https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Coming Out Of Emotional Trauma Due To His Father’s Demise, He Cracked UPSC with AIR-37

Chaitanya Awasthi cleared UPSC CSE-2022 in his very first attempt He was heartbroken after the sudden demise of his father and underwent a very low phase His mother was his biggest strength during this time, and all throughout his UPSC journey.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Kanpur’s Chaitanya Awasthi’s struggle was double as he walked on the path towards his UPSC goal. He had to fight emotional trauma to stay on track. His father’s untimely death sent him spiralling down on an emotional roller-coaster ride.

In May, 2021, he was planning to go to Delhi for civil services preparation as it was his father’s dream to see him as an IAS officer. But, Covid-19 took his father’s life and left his family in shock. Chaitanya’s plan came to a standstill even before it started. He was unable to digest this fact and went into a depression-like phase. But, his mother who was in trauma too, managed to console him and instil in him the thought that he has to become his father’s hero by fulfilling his dream.

Chaitanya took it up as a challenge and placing his father’s framed photo on his study table, started preparing for UPSC in full swing. With just 11 months of preparation at home, he cracked UPSC CSE-2022 in his first attempt with AIR-37. He achieved this achievement in very adverse circumstances and with lack of resources. This is why he considered his first attempt as his last. 

Chaitanya Awasthi with his father

DEALING WITH TRAUMA

Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Chaitanya said, “I had planned a lot with my father. Saw many dreams with him. But when, he left at the beginning of my journey, I went into emotional trauma. If my mother was not there, I might not have been able to recover from it. It was very much a challenging journey.”

While Chaitanya was doing his Law, his father Shant Sharan Awasthi died of Covid-19. He was a well known journalist and had served as state head in newspapers. That is why Chaitanya had seen bureaucrats from close quarters from his childhood. 

When he was in class 10, his father discussed in detail with him about what to do next and how. “My father wanted to see me as IAS. Perhaps, that is why, I was so clear about my career prospects.”

Chaitanya Awasthi with his father

However, his father’s death left in its wake darkness all around in his family. Chaitanya said that he had to sit for an another form of examination, a one that was, hitherto, unknown to him.

“When a father is there, he protects you from society’s pressures, expectations, and everything that bothers you in the world. With my father gone, I saw another form of exam. Earlier, I used to think that there is no other exam like UPSC that tests you physically and mentally. But, after the loss of my father, I saw a period of pressure and social expectations that was very challenging. My mother pulled me out of it. It is because of her that I am here today.”

His mother Pratima Awasthi took special care of him during the time he went through a low phase, and in the process, also taught him that whatever he does, he must do so honestly and sincerely.

From his childhood, cutting the cake with his father

TREATING STUDIES AS JOB

Chaitanya hails from Kanpur, UP. He has two sisters. His early education was done in Ranchi. He did his 10th and 12th from Swaraj India Public School Kanpur in ICSC Board. Then he went to Kolkata after clearing CLAT and completed his BA LLB Honors degree from National Law University in 2021. After that, he started preparing for UPSC.

He said, “My father used to tell us to consider our studies as jobs, and I did the same. I used to study for 8 to 10 hours every day. My mother taught me to be optimistic always and my two sisters supported me at all times. After the result, I hugged my mother and cried for hours.”

OPERATION UPSC

He did all his preparation at home. His sister enrolled him on an online coaching, where he studied for some months from home. His strategy was target based and disciplined. He broke up the syllabus into 11 parts and set his targets month wise. Thereafter, he broke his monthly targets into weekly targets. He also broke day routine into three parts and studied accordingly.

His optional was Law. For this, he focused on previous year’s questions papers, test series and many revisions. He started Mains answer-writing practice from the beginning of his preparation.

With his mother

INTERVIEW CHALLENGE

His interview was very cordial. He was asked more questions from his DAF and optional subject. He was also asked questions about Kanpur.

He was also asked about Indian biopics as watching movie is his hobby. “Why are biopic movie being made?”, was a question put to him.

Then there were many questions from Law: What are the problems in same sex marriage? Why government is not in favour of such marriage? How to improve the judicial system for the poor? Is law equal for poor? Why are most of the under-trial prisoners in jail?

Young Chaitanya enjoying with his family a beach (left), Celebrating his success (right)

TIPS TO ASPIRANTS

Giving suggestions for aspirants, he said that they should be clear as to why they want to go into civil services.

“Never fall prey to social pressure. Be positive and have patience. Fight your battle with strong willpower. When you succeed, don’t stop or enjoy too long. Start planning for the next big thing.”

With his sister (left) and mother

Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
MP IAS
National Civil Services Day 2025: MP’s IAS Officers Earn National Praise for Innovation and Public Service
IAS Officer Shahzad Alam
Young IAS Officer Shahzad Alam Denied Boarding by IndiGo, Files Complaint
IAS Nikunja Dhal
IAS Nikunja Dhal Sent on Central Deputation, Speculation Grows Over Key CMO Role
Former Karnataka DGP Om Prakash
Retired Karnataka DGP Om Prakash Found Dead at Bengaluru Home; Wife Detained
1000478229_1745086472
IPS Ankit Soni Appointed as New SP of Guna, MP
ChhattisgarhGovt_resized
IPS Transfers in Chhattisgarh: Major Reshuffle of 20 Officers, New SPs and IGs Appointed
174512286443
Senior IAS Officer Mugdha Sinha Appointed MD of India Tourism Development Corporation
9521720314202520017936
Dr. Jitendra Singh Interacts with 2023 IAS Batch, Applauds Record 41% Women Representation
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr Lokesh M IAS
E-Rickshaw Chaos, Waterlogging, Traffic Mess — Can Noida Fix Its Daily Chaos? | Exclusive with Dr Lokesh M, IAS
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
IRS Padmapani Bora’s 16-Year-Long Journey in Governance
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-13 at 1.46
This Collector Finds Happiness In Squeaks Of Children With Hearing Impairment Who Start Hearing After Surgery
UPSC Stories
images (14)
Utsav Anand, the UPSC Topper Who Chose Public Service Over a Plush Career
From IIT Bombay to the 2022 IAS batch (Haryana cadre), Utsav Anand’s journey is proof that sharp minds...
pushplata-yadav-ias
How IAS Pushp Lata’s Strategy and Spirit Took Her to AIR 80
From rural Haryana to IAS, Pushp Lata Yadav’s journey reflects focused planning, adaptation, and the...
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
IRS Padmapani Bora’s 16-Year-Long Journey in Governance
IRS officer Padmapani Bora's 16-year career transcends typical bureaucracy. Discover his surprising journey...
Social Media
GozJlgrXYAAHoKv
Murals for Cleanliness: Thoothukudi District Launches Art-Inspired Sanitation Drive in Panchayats
Local artists add colour and messages to village walls, promoting hygiene and community pride
Himanshu Nagpal IAS
Varanasi's Beggar Rehabilitation Initiative Recognised by UIDAI, CDO Himanshu Nagpal Shares the News
Mr. Himanshu Nagpal is a 2019-batch IAS officer
IAS Vaishali Chopra
Young IAS Vaishali Chopra Takes a Stand Against Caste Bias During Field Training in Uttar Pradesh
While the issue itself may seem small, the post is resonating widely online for its honest reflection...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
MP IAS
National Civil Services Day 2025: MP’s IAS Officers Earn National Praise for Innovation and Public Service
IAS Officer Shahzad Alam
Young IAS Officer Shahzad Alam Denied Boarding by IndiGo, Files Complaint
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr Lokesh M IAS
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-13 at 1.46
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT