What does it take to pursue a dream for nearly a decade? For Vipul Agrawal, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of the 2022 batch, it was not just hard work but an unshakable belief that success would come, even if it meant facing repeated failures. Hailing from the small town of Raigarh in Chhattisgarh, Vipul’s journey toward the IFS was anything but ordinary. While most young aspirants focus solely on cracking the UPSC exams, Vipul had a different path – one that involved balancing a demanding banking job with his relentless preparation for one of India’s toughest exams.
His story is one of slow yet steady progress, punctuated by multiple attempts and setbacks. It’s a tale of persistence that raises the question: How many times can a person fail before they finally succeed? His journey answers that question with his own unique brand of determination. From losing his parents to navigating the ups and downs of his career, Vipul’s path to success was never straight. But with each challenge, his resolve only grew stronger. His journey was filled with moments of doubt, struggle, and numerous setbacks, but his persistence and dedication never wavered.
Indian Masterminds had the opportunity to interact with Vipul to learn more about his inspiring journey and his valuable tips for UPSC aspirants.
A TALE OF FIVE ATTEMPTS
Vipul’s journey toward cracking the UPSC exam began in 2014, right after his graduation. While many aspirants choose to dedicate themselves entirely to UPSC preparation, Vipul was balancing his studies with a job. He never left his banking career, even when he was preparing for the exams. The job was not merely a convenience – it was a necessity. It provided him with financial stability, a grounding that allowed him to continue his pursuit of the UPSC dream without abandoning his responsibilities.
His first UPSC attempt came in 2015, but it ended in failure as he could not even clear the prelims. Undeterred, he attempted again in 2017, but the result was the same—another failure at the prelims stage. It wasn’t until his third and fourth attempts, in 2019 and 2020, that he began to make progress, clearing the prelims but falling short in the mains each time.
Finally, in 2022, after five years of persistent effort, Vipul cracked the Indian Forest Service (IFS) mains exam and made it to the interview round. His hard work culminated in an impressive All India Rank of 100. However, despite his consistent efforts, he never reached the UPSC CSE interview stage, a bitter yet invaluable part of his journey.
When asked about the long gaps between his attempts, he explained, “This was to test myself. I was preparing while working and studying so hard, but I was failing. I took breaks to give myself time to improve.”
MULTIPLE ACHIEVEMENTS ALONG THE WAY
While his pursuit of UPSC was a long and arduous path, Vipul did not put all his eggs in one basket. In 2015, at the age of 22, he cracked the IBPS Bank PO exam and secured a job at IDBI Bank. By 2016, he moved on to NABARD, where he worked diligently until his selection in 2022. Despite the challenges of his UPSC preparation, he kept achieving milestones in his career, gaining valuable experience and confidence along the way.
Reflecting on his UPSC journey, he remarked, “UPSC is not just a game of hard work but also of luck.”
INTERVIEW TIPS: DECODING DAF
Vipul’s experiences led him to develop a set of valuable insights for future aspirants, especially when it comes to the UPSC interview. His advice was clear and to the point:
- Know Your DAF: “Aspirants need to decode the keywords related to their DAF (Detailed Application Form). If you do this well, you can ace the interview. Most of the questions revolve around the information in your DAF, so understanding it thoroughly will give you an edge.”
- Practice with Purpose: Vipul also recommended practicing by studying the transcripts of interviews from past toppers. These can provide a clear idea of the types of questions asked and the approach to answering them effectively.
- Stay Calm and Groomed: “You must be well-groomed and confident. Your DAF is your introduction, so make sure you have a firm grip on it. Stay true to yourself, stay calm, and respond with clarity.”
With these strategies, Vipul believes that aspirants can give their best performance in the interview, showcasing both their preparation and composure.
BACKGROUND: ROOTED IN HUMILITY
Vipul’s story is not just about exams and preparation. It is deeply rooted in his background. Born in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, to a civil contractor father and a homemaker mother, his upbringing was simple and grounded. Tragically, he lost both of his parents in 2022, a painful blow that marked a pivotal moment in his life.
His early education was in Raigarh, where he completed his schooling. Afterward, he pursued a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from OP Jindal University in Raigarh, graduating in 2014. Despite his engineering background, Vipul’s true calling was always in the civil services, and this was evident when he chose to prepare for UPSC and later the IFS exams.
In addition to his engineering degree, Vipul continued his education while working in banks. He completed the Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB) and recently earned a CFA certificate in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. His pursuit of knowledge was relentless, even when juggling a full-time job.
UPSC PREPARATION: A JOURNEY OF SELF-STUDY
What sets Vipul apart from many aspirants is his approach to UPSC preparation. He never attended any coaching classes. Instead, Vipul relied on self-study, carefully managing his time while working. His journey was long, partly because he was preparing alongside his job, but his commitment to self-reliance was unwavering.
Reflecting on the differences in preparation then and now, Vipul said, “Things were different when I started in 2014. The internet was expensive, and social media was not the primary source of study material. Today, there is a wealth of resources online, but that also means more distractions.”
Vipul’s strategy was clear: he focused on standard books, revising past years’ questions (PYQs), and making his own notes. His optional subjects for IFS included Forestry and Geology, for which he studied materials from reputed authors like Ramesh Sharma and Manikandan. He emphasized the importance of regular revision, as well as being thorough with the syllabus.
THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
Vipul’s story is not one of instant success but of a journey marked by persistence, resilience, and the willingness to face failures head-on. From balancing a demanding job to persevering through multiple UPSC attempts, Vipul’s determination is a testament to his belief in his dream.
As he said, “It’s not just about hard work; it’s about believing in the process and trusting that success will come when you give it your all.”
