Every year, thousands of aspirants appear for UPSC CSE, and only a handful of them get selected. Due to its unpredictable nature, this exam is considered to be one of the toughest in the country. An aspirant might reach the interview stage in one year, but that does not guarantee success the next year. However, those who are not scared of the outcome do make history.
One such story is that of Ashish Kumar. His journey from Jaipur, Rajasthan, to securing Air 8 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2023 is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. He cleared the exam on his fifth attempt and came in the top 10. It was his zeal and determination that led him towards this kind of success.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Kumar shared his UPSC journey, which is marked by ups and downs.
EARLY ATTEMPTS
Ashish embarked on his UPSC journey in 2019 with his first attempt but faced the bitter taste of failure when he couldn’t clear the mains. Undeterred, he persisted, only to stumble in the prelims in his second attempt in 2020, and again in the mains in 2021.
With three attempts left, the pressure mounted as he faced another setback in 2022, failing to clear the prelims yet again. Despite the disappointments, he remained resolute in his determination to crack the UPSC exam and enter the prestigious civil service.
TURNING SETBACKS INTO MOTIVATION
His father is a retired teacher and his mother is a homemaker. During his journey, they stood like a pillar for him and were his source of motivation to do something great in life.
Speaking to Indian Masterminds, Ashish shared his philosophy on success and failure, stating, “Very early in my life, I understood that success and failure are part of it. If you have to achieve anything, no matter how many hurdles you face, you have to get up and start working again.” This mindset became his guiding light as he continued his relentless pursuit of his dream.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND & CAREER SHIFT
A graduate of IIT Kharagpur in manufacturing science, Ashish further pursued his passion by obtaining a master’s degree in industrial science from the same institute. Despite a brief stint at the corporate giant Cognizant, he realized that his true calling lay elsewhere. “I was not made for an IT job. I needed something where my efforts counted and I could make a difference. So, I decided to give UPSC CSE,” he revealed to Indian Masterminds, highlighting his quest for purpose and impact.
THE ULTIMATE TRIUMPH
With his last attempt looming, Ashish remained mentally prepared to give it his all. When the results of the UPSC CSE 2023 were announced, he braced himself for disappointment. However, fate had a different plan. As he scrolled down the list, disbelief washed over him when he saw his name at number 8. “I was not expecting this kind of result. All kinds of feelings came together. I was really overwhelmed and can’t express how my parents felt,” he expressed, his voice filled with gratitude and humility.
Ashish Kumar’s journey from facing repeated failures to clinching success in his fifth attempt serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspirants everywhere. His story exemplifies the importance of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. As he steps into the world of civil service, Ashish carries with him not just a top rank, but a testament to the power of relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.
