Many aspirants in India aspire to become IAS officers due to the diversity and ample opportunities it offers. While most begin their preparation for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) with the dream of becoming an IAS officer, reality often leads them to settle for any of the 23 services under the UPSC CSE umbrella. However, there are exceptional individuals like Kush Motwani, who remained steadfast in their pursuit of the IAS, even resigning from the Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS) and declining the Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS) despite clearing the exam twice.

Motwani’s determination bore fruit when he achieved an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 11 in the UPSC CSE 2023 on his fifth attempt. In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, Motwani delves into the reasoning behind his decision to forego other services and make his fifth attempt his final endeavour.

CHOOSING UPSC 

Hailing from a modest background in Thane, Maharashtra, Mr. Motwani embarked on an academic journey that led him through the corridors of excellence. After graduating from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), he pursued a five-year dual degree course in Electrical Engineering at IIT-Bombay. His academic prowess soon caught the attention of industry giants, and he found himself employed as a research scientist at Xerox, specializing in machine learning and optimization. Immersed in his work, Mr. Motwani relished the challenges and opportunities his role offered, particularly in utilizing technology to address public issues.

During his tenure at Xerox, Mr. Motwani was involved in several projects to enhance public service delivery overseas. Through these endeavors, he realized the pressing need for similar systems in his homeland. Reflecting on his experiences, Mr. Motwani expressed a deep conviction that integrating technological solutions with India’s developmental framework could significantly alleviate societal challenges. His passion for leveraging technology for public welfare ignited a new ambition – to be a part of the administrative machinery that shapes and executes policies for the nation’s betterment.

Motivated by this vision, Mr. Motwani embarked on his journey to crack the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Despite facing setbacks in his initial attempt in 2019, his determination only grew stronger. In 2020, after resigning from his position to focus entirely on preparation, he secured a place in the Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS) after qualifying for the examination. However, his pursuit of excellence didn’t end there. Despite his stint in ICLS providing valuable learning experiences, Mr. Motwani recognized that his aspirations aligned more closely with the broader scope of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

In 2022, when he qualified for the Delhi, Andaman, and Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS), Mr. Motwani found himself again at a crossroads. While DANICS presented promising opportunities, he grappled with the dilemma of whether to pursue his ultimate goal or settle for what seemed like a viable option. After thorough deliberation and seeking counsel from peers and mentors, Mr. Motwani made the courageous decision to forego DANICS and redouble his efforts toward achieving his cherished dream of becoming an IAS officer. “I talked to my family, friends, and many seniors to understand more about DANICS. While that service is again very good with a number of opportunities, joining it might compromise my preparation and goal. After a lot of discussion and self-analysis, I decided to not join it and give my 100% in the upcoming exam,” said Mr. Motwani to IM.

With unwavering resolve and a clear sense of purpose, he embarked on his final attempt, driven by the belief that his dedication and commitment would ultimately lead him to success.

STABILITY WAS NOT THE CONCERN 

UPSC CSE 2023 marked Mr. Motwani’s fifth and final attempt, a pivotal moment where he resolved to give his all or return to his corporate career. For him, stability and financial gain took a backseat to the desire for a role with a direct impact on people’s lives. Despite forfeiting two potential opportunities as a civil servant, his focus remained on seeking diverse avenues for meaningful contributions.

Money wasn’t his primary concern; instead, he sought platforms where he could enhance the lives of others. Between his Mains results and interview, Mr. Motwani delved into freelance projects, driven by a fervent desire to make a tangible difference. He saw the IAS as the ultimate vehicle for fulfilling this ambition. “Earning money was not the priority for me. I had learned that there is no lack of opportunity if you really want to work. In between my Mains result and interview, I started working on many freelance projects. I was craving for a platform to make people’s lives easier and IAS was the only thing that could provide that,” said Mr. Motwani.

Regarding his decision to forego DANICS or leave ICLS, Mr. Motwani revealed that while it required some persuasion, his parents eventually stood firmly behind him. He affirmed that even in the face of potential disappointment, he wouldn’t have pursued further attempts or lamented his choices, as his commitment to his principles remained unwavering.

TAKEAWAYS 

Appearing in the UPSC CSE five times, the topper cleared it three times, a journey that proved profoundly enriching despite its challenges. Upholding resilience throughout, he opted for mathematics as his optional subject, consistently scoring between 250 and 278 marks without succumbing to the temptation of changing subjects for higher scores.

Emphasizing the significance of interview preparation, the topper stresses that it deserves equal attention as CSAT or answer writing in Mains. He advocates for practicing responses aloud, seeking assistance from family, and friends, and even rehearsing in front of a mirror. While acknowledging the role of luck, he underscores the transformative impact of diligent practice on scores.

Drawing from personal experience, the topper highlights the importance of delivering direct and structured responses that align with the question’s core requirements. With interview marks significantly influencing rank, he urges aspirants never to underestimate their importance.