https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

JP Morgan to the Indian Forest Service, Meet IFS Pulkit Gulati 

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. To get more information, click on the YouTube link given below. 
Indian Masterminds Stories

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.”


Indian Masterminds Stories
Related Stories
NEWS
IPS-logo-resized_new
CRPF ADG Rajesh Kumar Gets One-Year Extension in Deputation Tenure
Uttar Pradesh UP Government
Retired IAS Officer Awanish Kumar Awasthi Gets Third Extension as Advisor to UP CM
Central Administrative Tribunal, CAT
CAT Directs DoPT to Reassign IAS Officer Siva Sankar Lotheti to Andhra Pradesh Cadre
IAS
IAS Ajay Seth Assigned Additional Charge as Secretary, Department of Revenue
Vadhvan Port Project Ltd
Vadhvan Port Takes a Major Step Forward with Sand Mining Licence Approval
RITES ..
RITES Conducts Workshop on MAITRI to Enhance Cross-Border Logistics
NPCI
NPCI Plans 5 Lakh Sq Ft Headquarters in BKC
Hindustan Shipyard Limited HSL Awards
Hindustan Shipyard Limited Wins 2 Prestigious Awards at Governance Now 11th PSU Awards
Videos
Shailendra Srivastava
 From ‘Shastra to Shastra’ – The IPS Officer Who Changed Lives with Education and Reform
Vikram Dahia IPS Pilibhit
Duped, Trapped, and Imprisoned: The ‘Dunki’ Dilemma
IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal
Can Mumbai Solve Its Housing Crisis? MHADA's Bold Strategy
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
IPS-logo-resized_new
CRPF ADG Rajesh Kumar Gets One-Year Extension in Deputation Tenure
Uttar Pradesh UP Government
Retired IAS Officer Awanish Kumar Awasthi Gets Third Extension as Advisor to UP CM
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Shailendra Srivastava
Vikram Dahia IPS Pilibhit
IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT