Everyone can dream big, but only a few get to actually live their dream. UP Police constable Deepak Singh is one among the lucky few. Despite long hours in his difficult and arduous job in the police, with leave few and far between, he has shown that when the heart beats right and the mind is set on the target, no goal is unachievable. He cracked the UPPCS-2023 exam with Rank 20 in his 5th attempt, and will now join as a deputy collector.
His huge success has come as a surprise for his colleagues in Hardoi Police Line, who never saw him missing work, whether it is night duty or day duty.
Speaking exclusively to Indian Masterminds, Mr. Singh narrated his inspiring journey which is full of sleepless nights, exhausting days, and, most of all, hard work.
JOURNEY SO FAR
In 2018, he joined UP Police as a constable and in 2019, he started his civil service journey. What sparked his interest were his officers. They were his inspiration and in 2020, he also started preparing for UPSC along with UPPCS.
His first attempt at UPPCS was in 2019, followed by three more unsuccessful attempts in 2020, 21 and 22, where he could not clear the preliminary phase. So, he changed his strategy for UPPCS-2023, and and not just cracked the exam but also came at the top!
As for UPSC, he gave two attempts in 2020 and 21, but failed. However, he qualified in JRF and UGC Net in 2022.
He said, “Some days, there was no time at all for study because of law and order situations. But, even in those days, I managed to study for 2-3 hours. I used to compromise on sleep and somehow meet the weekly target. Constable job is a very busy one. So, if I could do it, so can anyone!”
BACKGROUND
Born in Semarai village under Thana Ramnagar in Barabanki into a farmer’s family, Deepak Singh has 4 siblings.
He studied in his village till the 6th standard and then at the district headquarter, Barabanki, from where he also completed his 12th from Maharani Lakshmibai Memorial Inter College in 2014. Thereafter, he did BA in Medieval & Modern History and Public Administration from Lucknow University. He also did Post Graduation in Medieval & Modern History while on his constable job.
CIVIL SERVICE PREPARATION
He started his civil service exam preparation with NCERTs and other standard books. But, he could not clear the prelims in both UPSC and UPPCS till 2022.
So he came up with a different strategy and worked on his weaknesses. He focussed on understanding the exam pattern, sticking to the syllabus, solving PYQs and making more reliable and feasible notes. For notes, he took help of many online coaching and Internet materials. He also watched many study videos. For current affairs, he relied on daily newspaper reading and its analysis.
For UP Special, he took help from online Drishti Coaching Notes, and gave mock tests. He also took note of toppers’ interviews and their online notes. He used to study for 5-6 hours daily.
He said, “One must know what ‘not to read’. And to know this, one must understand the syllabus and PYQs. Previous years papers will always hint at what is going to come. For instance, I came to know that UPPCS gives very less focus on medieval history now.”
INTERVIEW
Luckily, his interview was focussed mainly on his job, something he had fervently hoped for. He too played his part by gently directing the panellists’ attention and the conversations towards his work.
For instance, when a board member asked him that if he becomes a DSP and catches a SHO red handed while taking bribe, what will he do? His reply was: “Sir, since I am already in the police department, I know what procedures to follow. First, I will order for the initial investigation and open the SHO’s file. It will be done by a CO rank officer. I will take any further action only after the report of the CO, and, if necessary, order for an investigation by an Additional SP.”
Another panellist asked him: “How much distance is there between you and me in km?” Yet another asked: “What are the pros and cons of ‘One nation, One Election’.”
He was also asked to write some difficult Hindi words on a paper while a member dictated – words like Antarrashtriya, Ujjawal, etc.
MESSAGE FOR ASPIRANTS
In a concluding message for everyone, he said that it is very important to have a dream as it gives life direction. “If being a constable, I can dream of becoming a DM or a SDM and can achieve it, then, what’s stopping you? You just need to work hard and focus on your goal. Remember, we all get 24 hours in a day. Utilize your time wisely and in a positive manner.”
“Don’t study, but study with honesty. Give the quality time to your preparation and health,” he added.
FUTURE AIM
However, the journey does not stop here for the topper. He will give UPSC CSE again as he has set his eyes on IAS.
He said, “This year, I took break from UPSC, but I will give the exam again with Hindi literature as optional. As a SDM, I will discharge my duties with utmost honesty, and will try to reach out to every common man in my area.”
