In the pursuit of civil services, the journey is often as breathtaking as the destination itself. Amit Gemawat, an Indian Forest Services (IFS) officer from the 2020 batch, exemplifies this truth with a remarkable story that inspires all who hear it. His journey is not only interesting but also filled with numerous achievements. Amit’s path began with studying and teaching at the same engineering college, where he cultivated his passion for learning.
Over the course of six attempts at the UPSC exams, he successfully cleared the prelims multiple times and faced five interviews – a feat in itself. His story is one of resilience and inspiration, showcasing the beauty of the journey to civil services. His story is one of resilience, dedication, and inspiration – an odyssey that has inspired many, including his own brother, who followed in his footsteps to become an IAS officer.
Indian Masterminds had the opportunity to interact with Mr. Gemawat, delving deep into his inspiring journey through the competitive landscape of civil services.
Journey So Far
Amit’s journey in the civil services began in 2013 when, while serving as a guest faculty member at an engineering college, he started preparing for the UPSC exams. Since 2014, he has made six attempts and has appeared in five interviews.
In his first attempt in 2014, he successfully cleared the prelims but did not pass the mains exam. He then went on to make five more attempts, successfully clearing all the mains exams and attending five interviews. In total, he completed six attempts, cleared the prelims, and passed five mains exams. Four of these interviews were for the CSE, and one was for the IFS, which he ultimately cleared, earning a spot on the final list.
Meanwhile, in 2017, he successfully cleared the Rajasthan State Civil Services Examination and worked as an Accounts Officer for the Government of Rajasthan until 2019.
Until 2017, Amit focused solely on the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), but in 2018, he also began preparing for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) exam, which he ultimately passed as well.
In 2019, Amit achieved his primary goal by securing the 67th rank in the UPSC IFS examination. Additionally, he was selected for the Delhi Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police Service (DANIPS) with AIR 672 in UPSC CSE.
His journey has also inspired his brother, Shishir Gemawat, to pursue a career in civil services. He is now an IAS officer from the MP Cadre, having passed the exam on his second attempt in 2017.
He said, “It was a challenging journey filled with mixed emotions. There were many ups and downs, but overall, it was an engaging experience that added great value to my life. My knowledge expanded, and my perspective broadened. I have learned a lot during this journey.”
Early Life and Inspiration
Amit hails from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, a city rich in culture and history. Growing up in a family where his father was a criminal lawyer, Amit was exposed to the world of civil services from a young age. Watching his father interact with bureaucrats ignited a passion within him to pursue a career in public service. His mother is a Housewife.
After completing his schooling in Jodhpur, Amit earned a B.Tech in Electronics and Communications from MBM Engineering College in 2011. Post-graduation, he began working as a guest faculty member at the same college, nurturing his love for teaching while contemplating his future.
In addition to his civil services journey, he also appeared for the Indian Engineering Services Exam, the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering), and various Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) exams. This diverse array of examinations not only showcased his versatility but also highlighted his commitment to exploring different avenues in his career.
The Civil Services Journey Begins
As a dedicated UPSC aspirant, he chose Philosophy as his optional subject for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and opted for Forestry and Geology for the IFS exam. His preparation journey spanned nearly seven years, during which he invested immense effort and commitment into his studies.
At the beginning of his preparation, he enrolled in a coaching institute for General Studies and his optional papers, which provided him with a structured foundation and essential guidance; however, he soon transitioned to self-study, allowing him to tailor his learning experience to his individual strengths and preferences.
He meticulously prepared comprehensive notes, focusing on key concepts and important theories that would aid him in both prelims and mains. His approach involved not only reading extensively but also writing and refining his answers to enhance clarity and coherence. This disciplined preparation helped him develop a strong grasp of the subjects, enabling him to tackle the challenging exam with confidence.
In 2017, although he did not clear the mains exam, his thorough preparation and comprehensive approach earned him the highest score in the Essay paper for the UPSC CSE 2017 across all of India.
Despite encountering numerous challenges and emotional ups and downs throughout his journey, he emphasized the significant growth in his knowledge and perspective, noting how each attempt broadened his horizons.
He said, “It’s crucial to adapt answers to the specific needs of each question. Regular practice in answer writing is essential, and aspirants should begin this practice early on and maintain consistency. Each answer should be unique, which is why it’s important for candidates to prepare introductions and conclusions for most topics.”
Interview Experience
Having participated in five interviews, he has gained extensive experience in the UPSC interview process. He advises aspirants to always be honest during the interview and to confidently say “no” if they do not know the answer to a question.
His interviews covered a wide array of topics, including international relations and the current geopolitical landscape. He emphasized the importance of staying updated on global affairs and being able to articulate thoughts clearly.
By approaching the interview with sincerity and thorough preparation, candidates can effectively showcase their knowledge and personality, which are crucial for making a positive impression on the panel. He said, “Always be true in the interview and admit if you don’t know something.” His interviews covered a wide range of topics, from international relations to current geopolitical scenarios, requiring him to stay informed and articulate.”
Message
In his message to UPSC aspirants, Mr. Gemawat emphasizes that preparing for both the Civil Services Examination and the Indian Forest Service exam requires unwavering dedication and commitment. He believes that a successful preparation journey demands not just hard work but also a strategic approach, urging candidates to allocate their time efficiently and maintain a disciplined study routine.
He said, “It’s a long journey, so one must be thoroughly prepared. Aspirants should first understand what this exam demands and requires before developing their strategy. The UPSC exam calls for a variety of skills and knowledge at every stage, from prelims to mains to the interview. For each question, candidates should aim to write at least 150 words, leaving little time for contemplation, so they need to be well-prepared on every topic covered in the General Studies and other papers.”
He stresses that aspiring civil servants must be ready to invest their full effort – 100 percent – into their preparation, as this level of commitment is essential to navigate the challenges of these competitive exams successfully.
