The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the CSE 2021 results in the month of May, bringing much relief and happiness to 685 candidates whose names appeared on the final list. The list also included the name of a farmer’s son, Jaspinder Singh Bhullar, who emerged as one of the toppers by securing a rank in the top 50.
One interesting fact about Jaspinder is that he is the first-generation graduate in his family. Being the first person to pursue studies from the Bhullar family, Jaspinder emerged as an inspiration to his entire family and his village as he cleared the prestigious exam despite coming from a not so well-educated family.
PURSUING LAW
26-year-old Jaspinder comes from the Bhullar village of Muktsar in Punjab. He completed his initial studies from Muktsar district and went on to pursue BA LLB from Punjab University. Getting into a law college was an achievement in itself for Jaspinder as he was the first person in his family to pursue graduation. His father who is a farmer, and his mother, a housewife, studied only till class 10.
Jaspinder had a great interest in studies from an early age and was always on the lookout to score maximum marks in his exams and become the topper. In an interview, he mentioned that when he was studying in class 7, one of his teachers even told him that he had the capability of clearing the civil services exam. This remained in his mind and every step he used to take after that was inclined towards the UPSC exam.
While pursuing law from the Punjab University in Chandigarh, he even became the President of the Moot Court Society. After completing his graduation, he went to the hub of civil services coaching centres, New Delhi. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he had to return home and focus on self-studies.
CLEARING UPSC
Jaspinder appeared for the UPSC exam for the first time in 2020 and was unable to clear even the first stage of the exam, prelims. His score was very close to the cut-off but, unfortunately, he could not clear it. However, he started preparing for the mains exam from that year only, which helped him immensely in the mains exam held next year.
Jaspinder appeared for the USPC exam again the next year and cleared all the stages, putting in a little more effort. In this second attempt, he cleared the exam and also emerged as one of the toppers by securing an AIR 33.
In a media interview, he said “Unlike the first attempt during which I only read the basic books for preparation, this time, with the help of a friend, I put in a little bit more effort and prepared in a more focused manner. I used to read every small thing about all the states, like which river flows in that area, about the animals, birds, etc. Apart from this, revision is the toughest part and the one who sails through it will definitely come out successful in the exam.”
Jaspinder’s first preference is the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) as he wants to contribute to the development of rural areas in India.
