https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

A Dream, A Deadline, and A Determined Mind: The Siddharth Srivastava

On his sixth and final attempt, Siddharth Srivastava cracked UPSC with an impressive 118th rank, proving that setbacks are just stepping stones to success.
Indian Masterminds Stories

As Siddharth Srivastava sat down for his sixth and final attempt at the UPSC Civil Services Examination, he knew this was it – his last shot. The years of sacrifice, the nights spent battling self-doubt, the crushing failures – everything came down to this moment. If he failed now, the dream he had nurtured since childhood would slip away forever. But Siddharth was not ready to walk away.

When the results were announced, his hands trembled as he checked his rank – AIR 118. His dream was no longer a distant hope; it was now his reality. The struggles, the rejections, the moments when he almost gave up – all had led him to this victory. Today, as an officer trainee at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (NPA), Siddharth’s story stands as proof that sometimes the difference between success and failure is simply the will to try one more time.

Early Life and Educational Pursuits

Growing up in Varanasi’s Chitaipur area, Siddharth was surrounded by a family that valued education and service. His grandmother played a pivotal role in fostering an environment conducive to learning. “Our home was always abuzz with discussions about our relatives’ achievements in the civil service, which deeply inspired me,” Siddharth recalled while speaking on a media platform. This familial atmosphere set the foundation for his ambition to become an officer.

In 2010, Siddharth completed his high school education and, by 2013, had cleared the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced. He pursued a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT BHU, graduating in 2017. Despite securing a job offer from Maruti Suzuki, his passion for public service led him to decline the offer and focus on preparing for the civil services examination.

Navigating the Challenges

Siddharth’s path was fraught with challenges. His initial attempts at the UPSC examination did not yield the desired results. Undeterred, he simultaneously prepared for state-level examinations. In 2018, he qualified for the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) exam and was appointed as an Excise Inspector. Two years later, in 2020, he achieved the position of Naib Tehsildar. These roles provided him with invaluable insights into the administrative machinery and further fueled his determination to succeed in the UPSC examination.

A turning point in Siddharth’s journey occurred during his tenure as Naib Tehsildar. An encounter with a police inspector who treated him dismissively ignited a renewed resolve in him. Reflecting on the incident, Siddharth shared, “The experience was humbling and reinforced my commitment to ascend to a position where I could effect meaningful change.” This incident became a catalyst, intensifying his dedication to his UPSC preparation.

Strategies for Success

Recognizing the need for a structured approach, Siddharth immersed himself in self-study, occasionally supplementing it with coaching sessions. He emphasized the importance of analyzing previous years’ question papers and maintaining a disciplined study schedule. To minimize distractions, he consciously limited his presence on social media platforms. Physical well-being was also a priority; regular meditation and exercise became integral to his routine, ensuring mental clarity and focus.

The Winning Strategy

  • Focused Study Plan: He meticulously analyzed previous years’ question papers, understanding trends and patterns.
  • Minimal Distractions: He limited social media usage to avoid wasting time.
  • Health and Mindset: Regular meditation and exercise helped him maintain mental clarity.
  • Support System: His parents, sister, and close friends played a crucial role, keeping him motivated through every setback.

The Final Milestone

In his sixth and final attempt in 2023, Siddharth’s determination bore fruit. He not only cleared the examination but did so with an impressive rank of 118. Recalling the moment he received the news, Siddharth said, “Informing my mother about the result was overwhelming. Her tears of joy made the entire journey worthwhile.” 

With his induction into the Indian Police Service (IPS), Siddharth is poised to bring about positive change in society. He envisions a career dedicated to public service, aiming to bridge the gap between the administration and the common people. His story serves as an inspiration to countless aspirants, demonstrating that with determination, introspection, and the right support, even the most challenging goals are attainable.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
IRSSE (Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers) officer
IRSSE Gaurav Govil Debarred from Central Deputation for 5 Years Over Non-Compliance with CVO Appointment
Delhi High Court-resized-DelhiHC
Faith vs Discipline: Delhi HC Backs Army in Termination of Officer, Upholds Dismissal For Refusing Religious Parade Participation
IRS Officer Indian revenue Services
Senior IRS Officer Caught in Bribery Case: ₹25 Lakh Seized at Mohali Residence, ₹45 Lakh Demanded – Know the Full Story
PNB Housing Finanace
PNB Housing Finance Elevates Bhavya Taneja as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) - Know More About Him
Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann
Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann Takes Over as Senior Air Staff Officer, Western Air Command - Know More About Him
Rajgir Sports
Bihar’s Mega Sports Push: Playgrounds, Stadiums & Talent Hunt Transform State; Over 50 Lakh Students Join
Indian Oil IOCL
Indian Oil (IOCL) Finalizes LCOH for India’s Largest Green Hydrogen Plant at Panipat Refinery - Details Inside
RECPDCL Handover WRNES Talegaon Power Transmission Limited SPV to Adani Energy
RECPDCL Hands Over WRNES Talegaon Power Transmission SPV to Adani Energy Solutions - All Details Inside
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
Modernising Governance: A Digital Transformation in Gangtok
IMG-20250523-WA0036
Abhishek Singh's SECRET: Vipassana, Anthropology & Smart Answer Writing | Video Interview 
Madhav Agarwal UPSC
From Gwalior to the Top 20: What Drove Finance Pro Madhav Agarwal to Crack UPSC CSE 2024 with AIR 16? | Exclusive
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
ANUBHAV SINGH UPSC IFS 2024
9 Years, 8 Attempts, 7 Failures: How Anubhav Singh Cracked UPSC IFS 2024 with AIR 3 Against All Odds | Exclusive
Anubhav Singh’s inspiring journey to UPSC IFS Rank 3 showcases relentless perseverance, strategic preparation,...
Jogender Sihag
“I Cleared UPSC, But My Grandfather isn’t Here to Hear it,” Jogender Sihag, AIR 521, UPSC CSE 2024
"Life is short; make the most of it, whether in civil service or any other field. Just have a clear vision...
WhatsApp Image 2025-05-28 at 18.56
Didn’t Clear UPSC But Found Something Greater: A Story That Will Change How You See Success
She left a top finance job for UPSC, did not clear but built a thriving wellness brand instead. Veda's...
Social Media
parveen kaswan elephant
Elephant Outsmarts Electric Fence! IFS Parveen Kaswan Shares Incredible Video!
In the now-viral 51-second clip, the intelligent giant approaches a wooden pole supporting high-voltage...
UPSC Latest IAS IPS IFS
UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Tomorrow: ICLS Officer Altap Shaikh Shares Last-Minute Motivation for Aspirants
His five-post thread offers encouragement, practical advice, and emotional support - not just for those...
Anupam Sharma IFS
#BoycottTurkey: IFS Officer Anupam Sharma Sparks Nationalist Call to Action
IFS Sharma urged citizens to avoid Turkish agricultural imports
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Leopard into Well Indore
Wildlife on the Edge: Why Leopards Keep Falling into Wells in MP’s Mhow & How Communities Are Navigating Coexistence
Harry Hobbs of Kolkata and Other Forgotten Lives
Nine Colonial Lives That Shaped Calcutta: Devasis Chattopadhyay’s Fascinating Chronicle | Book Review
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
IMG-20250523-WA0036
Madhav Agarwal UPSC
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT