https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Akash Garg’s Valuable Insights On Addressing Mistakes In UPSC Journey

Akash Garg, who cleared CSE 2022 with AIR 338 in his 6th attempt, emphasizes the need for critical thinking and continuous learning from mistakes One key aspect of his journey was the selection of his optional subject, Mathematics, with which he had to struggle initially However, he made significant efforts to improve his score, which saw an improvement from 200 to 300 in his final attempt
Indian Masterminds Stories

In the intricate tapestry of success, often woven with threads of setbacks and resilience, Akash Garg’s journey from being unsuccessful in several attempts to finally clearing in the last attempt reflects not only his individual triumph but also the challenges and lessons learned along the way.

BACKGROUND

Born and brought up in Meerut, Akash’s educational journey took him from Meerut to Birla School, Pilani, and eventually to IIT Roorkee, where he pursued a B.Tech in civil engineering, graduating in 2016. However, faced with limited opportunities in the private sector for civil engineering, he decided to shift gears towards the civil services during his last year of college.

“I was inspired by my seniors who had succeeded in this exam,” Akash shared with Indian Masterminds, highlighting the influence of those who had tread a similar path. With the support of his parents, who were unwavering in their confidence in his abilities, he embarked on the challenging path of preparing for the civil services exam.

SIX ATTEMPTS

Undeterred by the competitive nature of the examination, Akash gave six attempts, with the last one proving to be the lucky one. Despite clearing prelims four times, he encountered difficulties in the mains, which he overcame in his final attempt. His journey also included interviews for the forest service exam twice. Finally, he cleared the UPSC CSE 2022 with AIR 338. He has been selected as Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) officer and is currently undergoing training at NIDEM, DGDE, Delhi Cantt.

PREPARATION

Akash outlined his meticulous preparation strategy, emphasizing the importance of reading standard books, revising extensively, and solving numerous test papers for the preliminary exams. For the mains, he stressed the significance of covering the syllabus comprehensively, focusing on current affairs through daily newspaper reading, and utilizing monthly magazines issued by various institutes.

“Test series is very important in which we are provided the feedback regarding our answer writing and ways to improve on it,” he added.

One key aspect of his journey was the selection of his optional subject – Mathematics. Acknowledging his initial struggle with the subject, Akash dedicated significant effort to improving his mathematics scores, seeing a substantial improvement from 200 to 300 in his final attempt.

Maintaining physical well-being was crucial for Akash, who incorporated physical exercise into his routine by going to the gym early in the morning. He stressed the importance of discipline and following a daily routine. “For mental well-being, self-assessment and monthly hangouts with friends helped me stay confident and motivated,” said Akash.

LEARNING FROM MISTAKES

Reflecting on his mistakes, Akash recognized the cyclic nature of the examination process and identified the need to address weaknesses promptly. Learning from failures, he emphasized the importance of persistence, self-confidence, and the role of luck in this highly competitive environment.

“In my maths exam, there were few questions which I had done earlier and I very well knew how to solve them. That saved me time in the exam and gave me confidence to do other questions well. I couldn’t have solved those questions if I hadn’t practised them earlier,” Akash mentioned.

PLAN B

Addressing the question of a backup plan, Akash admitted to not having one initially due to overconfidence but acknowledged the importance of having a Plan B. He suggested aspirants consider alternative paths in case the primary plan doesn’t materialize.

“In the interview, the first question I was asked was what my plan B was. I told them that I am confident that I’ll make it this time. The chairperson said that it’s good to be confident but one should also be pragmatic,” he shared with Indian Masterminds.

MESSAGE TO ASPIRANTS

In a message to aspiring candidates, Akash Garg highlighted the unpredictable nature of the UPSC exam, urging them to understand its demands fully. He also emphasized the need for a diversified approach, critical thinking, and continuous learning from mistakes.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Yogi Adityanath Ayodhya visit in Diwali
UP: CM Yogi Adityanath Orders Fire Stations Every 100 Km on Expressways, Approves 1,020 New Posts in Fire Services
SDM Chhotu Lal Sharma
Who Is SDM Chhotu Lal Sharma? The 2015-Batch RAS Officer Caught in Yet Another Scandal After Slapping Petrol Pump Employee
Solar Panels
CERC Proposes Buyout Price Mechanism to Ensure Compliance with Renewable Consumption Obligations
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy MNRE
MNRE Invites Creative Minds to Design Official Logo for National Green Hydrogen Mission
RBI
RBI Proposes Mandatory Unique Transaction Identifier for OTC Derivative Trades from April 2026
INS Trikand
Indian Navy’s INS Trikand Executes Heroic Firefighting and Rescue Operation on MT Falcon in Gulf of Aden
gghghghg
Defence Acquisition Council Approves Rs 79,000 Crore for Advanced Military Systems to Boost India’s Defence Capabilities
Bank_of_Baroda_signed_agreement_
Bank of Baroda Enhances Maharashtra Vital Statistics Operations with Advanced Agency Banking Integration
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
Yogi Adityanath Ayodhya visit in Diwali
UP: CM Yogi Adityanath Orders Fire Stations Every 100 Km on Expressways, Approves 1,020 New Posts in Fire Services
SDM Chhotu Lal Sharma
Who Is SDM Chhotu Lal Sharma? The 2015-Batch RAS Officer Caught in Yet Another Scandal After Slapping Petrol Pump Employee
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