Traveling 50 kilometers daily by bus to attend college in Jammu district, Suchiter Sharma’s determination shines through every aspect of his journey. His home in Salehar, a village barely 10 kilometers from the international border, posed unique challenges. These were further compounded by the abrogation of Article 370, which resulted in a complete internet blackout, cutting off crucial access to online study materials during his UPSC preparation. Suchiter’s journey to becoming the youngest IRS officer at the age of 22 is nothing short of inspirational.
EDUCATION, FAMILY AND INSPIRATION
Salehar, a village located near the international border, is where Suchiter’s remarkable story begins. Despite the difficulties of living in such a sensitive area where the security situation could change at a moment’s notice, Suchiter’s family placed a high value on education. His father, a political science teacher, and his mother, who holds an MA in Hindi and Dogri and teaches both subjects, were his first role models. Their dedication to education laid a solid foundation for Suchiter’s academic journey.
His parents’ dedication to his education was evident in their daily routines. “My mother would wake up at 4 or 5 in the morning to prepare my breakfast and lunch,” Suchiter shared with Indian Masterminds. The journey from his village to his college in the middle of the district was arduous, involving a 50-kilometer round trip and multiple bus changes. Despite these challenges, Suchiter’s determination never wavered.
Growing up, Suchiter was inspired by his cousin sister, Pryati Sharma, an IRS officer. She was his role model, and he closely observed her dedication and hard work. “Whatever she used to do, I used to do the same,” Suchiter recalls.
ABROGATION OF ARTICLE 370
Suchiter’s journey to success was not without its hurdles. The abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir led to a complete internet blackout for several months, posing a significant challenge to his preparation for the UPSC exams. “It was one of the reasons that I started going to the library,” Suchiter explains. The library, located near his college, became his sanctuary, where he could access study materials and the internet through Wi-Fi.
During his preparation, Suchiter faced another significant challenge: the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these difficulties, he remained focused and dedicated.
PREPARATION STRATEGY
Suchiter’s preparation strategy was methodical and disciplined. He joined a foundation course in Jammu after completing 12th grade, which lasted three years. Balancing college and coaching, he followed a structured approach to his studies. For prelims, he emphasized the importance of practicing MCQs from the very beginning. “I started practicing MCQs from the very first day, as it was my weakness,” he says. His dedication saw him attempt around 80 to 90 test series, revising them multiple times to ensure a strong grasp of the material.
For the mains, Suchiter focused on answer writing. He leveraged test series model answers, reading and revising them thoroughly. This approach enabled him to write coherent and well-structured answers during the actual exam. His preparation for the interview involved identifying his weaknesses and participating in mock interviews to hone his skills.
A UNIQUE HOBBY
Suchiter’s interview experience was unique and memorable. He included a local hobby in his Detailed Application Form (DAF) – listening to and reciting “karaks,” a type of folk song associated with local deities. This unusual entry caught the attention of the interview panel. “The last panelist asked me to recite Karaks,” Suchiter recalls. This personal touch not only showcased his cultural heritage but also left a lasting impression on the panel.
Today, Suchiter Sharma serves as an Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax in Vikas Bhavan, Delhi. His journey from Salehar to this prestigious position is a source of pride for his family and his community. Reflecting on his journey, Suchiter emphasizes the importance of hard work, consistency, and faith in oneself and the Almighty. He acknowledges the critical role his parents played in his success, providing unwavering support and encouragement throughout his journey.
WISE WORDS
To UPSC aspirants, Suchiter offers valuable advice: “Keep working hard, be consistent, and have faith in yourself and in the Almighty.” He underscores the significance of parental support and the impact it had on his own journey. “I am here because of them,” he says, expressing his gratitude for their unwavering support.
