Every UPSC aspirant dreams of cracking one of the toughest exams in India. However, not every aspirant has the luxury of resources, coaching, or a smooth path. Kuldeep Dwivedi’s journey to becoming an IRS officer is a story that every UPSC aspirant can draw strength from. It’s a tale of overcoming struggles, fighting against all odds, and pushing forward when everything seems impossible.
Kuldeep was born in Shekhpur, a village in Uttar Pradesh, to a security guard, Suryakant, and a homemaker, Manju. His family lived in a small one-room house, and despite their financial struggles, his parents always believed that education was the key to a better life. Though they didn’t have much, they were determined to support their children in every way they could.
A DREAM AGAINST ALL ODDS
Kuldeep’s story teaches us that dreams don’t require a perfect start; they require a relentless pursuit. Kuldeep attended a Hindi medium school and later moved to a school in Lucknow, where his parents did their best to ensure that education was prioritised. He faced the same challenges that many rural students face—lack of resources, limited access to quality education, and the pressure of family expectations. But through it all, Kuldeep never lost sight of his dream to become a civil servant.
While his cousins studied in English-medium schools, Kuldeep and his siblings faced the reality of studying in a Hindi-medium setup. But rather than feeling discouraged, Kuldeep used this challenge as motivation. He knew that the road to success was not about the circumstances you are born into but the choices you make along the way.
THE STRUGGLES OF UPSC PREPARATION
After completing his postgraduate degree from Allahabad University, Kuldeep moved to Delhi to pursue his dream of cracking the UPSC exam. He rented a small room in Mukherjee Nagar, a hub for UPSC aspirants, but his situation was far from ideal. His father’s salary of ₹6,000 a month couldn’t support the high costs of coaching classes or study materials. Kuldeep didn’t have a laptop at first and had to borrow books from friends to study.
What Kuldeep lacked in resources, he made up for with dedication and hard work. He could have easily given up on his dream, but he chose to focus on what he could control—his efforts. Many aspirants find it hard to study without coaching, but Kuldeep proved that with determination, self-study can also lead to success. His struggle wasn’t just against the exam; it was against financial constraints, emotional pressure, and the fear of failure.
OVERCOMING FAILURES AND FINDING STRENGTH
Kuldeep didn’t clear the UPSC in his first attempt. He faced disappointment and felt the weight of failure. His first attempt ended in failure to clear the prelims, and the second attempt saw him clearing the prelims but falling short in the mains. Many would have considered giving up after two failures, but Kuldeep didn’t. He didn’t allow failure to define him—he allowed it to fuel his determination.
His father, who had never even seen the inside of a UPSC classroom, was his biggest supporter. His father had no idea how UPSC worked, but he always believed in his son’s ability. He encouraged Kuldeep to try again, no matter how many times it took. His mother, though initially worried, supported him with love and understanding.
This is a crucial lesson for every UPSC aspirant: failure is not the end; it’s an opportunity to learn and grow.
THE MOMENT OF VICTORY
Kuldeep’s third attempt was the one that brought success. He finally achieved his goal in 2015, securing an All India Rank of 242 and earning a position in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). The moment of victory was not just a celebration of his success but a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination.
When Kuldeep received the news of his success, it wasn’t just his achievement. His entire family had sacrificed to make this possible. His wife, Ayushi, recalls the day of the result. When Kuldeep called her with the news, their joy was immeasurable. Kuldeep’s mother, overwhelmed with emotion, couldn’t even speak for hours. The pain and sacrifices of years had finally paid off.
THE POWER OF SUPPORT
Kuldeep’s story is not just about one individual’s struggle; it’s about the collective effort of a family that believed in him. His father, despite his low-paying job, continued to work day in and day out. His siblings also contributed financially to support him during his UPSC preparation. Friends offered encouragement, and his wife stood by him through thick and thin. Kuldeep’s success wasn’t just his own—it was the result of the love, sacrifice, and belief of everyone around him.
Kuldeep Dwivedi’s journey is a powerful reminder that UPSC success is not defined by resources, luck, or privilege. It is about determination, hard work, and the ability to keep going despite failures and setbacks. For every aspirant feeling the pressure, doubt, or fear, remember Kuldeep’s story. He didn’t have a perfect beginning, and he didn’t have everything handed to him. But what he had was an unwavering belief in his dream and the courage to never give up.
