In a candid video interview with Indian Masterminds, Indian Forest Service officer Pulkit Gulati [2023 Batch, Himachal Pradesh cadre] opened up about his remarkable journey from corporate corridors to the lush landscapes of India’s forests. A computer science graduate from NIT Allahabad, Pulkit started his career at JP Morgan, where he excelled but soon realised his calling lay elsewhere. The work felt one-dimensional, he shared, leading him to pursue a career that combined diverse challenges and the potential for significant impact—the Civil Services.
Watch full video interview here-
While initially focusing on the UPSC CSE, Pulkit’s journey took a surprising turn. “I never thought about the Indian Forest Service initially because of the tougher prelims cutoffs,” he admitted. However, after clearing the preliminary stage, he discovered the immense scope and impact of the IFS, which goes far beyond forestry—spanning conservation, community development, and policy-making.
Balancing a full-time job with UPSC preparation was no easy feat. Pulkit’s disciplined routine involved studying from 6 to 10 AM before heading to work. Eventually, he left his job to dedicate himself fully to the rigorous preparation. He relied on NCERTs, standard reference books, and previous year questions (PYQs), which he found crucial for understanding the exam’s patterns.
Choosing optional subjects is often a strategic decision for aspirants. Pulkit opted for Forestry and Geology, citing their concise syllabus and availability of resources as deciding factors.
Pulkit’s journey wasn’t without challenges. He struggled with certain topics, like economics in GS Paper 3, and faced immense pressure after missing prelims in earlier attempts. Coming from a middle-class background, societal and financial expectations loomed large. Yet his parents’ unwavering support kept him motivated. “Even though they didn’t understand UPSC’s nuances, they always believed in me,” he reflected.
The interview stage brought its own set of hurdles, but Pulkit’s confidence and authenticity shone through. “It’s not about answering every question but leaving a positive impression,” he emphasised.
He cleared UPSC IFS 2022 with AIR 34 in his first attempt
Now an IFS officer, Pulkit credits his success to clarity of purpose, systematic preparation, and resilience. For aspirants, he advises focusing on the syllabus, leveraging PYQs, and staying committed despite failures. His journey stands as a testament to perseverance and the pursuit of meaningful work. As Pulkit aptly puts it, “Failures are part of the process. It’s about staying in the game.”
