In a small village near Melghat Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, where everyday life goes on alongside the sounds of the forest, a young boy named Shivang Tiwari grew up with big dreams. Shivang Tiwari, raised in Harisal village in Amravati district’s buffer zone, didn’t grow up with role models in bureaucracy or access to elite institutions. His father worked as a driver, and his mother as a homemaker—but what his upbringing lacked in privilege, it made up for in perspective.
Today, with an All India Rank (AIR) of 752 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Shivang stands as an example of what quiet perseverance, clarity of purpose, and deep empathy can achieve. In an exclusive video interview with Indian Masterminds, he shared his journey.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE-
A CHILDHOOD ROOTED IN REAL STRUGGLESS
“Growing up in Melghat, I saw the difficulties faced by tribal communities and other villagers,” Shivang shares. The issues weren’t headlines to him—they were daily realities. This close proximity to hardship sowed the seeds of his ambition. “Those problems were not abstract; they were part of our lives. I always felt a pull to do something that could alleviate their suffering.”
Over time, this emotional pull transformed into a clear goal: the civil services. Not because he idolised any specific officer, but because of the systemic change he believed he could bring from within the framework.
INSPIRATION BORN FROM THE IDEA, NOT THE ICONS
Unlike many aspirants who cite bureaucrats as their role models, Shivang’s inspiration came from the concept of service itself. Coming from my background, he didn’t know any IAS or IPS officers. What inspired him was the idea of doing good work through the service. This grounded motivation kept him focused through the uncertainties of UPSC preparation.
When the final result was declared, it wasn’t just Shivang’s victory—it was a moment of collective pride for his entire village. “The reaction was incredible,” he smiles.
Shivang’s UPSC journey spanned over three and a half years. He began preparing in October 2021 while working as a mechanical engineer. “This exam is a marathon,” he emphasises. “Motivation will come and go, but discipline must stay constant.” He followed a strict schedule—early mornings, dedicated hours in the library, and self-designed routines.
His first attempt saw him clearing prelims but narrowly missing the mains cut-off by just 14 marks. Rather than feeling defeated, it strengthened his resolve.
UPSC preparation can be isolating, but Shivang found balance through his hobbies. “I love listening to classic Hindi songs,” he says. Music became a companion during study marathons—especially while solving numericals for his optional subject. “It helped me sit for long hours without getting bored.”
HIS TAKE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Shivang kept his digital life simple. He only used WhatsApp and Telegram, avoiding distractions like Facebook and Instagram. “Most aspirants would benefit from uninstalling social media apps during preparation,” he advises. “They take up more mental space than we realise.”
Even after securing a rank, Shivang is preparing for another attempt. “I want to get a service that aligns better with my aspirations,” he says. His determination hasn’t waned—if anything, it’s sharper than ever.
MESSAGE TO ASPIRANTS
His advice to fellow UPSC aspirants, especially those from modest backgrounds, is heartfelt. “Have faith in yourself,” he urges. “Often, we feel we’re less than others because of where we come from. But our background is our biggest strength. We’ve seen the world from the ground up. With hard work and the right approach, success will come.
Shivang Tiwari’s story isn’t just about clearing one of India’s toughest exams—it’s about challenging the narrative that opportunity only knocks for a select few.
