowledge.
Special Credit
Swapnil also gave special credit to the Chanakya Library, founded by Ex-IAS of 2005 batch, Mr O. P. Choudhary, current finance minister of Chhattisgarh, for playing a crucial role in his preparation. He mentioned that the resources, structured materials, and guidance available at the library significantly helped him organize his studies, especially since he pursued self-study without joining any coaching institute.
According to Swapnil, the library was a constant companion throughout his journey, providing the knowledge and support that helped him clear the prelims, mains, and face the interview with confidence.
Pursue Your Dreams Relentlessly
Swapnil Verma’s journey exemplifies the power of perseverance, self-belief, and strategic preparation. From a civil engineer facing professional pressures in Odisha to becoming the 2nd ranker in CGPSC 2024, his story inspires countless aspirants to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
His success proves that with determination, the right strategy, and an unwavering focus, no dream is unattainable.
