Vijay Wardhan’s journey to becoming an IAS officer isn’t your typical success story. This young man from Sirsa, Haryana, took on the challenge of 35 different government exams, failing each one, but never lost hope. In 2019, after years of setbacks, he cleared one of the world’s toughest exams—the UPSC Civil Services Exam—with an impressive All India Rank of 104. His journey is one of relentless pursuit and an unshakeable belief that setbacks do not define a person’s future, but how they are faced does. He is currently posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Rohroo, District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
THE START OF THE EXAM
Mr. Wardhan’s dream began in 2013 after he completed his degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Sirsa. Like many, he was drawn to the allure of becoming a civil servant, but the road was far from smooth. His first attempt at the UPSC Civil Services in 2014 failed, and so did his second in 2015. By his third attempt in 2016, he reached the interview stage, only to miss the final list by six marks. Despite the repeated failures, he didn’t give up.
“Hum Honge Kamyaab Ek Din was my guiding motto in the journey,” he shared with Indian Masterminds.
The failures didn’t stop at UPSC. Mr. Wardhan attempted numerous other competitive exams, from state public service commissions to the prestigious RBI Grade B and ISRO exams, but found himself falling short repeatedly. “Despite clearing prelim exams over 95% of the time, I would often stumble in the final stages. From the Rajasthan Administrative Services to the Haryana Civil Services, my name was consistently missing from the final list,” Mr. Wardhan shared.
THE WEDDING DAY SETBACK
One of the most memorable moments in Mr. Wardhan’s journey came on April 27, 2018, the day of his brother’s wedding. On this same day, the results for UPSC were announced, and the entire family had high hopes. “Sweets were ordered in anticipation of my name finally being on the list. However, when the results came out, my name was missing once again. The festive atmosphere turned heavy with disappointment, but I refused to let the failure ruin the day. After giving myself half an hour to process the result, I joined the wedding celebrations, danced, laughed, and embraced the joy of the moment,” Mr. Wardhan recalled. He knew that while exams happen every year, his brother’s wedding was a once-in-a-lifetime event.
This episode encapsulates the mindset he adopted throughout his journey: failure is not the end, and some moments in life deserve to be celebrated no matter the circumstances. “Never give up, but always have a backup plan after your first couple of attempts,” Mr. Wardhan told Indian Masterminds.
ADAPTING AND LEARNING FROM FAILURE
Mr. Wardhan’s path wasn’t just about persistence—it was about learning, adapting, and improving with every attempt. After numerous failed exams, he realized that sticking to old notes and methods wasn’t enough. He began revising his study materials every year, rewriting his notes to align with the latest exam trends. Rather than attributing them to bad luck or external factors, he acknowledged where he needed to improve and worked on those areas.
The power of positive reinforcement was also central to his preparation. Instead of letting cynicism creep in, he sought out mentors and friends who kept him focused and optimistic. He valued external feedback but ensured he stayed true to his methods and instincts, continually evolving his approach to suit his strengths.
Despite facing failure after failure, his family never once made him feel like a burden. Their emotional and financial backing allowed him to continue chasing his dream without guilt. “I believe that parents should stand by their children during tough times, understanding that the journey to success often takes time,” he said.
THE FINAL PUSH
After his fourth failed attempt, many advised Mr. Wardhan to skip the 2018 UPSC exam, warning that he didn’t have enough time to prepare. However, he trusted his years of hard work and decided to go ahead. His persistence paid off when the results were announced in April 2019—Vijay Wardhan had finally cleared the UPSC Civil Services Exam, securing a rank of 104 and earning his place in the prestigious Indian Administrative Service.
EMBRACING FAILURE, CELEBRATING SUCCESS
Looking back, the officer doesn’t see his failures as obstacles but as vital steps in his journey. Each setback taught him lessons that were crucial for his final success. His outlook remains grounded: “Life is unfair, but so is the process of birth itself. We win over millions of other competitors even before we are born.”
Vijay Wardhan’s story is not just about overcoming personal challenges; it is a powerful message for every UPSC aspirant or anyone struggling to achieve their dreams. His journey shows that even after 35 failures, success is possible with perseverance, self-reflection, and the right support.
