Software engineer Swapnil Wankhade transitioned to civil services driven by an intense desire to serve society. He cleared UPSC CSE with AIR 132 in his fourth attempt in 2015. However, the IAS officer’s inspiring journey and valuable advice on social media continue to motivate aspiring civil servants across the country.
Currently posted as Municipal Commissioner in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Mr. Wankhade had embarked on a remarkable journey from his home town Amravati in Maharashtra that transformed his life and brought him into the noble realm of public service.
WHY CSE?
Before his foray into the civil services, he was a software engineer and had dedicated three years of his life to a software agency. However, he realized that the satisfaction derived from working in a corporate setup paled in comparison to the fulfilment found in serving society, particularly in rural areas. This realization became the driving force behind his decision to pursue civil services after his stint in the private sector.
JOURNEY
Mr. Wankhade’s journey through UPSC was marked by perseverance and unyielding dedication. He recalled the significant changes in the UPSC examination pattern, including the elimination of optional subjects in prelims and the transformation of CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) into a qualifying paper. Despite facing failures, he believed that reaching the interview stage meant he was on the right path.
His father’s wisdom, emphasizing the importance of facing failure with grace and responsibility, served as a guiding light. With unwavering determination, Mr. Wankhade continued his pursuit of success, viewing failures as stepping stones towards personal growth.
His journey was marked by significant milestones. He initially secured a position as Assistant Commandant in 2013, bolstering his confidence. Subsequently, he clinched a direct selection to the prestigious Indian Revenue Service as Assistant Commissioner, Income Tax, Nagpur, in his third attempt. Finally, in his fourth attempt, he achieved the pinnacle of success by becoming an Indian Administrative Service officer, a testament to his perseverance and dedication. “I secured AIR 132 and got IAS,” Mr. Wankhade told Indian Masterminds.
CHALLENGES
The preparation for UPSC examinations posed immense challenges, especially during the gruelling one-year period. The mental and emotional fortitude required to endure the pressure was daunting. Highlighting some challenges, Mr Wankhade said, “The second attempt is the most difficult. One not only has to face their parents but also friends, relatives, external factors and, more importantly, fight with oneself.”
Despite the uncertainty that shrouded the examination process, he emphasized that the experience, even in failure, transforms individuals, shaping them into better versions of themselves.
ADVICE TO ASPIRANTS
Mr. Wankhade’s advice to aspiring civil servants resonates with profound wisdom. He encourages individuals to make decisions with conviction, irrespective of external opinions. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief, urging aspirants to assess the risks and challenges associated with their chosen path. He underscores the notion that the glory of success is directly proportional to the difficulties encountered and surmounted along the way.
IAS officer Swapnil Wankhade’s success story serves as an inspiration to countless aspirants, reminding them that the pursuit of one’s dreams, coupled with a steadfast spirit, can overcome even the most formidable obstacles, ultimately leading to transformative success in the esteemed examination.
