https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Breaking Barriers: UPSC Triumph of IFS Topper with Innovative Forest Fire Solutions Impressing Interviewers

P R Sarbajit, who cracked UPSC IFS with Rank 104 in his fourth attempt, pursued UPSC success through resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination against all odds.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Embarking on the journey toward a cherished dream often involves traversing through trials, setbacks, and triumphs. Such is the inspiring narrative of P.R. Sarbajit, a beacon of determination in the realm of civil service aspirants. With unwavering resolve, Sarbajit embarked on his odyssey in 2020, setting his sights on conquering the formidable UPSC exams, including both the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and the Indian Forest Service (IFS). Despite the daunting task of preparing for both with two optional subjects, Sarbajit refused to leave any stone unturned in the face of fierce competition.

His unwavering determination to serve as a civil servant led him down the road less traveled, even when it appeared the most daunting. Through four grueling attempts, he crafted a narrative of endurance, emerging from each trial with unwavering resolve and newfound wisdom – a living testament to the unyielding spirit of those who dare to pursue their dreams against all odds.

Despite initial setbacks, he relentlessly pursued his aspirations, refining his approach with each setback. Armed with diligence and a newfound strategic approach, he meticulously dissected the syllabus, crafting a blueprint for success. His dedication manifested in tireless hours of study, guided by a structured plan encompassing meticulous note-making and rigorous mock tests.

Finally, he conquered the UPSC IFS, cementing his status as a civil servant while keeping his sights set on the CSE. His journey epitomizes resilience, where setbacks merely serve as stepping stones toward eventual triumph.

Speaking exclusively with Indian Masterminds, he narrated his inspiring journey.

Smile of success: P R Sarbajit

FROM IIT TO IFS: THE LONGING JOURNEY

P. R. Sarbajit started his Civil Services preparation in 2020, making a total of four attempts in the UPSC, combining both the CSE and the IFS. Over these four attempts, he cleared the prelims three times for both CSE and IFS.

In his first attempt in 2020, he did not clear the prelims for either CSE or IFS. In his second attempt in 2021, he cleared the prelims for both exams but did not clear the mains.

In his third attempt in 2022, he cleared the mains for IFS but did not make it to the final list. He did not clear the mains for CSE that year.

In his fourth attempt in 2023, he cleared the mains for both exams. However, he missed the final list for CSE by 5 marks. Despite this, he successfully cracked the IFS exam, achieving an All India Rank of 104.

He said, “It was my childhood dream. I was raised in such a way that becoming a civil servant felt like a natural path for me. When I failed in earlier attempts, I was disheartened a little bit. I knew that I could crack it, so I changed my strategy and found out my weaknesses.”

P R Sarbajit, UPSC IFS 23, AIR 104

BACKGROUND

Sarbajit originally hails from Bijayanagar village in Kendrapara district in Odisha. His father works as an Executive Engineer at Paradeep Port Authority in Paradeep, while his mother is a homemaker. He has an elder brother who is a doctor at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

He completed his basic schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Paradeep up to the 10th grade. Then, he moved to Bhubaneswar and completed his 12th grade. After that, he graduated with a B.Tech. in civil Engineering from IIT Bombay in 2020.

With his mother

UPSC

This year, he changed his strategy and prepared systematically. Previously, he focused only on completing subjects and making notes. However, this time he approached his preparation with a structured plan, analyzing every aspect of the exam according to the syllabus’s requirements. He solved previous years’ questions (PYQs) to identify the types of questions that could appear in the exam, aligned with the syllabus. He then made concise notes, which proved helpful.

He emphasized the importance of mock tests, believing that creating an exam-like atmosphere while taking them is crucial. He planned his mock tests accordingly.

He explained that for the prelims, which is a two-hour exam, he aimed to finish in 1 hour and 50 minutes during practice. This improved his thinking speed, fact recollection, and overall synchronization with the exam’s pace.

For the mains, he employed a similar strategy. He considered multiple aspects of each topic and wrote answers from various perspectives. This comprehensive understanding helped him present his answers better.

