Archit Parag Dongre securing All India Rank (AIR) 3, hails from Pune, Maharashtra. His UPSC journey started last year when he secured AIR 153. He had taken Philosophy as his optional subject.
Educational Background
Archir Dongre did his graduation in Engineering (B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering) from Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore. This technical background provided him with a strong analytical foundation. Prior to his college education, Archir completed his schooling in Mumbai.
Archir’s path to AIR 3 in UPSC CSE 2024 was marked by strategic preparation and resilience. Key aspects of his study strategy include:
Career Transition: After completing his B.Tech, Archir worked in an IT firm for one year. Recognizing his aspiration to join the civil services, he left his job to focus exclusively on UPSC preparation. This decision highlights his commitment to prioritizing long-term goals over immediate professional stability.
Second Attempt Success: Archir’s first attempt at the UPSC CSE in 2023 resulted in AIR 153, a commendable achievement that secured him a position in the civil services. However, his ambition drove him to attempt the exam again in 2024, leading to a remarkable improvement to AIR 3. This suggests that he analyzed his previous performance, identified areas for improvement, and refined his preparation approach.
Optional Subject Choice: Archir chose Philosophy as his optional subject for the UPSC Mains. Philosophy is known for its concise syllabus and scoring potential, and his success with this subject indicates a strategic selection that aligned with his strengths.
Dedicated Preparation: While specific details about his daily study routine, coaching, or resources are not available, Archir’s decision to leave his job implies a full-time commitment to preparation. His improvement from AIR 153 to AIR 3 suggests a disciplined schedule, likely involving rigorous study of the UPSC syllabus, answer writing practice, and mock interviews.
