Nurtured in the embrace of a household where his father managed a general store, IPS officer Gaurav Tripathi’s tryst with the world of civil services emerged not from a predetermined life goal, but rather from the casual perusal of newspaper headlines chronicling the triumphs of Civil Services Examination (CSE) qualifiers.
NEWSPAPER SPARKS INSPIRATION
Born and brought up in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur, Mr. Tripathi’s narrative is not a tale of privilege or of overnight success; it is a saga etched with resilience, unwavering determination, and the pursuit of a dream that transcended the confines of his humble beginnings.
Raised in a household where his father managed a general store, Gaurav was introduced to the world of civil services through the lens of newspaper headlines chronicling the triumphs of Civil Services Examination (CSE) qualifiers. Little did he know that this seed would grow into a tenacious pursuit of a goal that would define the trajectory of his life.
ROAD TO SUCCESS
Mr. Tripathi’s academic journey, originating from his local roots, led him to the illustrious halls of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee. It was during his B.Tech days that he decided to venture beyond the realm of engineering and delve into the intricate world of civil services.
His preparation strategy was marked by a unique blend of determination and practicality. Focused on practice rather than drowning in volumes of books, he commenced with NCERT textbooks, gauging his understanding through timed question-solving. “A single-minded approach to preparation, adherence to basic books recommended by toppers, and meticulous note-taking became my modus operandi,” Mr. Tripathi shared with Indian Masterminds.
However, the journey was not without its share of setbacks. Two attempts at the interview stage did not yield the desired result, but his resilience remained unshaken. Undeterred, he delved into the mains exam, excelling in general studies but facing challenges in his optional subject, Geography.
Undeterred by the lack of resources in Hindi medium, he persevered, taking a break in 2021 and changing the optional in his fourth try, ultimately securing AIR 226.
FAMILY SUPPORT
Beyond the academic rigor, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining mental and physical health. Wrestling with stress and weight gain, he found solace in his family, especially his brothers, who provided unwavering support. A drastic transformation in physical health, from 101 kg to 85 kg in three months, mirrored his commitment to overcoming challenges.
In the midst of this arduous journey, he also found a pillar of support in his personal life. Addressing questions about the girlfriend’s role in his success, he acknowledged the significant impact of a stress-free relationship, highlighting the importance of a supportive partner during challenging times. “A supportive partner can be a silent yet significant pillar during the arduous journey of civil services preparation.”
CHANNEL TO EARN
Mr. Tripathi also runs a channel named UPSC Hindi 4 CS. In a candid admission, he confessed that his foray into creating a UPSC Hindi channel initially stemmed from a desire for financial stability. “Frankly, I started the channel just to earn money. I would lie if I say that I was doing social work,” he admitted.
What began as a pursuit of monetary gain transformed post-selection into a platform for both financial gain and social impact, reflecting a broader commitment to community welfare.
As Gaurav Tripathi steps into the world of public service, his advice for aspiring civil servants resonates with wisdom gained through experience. He urges prospective candidates to look beyond the facade of the profession, acknowledging both its merits and challenges. His message is clear: the path to civil services demands patience, resilience, and a thorough understanding of the journey ahead.
