Mission IAS emerged from a vision to empower underprivileged yet determined students aspiring to civil services. This initiative provides comprehensive, free coaching and support to those who possess the dream but lack the means. Spearheaded by Nilesh Tripathi and supported by Share India Smile Foundation, the CSR arm of Share India Securities Limited, Mission IAS offers a complete ecosystem for aspirants in Delhi. This includes free residential coaching, mentorship under Hemant Jha, study materials, Wi-Fi, and library access, all without any financial burden on the students.
In an exclusive interview with Indian Masterminds, Mr Tripathi and Anil Atul Rajurkar (AIR 727) shared about the initiative and the journey in detail.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE-
The inspiration for Mission IAS stemmed from educational projects in Bihar’s flood-affected and crime-ridden regions. Witnessing how education curbed crime in these challenging areas, the founders envisioned its potential to shape the nation’s future.
The inaugural batch in 2024 yielded remarkable success, with seven students clearing the UPSC examination. Notable achievers included Abhishek Singh (rank 78), Aditya Acharya (rank 96), Shubham Kaurav (rank 291), Arpit Kumar (rank 421), Rohit Ray Bansal (rank 486), Shivang Anil Tiwari (rank 752), and Atul Anil Rajurkar (rank 727).
Atul Anil Rajurkar, from Maharashtra, exemplifies the spirit of Mission IAS. His journey, alongside the dedication of Nilesh Tripathi, underscores the programme’s commitment as more than just a coaching centre – it’s a social mission.
During a campus visit, Nilesh Tripathi elaborated to Indian Masterminds on the initiative. He explained that the programme’s core offering is free residential coaching, encompassing all essential resources. The selection criteria prioritise candidates with prior Mains or Interview experience who are economically disadvantaged and unable to pursue coaching in Delhi. The aim is to level the playing field by providing a supportive environment for dedicated aspirants.
Mr Tripathi recounted the origins in Bihar, where educational interventions in crime-prone, flood-affected areas led to a significant reduction in criminal activity. This demonstrated the transformative power of education.
The success of the first batch, with seven out of 32 students qualifying, highlights the program’s effectiveness. For those who didn’t clear, Mission IAS provides continued support for future attempts. The programme boasts a diverse student body from across India.
Atul Anil Rajurkar shared his journey with Indian Masterminds, from engineering to pursuing his civil service dream, inspired by his mother. He highlighted the pivotal role of peer learning at Mission IAS, estimating that 90% of his preparation benefitted from collaborative study with fellow aspirants. He also valued the teachers’ guidance.
Describing an aspirant’s life as intensely focused, Atul mentioned that exam-related thoughts often permeate all aspects of daily life. Music provided a crucial outlet for relaxation. Despite his rank, Atul aims for another attempt to secure a place in the IAS.
His prelims strategy involves revising basic notes, practising with test series, and prioritising CSAT. He lauded Mission IAS for creating a conducive environment with talented peers, offering a significant advantage. He reiterated that approximately eight students from the programme cleared the UPSC this year.
Atul’s message to aspirants stressed the long nature of the struggle but affirmed the possibility of success. He urged those who were cleared to embrace their responsibilities and those who didn’t to continue their efforts.
