Ramesh Kumar Bishnoi’s journey is one that defies expectations. Born in a tiny village bordering the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, he rose from humble beginnings to crack the prestigious Indian Forest Service (IFS) exam, securing AIR-12.
His path wasn’t conventional. Excelling in the IIT-JEE exam led him to study civil engineering at IIT Bombay, and even dabble in entrepreneurship for a while. But, a calling for environmental stewardship drew him towards the IFS, a decision that placed him at the forefront of protecting India’s natural heritage.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, he shared about his journey in detail.
IFS AS A CAREER
IFS Ramesh Bishnoi pursued a career in the Indian Forest Service after a series of events. After finishing his studies, he worked at Ola in Bengaluru and met the Karnataka Tourism Secretary. He was inspired by the natural beauty of Karnataka and the Bishnoi community’s history of protecting Thar desert plants and animals. “At that time, I was also learning wildlife photography and experimenting with my camera,” Mr. Bishnoi added. After four months, he resigned and started preparing for the UPSC exam in Delhi.
IFS AND CSE
He further informed that he participated in both the Indian Forest Service (IFS) and the Civil Services Examination (CSE), and gave five attempts for both. Mr. Bishnoi gave CSE interview twice. He also gave IFS interview twice and finally cleared IFS 2021 with AIR 12 and was allocated the Odisha cadre.
“I am completely happy and satisfied with my current service, and I don’t have any plans to attempt these exams again,” he said.
COPING WITH HEALTH
He faced consecutive health challenges during his preparation, and dealing with such setbacks can be tough on anyone’s mind. However, he successfully managed to navigate through this difficult period.
“My dad was incredibly supportive and encouraging, and my roommate, Satya Narayan, was always there to talk about anything. Whenever stress crept in, we would discuss the present and future, reassuring ourselves that we could overcome challenges together,” Mr. Bishnoi shared with Indian Masterminds.
In addition to emotional support, he regularly practiced mindfulness meditation, especially when stress levels were high. This proved to be a great help to him and provided immense relief.
PREPARATION STRATEGY
Mr. Bishnoi changed his preparation strategy over time. Initially, he took coaching in Delhi for nine months to cover the syllabus quickly. Following the coaching, he moved from Delhi to Jodhpur for better air quality and lower living costs.
Here are some key points from his preparation strategy:
- Make your own notes and update them regularly, gradually shortening them.
- Minimize your sources for preparation; resist the temptation to use flashy materials that keep appearing in the ORN market.
- Prelims are becoming more unpredictable, so be ready to take risks (attempting more than 90 questions is a must).
- For prelims, having a strong foundation in basic subjects is crucial. Read NCERT for Geography, Polity, and Art and Culture. If you understand the fundamentals well, you can easily apply concepts in exams.
- Take as many practice tests as possible for prelims. After the test, make notes from the paper (I preferred online notes, copying and pasting information on Google Docs for handy revision).
- For mains, create your own notes in the format of Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. Initially, focus on practicing rather than on perfection. Once you have good speed, concentrate on improving the content. Consider reverse learning only when your speed and content delivery are good.
- Despite not being consistent in my preparation and putting in more effort when exams were near, I suggest being regular in your practice.
IFS TOURS
Sharing about the Indian Forest Service, Mr. Bishnoi said that the forest service is a top-notch service that fosters intelligence through hands-on exercises, field trips, and specialized tours. “These tours provide immersive experiences to explore India’s natural and cultural diversity,” he said.
The service plays a crucial role as environmental stewards, protecting forests and wildlife amidst population growth, diminishing resources, and development pressures. Thematic tours showcase diverse ecosystems and cultures, including the Himalayas, Aravallis, Nilgiris, and Eastern Ghats. Participants encounter majestic animals, rare birds, and unique species.
“The thematic tours are a celebration of the intricate dance between humanity and nature, masterfully orchestrated by the dedicated stewards of the Indian Forest Service,” he added.
MESSAGE FOR ASPIRANTS
Sharing some more tips for the aspirants, Mr. Bishnoi suggested that aspirants should take care of their mental and physical health, so they should not neglect it. He asks the aspirants to make their journey enjoyable and vibrant. “Reflecting on yourself is necessary for getting better, so examine your efforts and mistakes, and work on improving, and always be true to yourself. With dedication, you can definitely achieve excellence and be part of the best services in the country,” he said in conclusion.
