Success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is often seen as a moment—a rank, a result, a name on the final list. But what remains unseen is the long stretch of doubt, discipline, and quiet persistence that leads to it. For Valay Vaidya, the journey was not about a single breakthrough. It was about staying the course when outcomes were uncertain and continuing even when results did not follow immediately.
Today, with an All India Rank 116 in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2020 and a second rank in Gujarat, Valay’s success stands tall. But his real story lies in the years before that—years defined by learning, failure, and resilience.
ROOTS, EDUCATION AND EARLY LEADERSHIP
Born in Rajkot and raised in Vadodara, Valay’s early life was grounded in a typical urban Gujarati upbringing. He completed his schooling in Vadodara before moving to Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology (DA-IICT), Gandhinagar.
At DA-IICT, he pursued B.Tech in Information and Communication Technology, but academics were only one part of his journey. He actively participated in student leadership and governance. As Convener of the Student Body, he managed large-scale events worth nearly ₹45 lakhs and even won student elections.
He was also nominated as a Student Member of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC)—a role that reflected both trust and responsibility.
But somewhere during these years, a larger goal began to take shape.
THE DECISION THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
In 2016, after graduation, Valay chose a path that demands patience like no other—Civil Services.
He did not step into preparation with a perfect plan. Like many engineers, he faced an immediate challenge: most UPSC subjects were rooted in humanities.
“I had to build my foundation from scratch,” he recalled while talking to a media platform
The initial years were intense. He studied 10–12 hours daily, focusing on subjects like polity, history, and social issues—areas completely new to him.
FAILURES, ATTEMPTS AND THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN
Valay’s journey was not a straight line.
He appeared for UPSC multiple times. Faced failures at different stages. Even reached the interview stage and fell short.
At the same time, he explored other competitive exams like RBI Grade B and NABARD, but did not clear them.
Yet, he stayed consistent.
In 2019, he cleared the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) exam with Rank 21 and joined the Gujarat Administrative Service as a Deputy Collector in Panchmahal (Godhra).
He calls his journey a “five-year plan.”
“While the government stopped its five-year plans, mine started in 2016 and ended in 2021—with good results.”
His breakthrough came in his fourth UPSC attempt, proving that persistence often matters more than speed.
FROM HARD WORK TO SMART WORK
Valay divides his preparation journey into two clear phases. The first phase focused on building a strong foundation over two to three years. During this time, he put in intense hard work, studying for long hours and developing deep conceptual clarity, especially in subjects that were unfamiliar to him. Once this base was firmly established, he moved into the second phase, which was driven by a smarter strategy. His study hours became more focused, around five to six hours a day, with greater emphasis on revision, answer writing, and clarity of concepts. As he explains, “It was the mix of hard work in the beginning and smart work later that helped me succeed.”
THE MENTAL BATTLE: ANXIETY, SELF-DOUBT AND RESILIENCE
UPSC is not just an academic test. It is an emotional test.
With over 10 lakh applicants and only a few hundred selections, failure is common. Valay experienced it firsthand—anxiety, insecurity, and self-doubt.
But instead of ignoring these emotions, he addressed them.
“Your exam is part of your life. Don’t make it your entire life.”
This mindset helped him stay balanced during the toughest phases.
FIVE PRACTICAL TIPS FOR ASPIRANTS
Valay’s journey is not just about success. It is about learning. He shares simple, practical advice for aspirants:
1. STAY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
Preparation often leads to a sedentary lifestyle. Regular physical activity improves focus and mental health.
2. DEVELOP A HOBBY
A small break from studies helps avoid burnout. It keeps the mind fresh.
3. TAKE REGULAR BREAKS
Continuous studying without rest reduces efficiency. Breaks are not distractions—they are necessary.
4. SET SMALL GOALS
Instead of focusing only on the final result, break preparation into daily targets. Achieving small goals builds confidence.
5. WORK ON COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Clear expression is crucial—not just for interviews, but for life.
“Communication skills will not only help in the interview but also in how you deal with the world.”
UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE: BEYOND THE EXAM
Valay emphasizes that aspirants must look beyond just clearing the examination and understand the responsibilities that come with it. An IAS officer’s role spans a wide range of functions, including maintaining law and order, managing revenue administration, driving rural and infrastructure development, and ensuring effective implementation of key government schemes such as MGNREGA, Awas Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat. On the other hand, an IPS officer focuses on areas like crime prevention and investigation, tackling cyber security threats and digital fraud, and ensuring overall public safety and law enforcement. Both roles are highly dynamic and continuously evolving, with no fixed template, requiring officers to adapt to new challenges and responsibilities over time.
THE PERSONALITY TEST: MORE THAN AN INTERVIEW
Valay describes the UPSC interview as a “personality test, not a knowledge test.”
Candidates are assessed on:
- Clarity of thought
- Awareness across subjects
- Ability to handle pressure
“It is a very detailed and enjoyable process if you approach it with the right mindset,” he says.
A JOURNEY THAT CONTINUES
Today, as a civil servant, Valay Vaidya represents a generation of officers who combine technical education with administrative insight.
His journey—from an engineering graduate unsure of humanities subjects to a top-ranked IAS officer—is a reminder that success is rarely instant.
It is built. Slowly. Consistently.
THE POWER OF NOT GIVING UP
Valay’s story is not about rank alone. It is about resilience.
It is about showing up every day—even when results don’t come.
It is about believing that failure is not the opposite of success, but a part of it.
And perhaps, it returns us to a simple truth:
The journey may test you.
But if you stay with it long enough, it also transforms you.
