In 2022, a boy from Puri attended his convocation, completing his engineering degree. Within a week, he was scheduled to take his first UPSC CSE mains exam. Despite the limited time, he exerted his utmost effort. However, given the rigorous nature of the UPSC process, he did not succeed. Nonetheless, coming from a civil servant family, he was resilient in never giving up. In his subsequent attempt, he successfully cracked the UPSC exam.
Amritanshu Nayak stands as a testament to legacy, perseverance, and determination in the tapestry of civil service aspirants. With a father serving in the prestigious IRAS and an uncle adorned with the mantle of IPS, Amritanshu’s journey to success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination of 2023 reflects a fusion of heritage and personal endeavor. His path was strewn with challenges, not least of which was a formidable interview process that demanded resilience and intellect.
Speaking exclusively with Indian Masterminds, Amritanshu narrated his inspiring journey.
JOURNEY SO FAR
Amritanshu commenced his preparation during his third year of engineering. He appeared for the UPSC CSE for the first time in 2022. Although he progressed to the Mains stage, he could not secure success.
Notably, during his initial attempt, he was in the final semester of his B.Tech. program and concurrently pursuing an internship.
In his second endeavor in the CSE-2023, not only did he succeed in clearing the exam, but he also achieved an impressive rank of 110. He might get IAS.
FAMILY OF CIVIL SERVANTS
Coming from a family of civil servants, was this more challenging for him or an easier path? He responded in a well-constructed manner, stating that the UPSC exam provides a level playing field for everyone. All candidates start at the same level.
He elaborated, “My father took the UPSC exam in the 90s. Today, everything has changed, including the dynamics of question formulation. While some of his insights might be helpful during the interview process, they didn’t significantly alter the difficulty level. So, I would say it was challenging for me, just as it is for everyone else.”
BACKGROUND
Amritanshu hails from Puri, Odisha. His father, Hara Prasad Nayak, serves as a 1994 batch Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) officer, currently holding the position of Joint Secretary & Financial Advisor, NATGRID, under the Ministry of Home Affairs. His mother is a teacher, and he has a younger sister pursuing engineering at IIT Chennai.
His uncle, Mr. Girdhari Nayak, retired as an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the 1983 batch. His grandparents, Satyanarayan Pani and Dhuli Nayak, were also civil servants, both in the Odisha State Services, i.e., OAS.
He completed his basic education up to the 12th grade in Bhubaneswar. Then, he attained his engineering degree in ‘Electrical & Electronics’ from BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, in 2022.
UPSC PREPARATION
In mid-2021, he embarked on his journey to prepare for the Civil Services examination. Hailing from a family with a tradition of Civil Servants, he was inherently driven to pursue a career in the same field.
He conducted the bulk of his studies from his home in Puri, utilizing the time particularly effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, he enrolled in online coaching programs to supplement his preparation.
With a daily commitment of 8 to 10 hours, he immersed himself in his studies, ensuring he never neglected his newspaper reading, which he deemed essential for easing the preparation process.
He emphasized the importance of consistent answer writing practice and tackling Previous Years’ Questions (PYQs) from the outset. Rigorously, he tackled numerous test papers for both prelims and mains examinations, dedicating separate time for honing his essay writing skills.
Despite the demanding study routine, he recognized the necessity of relaxation. He believed, “Preparation for the Civil Services requires intense dedication and focus. Therefore, amidst such pressure, it is crucial to take breaks and engage in activities that refresh and rejuvenate you, ultimately aiding in your preparation.” His optional was PSIR.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
His interview experience was notably positive. He acknowledges the board’s courteous and respectful demeanor, devoid of any disparaging gestures.
The questions posed to him spanned a wide array of topics, encompassing subjects as diverse as badminton, semiconductors, electronics, and his background.
He encountered numerous inquiries about International Relations, particularly focused on Pakistan and Baluchistan. The interrogation on Pakistan was particularly intense, with one board member delving into its impact on India’s relationships with Afghanistan, China, and the USA. Another member probed him about the historical context of Baluchistan, India’s interests there, China’s stance, and suggested approaches for India to navigate the Baluchistan matter.
Furthermore, he fielded questions regarding tourist attractions in Odisha and strategies to enhance tourism in the state. One board member even tasked him with comparing tourist destinations in Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, examining both their similarities and differences.
He responded by highlighting Odisha as India’s best-kept secret. He suggested that the key to promoting tourism in the region lies in unveiling these secrets, thereby granting more people access to its treasures.
PRESSURE MANAGEMENT
Offering advice to aspirants, Amritanshu emphasized, “Initially, view the UPSC exam simply as an assessment, nothing beyond. This approach alleviates unnecessary pressure. Consistent pressure management is crucial throughout this journey. It’s not essential to immerse oneself in studies 24/7. Allocating time for personal happiness daily is imperative. This holistic approach to preparation prevents burnout.”
“If you are truly committed to preparing for civil services, then dedicate yourself completely and diligently engage in hard work. The results will naturally follow. Concentrate on PYQs, practice writing, and solving test papers. Take the syllabus seriously and devise a strategy accordingly,” he added.
FUTURE AIM
Highlighting his future plans in civil services, Amritanshu expressed, “I aim to work at the grassroots level, playing my role in transforming our nation into a prosperous and developed one.”
