https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

From Gwalior to the Top 20: What Drove Finance Pro Madhav Agarwal to Crack UPSC CSE 2024 with AIR 16? | Exclusive

In this video interview, UPSC Topper Madhav Agarwal talks about his inspiring journey from switching careers to UPSC preparation, facing setbacks, IPS training, meditation, and his ultimate success in securing AIR 16 in UPSC CSE 2024.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Sometimes, destiny leads you to a path you never imagined – a sentiment perfectly captured by the story of Madhav Agarwal, a young man from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, whose relentless determination and hard work earned him All India Rank 16 in the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024.

Madhav initially set out to become a Chartered Accountant, a goal he diligently pursued through rigorous study and multiple qualifications, including CS and CFA. However, life had other plans. His father harbored a dream of seeing his son in the civil services – a dream Madhav took to heart. Honoring his father’s aspirations, he shifted his focus towards one of India’s toughest competitive exams – the UPSC CSE.

His journey was far from easy. In an exclusive video interview with Indian Masterminds, Madhav candidly shared that this success came after five challenging attempts. Despite facing repeated setbacks, he never gave up. In 2023, he cleared the exam with a rank of 211, earning a place in the Indian Police Service (IPS). Yet, he continued striving for more – and succeeded.

“Becoming an IAS officer was not just a personal goal, but also a tribute to my father’s dreams,” Madhav said. He also credited meditation as a key tool in managing stress during his preparation. “Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I turned to meditation. It gave me clarity and focus,” he added.

Speaking about his IPS training, Madhav described it as rigorous yet transformative. “From physical endurance to discipline, the training shaped me into a better version of myself.”

Born and raised in Gwalior, Madhav’s academic foundation was solid, and his switch from commerce to civil services showcases his versatility and intellectual commitment. Reflecting on his UPSC interview, he emphasized the importance of staying calm, being authentic, and continuously learning from failures.

His advice to aspirants? “Don’t let failures define your limits. Stay consistent, meditate to stay focused, and remember that even the toughest journeys lead to the most rewarding destinations.”

Madhav Agarwal’s success is a story of resilience, transformation, and the powerful bond between a father’s dream and a son’s determination.

Read Also: He Wanted to Be a CA, Became IPS, and Now IAS: Witness Madhav Agarwal’s Extraordinary UPSC Journey

Here are some of the key questions discussed in the interview

  • You initially wanted to become a Chartered Accountant. What made you shift your focus to civil services?
  • How has your journey in UPSC preparation been so far? Is it true that you’ve attempted the exam five times?
  • You secured Rank 211 last year and joined the IPS. Can you tell us about that experience?
  • How was your IPS training? What kind of activities and learning does it involve?
  • We read that your father was a major inspiration behind your civil services journey. Can you tell us more about that?
  • Can you share a bit about your background? Being from Gwalior, where did you complete your studies?
  • You have a strong academic profile in finance – CA, CS, and CFA. How did those qualifications influence or support your UPSC preparation?
  • What was your UPSC preparation strategy? How did you manage your time and resources?
  • Can you walk us through your UPSC interview experience? What kind of questions were you asked?
  • We heard that you turned to meditation whenever you felt low during your preparation. How did that help you stay focused and motivated?
  • What are your tips for UPSC aspirants who are currently preparing or facing setbacks?
  • What were the biggest struggles you faced during this journey, and how did you overcome them?

Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Shipping-Corporation-of-India-SCI
Leadership Updates: PESB Recommends Nitin Khamesra as Director (Finance) of Shipping Corporation of India Limited
CQB carbine
Decade of Transformation: Army Signs ₹27,770 Crore Deal for 4.25 Lakh Made-in-India CQB Carbines
Rajaji tiger reserve
Wildlife Adventure Returns: Rajaji Tiger Reserve to Resume Jungle Safari from 15 November 2025 — Online Registration Now Open
Panna police
Panna Police Under Siege: SHO and Constable Injured as Villagers Launch Brutal Attack
MP Police games
Khaki Power on the Podium: MP Police Shine at All India Police Games 2025 with Gold, Yoga & Judo Glory
India Russia R-37M missile talks
India Russia R-37M Missile Talks Advances to Arm Su-30MKI fighters
IAF MRFA project
114 Fighters, One Mission — MoD Pushes for 100% Indian Involvement in IAF MRFA Project
Ias sam rizvi
Hyderabad: Principal Secretary IAS SAM Rizvi Opts for Voluntary Retirement Amid Dispute with Telangana Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
UPSC Journey Should Be Enjoyable, Not Cumbersome
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
The Many Facets of Former IRS Officer and Author, Giselle Mehta | Video Interview
IDES Saquib Alam
Beyond IAS and IPS: The Inspiring Work of an IDES officer | Video Interview 
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Rupal Rana UPSC
How Rupal Rana Cracked UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 26 After Four Attempts
UPSC Topper Rupal Rana secured AIR 26 in 2023 after four attempts. Learn her preparation strategy, booklist,...
Ankita Parashar RAS 2023
4 Attempts, 1 Dream, 0 Excuses: Meet RAS Topper Ankita Parashar, Who Fulfilled a Daughter’s Promise & Secured Rank 2 | Exclusive Interview
Ankita Parashar, a teacher-turned-officer from Pushkar, fulfilled her late father’s dream by securing...
Kushal Chaudhary RAS
From Lab Assistant’s Grit to Rajasthan Topper: How Kushal Chaudhary Topped RAS 2023 with Self-Study | Preparation, Strategy & Interview
Kushal Chaudhary, a farmer’s son and lab assistant from Ajmer, topped RAS 2023 through self-study, overcoming...
Social Media
IFS Parveen Kaswan
Heartbreak by the River: 15-Day-Old Elephant Calf Rejected by Mother, Rescued by IFS Parveen Kaswan and His Team
Jaldapra, West Bengal: In a moving incident that tugs at the heart, a 15-day-old elephant calf was rescued...
Ashwini Bhide IAS and Anand Mahindra
Who Is IAS Ashwini Bhide, Hailed as a Role Model for Mumbai Metro Transformation by Anand Mahindra?
From heritage to high-tech: Bhide’s leadership in Metro Line 3 earns public praise and admiration
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Shipping-Corporation-of-India-SCI
Leadership Updates: PESB Recommends Nitin Khamesra as Director (Finance) of Shipping Corporation of India Limited
CQB carbine
Decade of Transformation: Army Signs ₹27,770 Crore Deal for 4.25 Lakh Made-in-India CQB Carbines
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
IDES Saquib Alam
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT