For Vishal Dubey, cracking the prestigious civil services examination on his first attempt with AIR 296  is an achievement that stemmed from his unwavering passion, discipline and a holistic approach towards life. Hailing from the small town of Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh, Vishal’s family had no prior background in civil services. However, his schooling at a military institution instilled in him a desire to join the armed forces as an officer.

When a medical issue barred him from joining the army, Vishal turned his focus towards the civil services. He chose the challenging optional subject of Political Science and International Relations, drawn by his innate interest in philosophy and poetry. “I found that certain elements were common between what I was reading for my interest and what was needed for the optional,” he told Indian Masterminds.

Vishal’s preparation strategy was founded on discipline and time management. While juggling his graduation and music lessons, he ensured dedicated hours for studies, reading newspapers thoroughly and analyzing current affairs. However, he believes that having a strong command over strategic subjects is pivotal, as current affairs is just an extension of those core areas.

What set Vishal apart was his ability to maintain a work-life balance. Despite the rigorous preparation, he made time for physical activities like football and basketball, and pursued his passion for music and poetry. “Your brain is also a muscle…it is a part of the body,” he says, advocating the importance of staying grounded and taking breaks.

Vishal acknowledges the role of luck in cracking such a competitive examination. He shares, “You can only do 85 percent. 15 percent of your success depends on luck as well.” However, he emphasizes that without putting in that 85 percent effort, the chances of success are negligible.

While the interview went well, Vishal admits to having expected a better rank to secure the coveted Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre. Nonetheless, his determination remains undiminished as he gears up for another attempt to achieve his ultimate goal.

Vishal’s journey is a testament to the fact that with the right attitude, hard work, and a holistic approach, even seemingly insurmountable goals can be achieved. His story is sure to inspire countless aspirants striving to follow in his footsteps.