He studied an average of eight hours daily. His optional subject for the CSE was Civil Engineering, while for the IFS, it was Forestry and Civil Engineering.

With his father at UPSC building

INTERVIEW

His interview lasted around 15 minutes. The board asked him about his hobby, which was microbial cultivation. They inquired where he practiced it and how he conducted his experiments.

Then, a member asked him about forest fires: what issues they present, and how he would address them. Given his engineering background, they wanted to know what technological solutions he could propose for forest fires. He replied, “By using Artificial Intelligence, satellite imagery, and remote sensing, we can identify hotspots and create better mapping. This allows us to take preventive measures with our resources before a forest fire occurs.” His answer seemed to satisfy the board members.

The board also asked him several technical questions about forestry and biodiversity. Additionally, there were a few questions based on his Detailed Application Form (DAF).

Being felicitated at Indian Oil Refinery

MESSAGE

Giving suggestions to UPSC aspirants, he said, “Don’t start preparations randomly or haphazardly. Do it in a structured manner, otherwise, you will lose valuable time. There should be an overall plan for your preparation, detailing how and when you will complete the topics in the syllabus. Consider how you will present your answers as well. This approach will give you confidence; otherwise, you might struggle to organize your efforts effectively.”

“This entire exam hinges on your confidence. So, stay confident and maintain consistency. Understanding previous years’ questions (PYQs) and the syllabus are crucial for this,” he added.

P R Sarbajit, IFS

Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Renewable Energy
India Must Double Renewable Energy Addition to 50 GW Annually to Hit 2030 Goal, Says S&P Global - Details Inside
THDC-resized
THDC India Commissions Nation’s First Variable Speed Pumped Storage Unit at Tehri, Marks Historic Milestone in Renewable Energy - All Details Mentioned Here
Prakash Punj, Patna Sahib
Beautification Work Completed at Prakash Punj, Patna Sahib: A New Landmark for Sikh Heritage & Tourism
Indian Railways
Indian Railways Strengthens Ticketing System with Digital Overhaul & Anti-BOT Measures - Know More
WCL Western Coalfield
WCL Achieves Record Profit Before Tax of Rs. 4,376 Crore in FY 2024–25, All Details Inside
Bihar vegetables
Historic: Bihar Exports Vegetables to Dubai for the First Time: Minister Prem Kumar Flags Off Consignment
Indian Police Services IPS Officer
3 IPS Officers Transferred in Madhya Pradesh Police Department Reshuffle; Priyanka Shukla Made AIG, Bhopal Police HQ
ICAS Service
Ministry of Finance Notifies New Indian Civil Accounts Service Recruitment Rules, 2025 - Here is All You Need To Know
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Monika Singh
Monika Singh’s Life Beyond the Bureaucracy | Video Interview 
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 
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Divyanshu Pal Nagar IFS
5 Years, 5 Mains, 4 Interviews: How Divyanshu Pal Nagar Stumbled in CSE, Triumphed in IFS - A Lesson for Every Aspirant
Divyanshu Pal Nagar’s inspiring five-year UPSC journey shows how perseverance, disciplined self-study,...
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...
Social Media
Tiger jump Sundarban
Stunning Viral Video Shows Royal Bengal Tiger Making Spectacular 30-Foot Leap Across River in Sunderbans - See It Here
Retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Susanta Nanda shared the clip online, which quickly went...
shubham kumar ias marriage
IAS Topper Weds BPSC Topper: Shubham Kumar Marries IRS Officer Priyangi Mehta in Patna; Wedding Video Goes Viral
Topper Couple Alert: Shubham Kumar, Priyangi Mehta’s Wedding Grabs Spotlight in Bihar
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...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Renewable Energy
India Must Double Renewable Energy Addition to 50 GW Annually to Hit 2030 Goal, Says S&P Global - Details Inside
THDC-resized
THDC India Commissions Nation’s First Variable Speed Pumped Storage Unit at Tehri, Marks Historic Milestone in Renewable Energy - All Details Mentioned Here
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Monika Singh
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
IMG-20250523-WA0036
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT