https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

After Failing Prelims Thrice, Rahul Srivastava Is AIR 10 In UPSC CSE 2022

Indian Masterminds Stories

“Ki Lehron Se Darkar Nauka Paar Nahi Hoti, Koshish Karne Walon Ki Kabhi Haar Nahin Hoti”, These lines by renowned poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan perfectly describes the journey of Rahul Srivastava who secured AIR 10 in UPSC CSE 2022. It was his fourth attempt and interestingly he couldn’t even clear prelims in the first three. However, neither did he lose hope nor quit hard work.

In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Srivastava who resides in Patna, Bihar shared his journey of ups and downs – how this electrical engineer dodge campus selection to chase his civil services dream.

FAILURES DID HAMPER

Mr. Srivastava lives with his parents. His father is a retired banker and mother homemaker. After completing his class 10 from St. Karen’s and 12th from DAV Public School, he went to NIT, Tiruchirapalli (Tamil Nadu) for B.Tech in Electrical Engineering.

It was only after his graduation that Mr. Srivastava started preparing for UPSC CSE with Electrical Engineering as his optional. Speaking with Indian Masterminds he said, “I was fond of that subject so never thought twice before locking it as my optional. During my final year I had decided to be a civil servant so didn’t even take the campus selection.”

However, after not being able to clear prelims, he was disappointed. He says that he was fully prepared to write Mains but wasn’t getting the chance. The consecutive failures even hampered his preparation. 

“My goal was clear. So, I couldn’t sit back and just be hopeless. I gathered myself and started with more enthusiasm,” said the topper. This year he was hopeful but AIR 10 was never expected. He is delighted with this result.

SPORTS HELPED

A volleyball, chess and cricket enthusiast, this sportsman during his tough going and preparations found solace in the games. 

“I tried to study at least 5-6 hours daily. Sometime the hours could extend sometimes I couldn’t complete the set target. The one thing I made sure was that whatever I study, I should do it with full concentration,” says Mr. Srivastava who aspires to be an IAS officer. He says playing with my friends and neighbour helped me to do deal with my failures and remain positive.

CHANGED STRATEGY

During the initial days of preparation, he used to study from everywhere. He didn’t want to lose out on anything but the failures taught him that too much can be confusing. Learning from his mistake, he focused on basic books and kept revising them multiple times. The topper advises aspirants to follow the same and not be spoilt for choices.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Raj DGP
Rajasthan: New DGP Rajeev Sharma Aims to Make Rajasthan a Model for Policing in India – Know His Future Plans for Policing in State
Leopard Threat on Kanwar Yatra
UP: Leopard Threat Looms Over Kanwar Yatra in Bijnor; Administration Steps Up Vigil with Drones and Patrolling
Ladli Behna Yojana Housing
Ladli Behna Yojana: 1.30 Crore Urban Beneficiaries to Receive Houses Alongside Financial Aid, Announces MP CM Mohan Yadav
Mohan Yadav
Rs 8,682 MSP for Moong: CM Dr Mohan Yadav Requests 40% Procurement Amid Surge in Cultivation
Gwalior Chambal development pic
MP CM Mohan Yadav Flags Off Rs265 Cr Projects, Inaugurates ISBT & Sports Complex; Gwalior-Chambal Set to Become Powerhouse of Progress
Tribhuvan Sahkari University Anand
Tribhuvan Sahkari University Foundation Stone Laid by Amit Shah and Bhupendra Patel in Anand, Empower India’s 30 Crore Cooperative Workers
Mohan Yadav CM MP
MP Govt Committed to 27% OBC Reservation: CM Mohan Yadav Reaffirms Stand Based on Factual Data
cm mohan yadav
Cooperatives Empowering Youth, Driving Growth: MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav on International Cooperative Day
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-03 at 13.33
IRS Sanjay Bahadur: The Officer With a Pen That Bites | Video Interview
Inderjit Singh Air India
Is Air India Carrying The Burden of Split Before Privatisation?
Ex IRS C Rajendiran
Ex-IRS Officer C. Rajendiran Illuminates Thirukkural’s Timeless Wisdom in Exclusive Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IPS Deepak Meghani
Deepak Meghani, IPS: A Journey of Focus, Failure, and Quiet Discipline
A passionate writer, he has authored several books in Gujarati, ranging from exam strategy guides to...
Sanish Kumar Singh
“If you want it badly enough, you’ll find a way,” Sanish Kumar Singh AIR 8, UPSC IFS 2024 
The real interview, he says, was much more humane. “The board was conversational. The chairman opened...
Raju Wagh
When the Battlefield Became a Study Room and a Dream Took Flight
Amid IED blasts and anti-Maoist operations in Bastar, CRPF Commando Raju Wagh taught village kids, studied...
Social Media
PV Sindhu
PV Sindhu’s Visit to NADT Turns into a Wholesome Tribute to Legacy—and ‘Moolchandj
The Olympic champion shared nostalgic memories, met aspiring IRS officers, and sparked viral laughter...
Shailaja Chandra
“Nanis & Dadis Have a Brain”: Former IAS Officer Shailaja Chandra Weighs in on 1970s vs 2025 Life Debate - “This Generation Has It Better”
Responding to Viral Post on Middle-Class Struggles, Ex-Bureaucrat Offers Candid Reflection on Then and...
Tigress Arrowhead
The End of an Era: A Queen Falls - Ranthambore’s Iconic Tigress Arrowhead (T-84) Passes Away at 14, Hours After Daughter’s Relocation
Ranthambore mourns the loss of one of its fiercest and most beloved tigers, Arrowhead, the granddaughter...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Raj DGP
Rajasthan: New DGP Rajeev Sharma Aims to Make Rajasthan a Model for Policing in India – Know His Future Plans for Policing in State
Leopard Threat on Kanwar Yatra
UP: Leopard Threat Looms Over Kanwar Yatra in Bijnor; Administration Steps Up Vigil with Drones and Patrolling
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-03 at 13.33
Inderjit Singh Air India
Ex IRS C Rajendiran
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT