Dreams often echo through the narrow lanes and picturesque landscapes. One such dream, however, was not merely a whimsical fantasy but a carefully nurtured aspiration passed down through generations. Meet Akshay Sunil Agrawal, a 2019-batch IAS officer, whose journey from a small town in Maharashtra to Singapore, and then back to his town, is nothing short of a demonstration of strategic planning, and a deep-rooted desire to serve the nation.
Currently serving in Odisha as ADM, Mayurbhanj, Mr. Agarwal’s journey towards the coveted Indian Administrative Service began with the fervent wish of his father, who envisioned his son donning the prestigious role of a collector.
FATHER’S ASPIRATION
The seeds of ambition were sown in his mind during his school days when his father introduced him to the world of IAS officers and the impact they could have on society. “Though the dream took a backseat during college and work life, it was reignited when my father asked me to pursue the UPSC exam,” Mr. Agrawal shared with Indian Masterminds.
Born and raised in Shirpur, Maharashtra, he ventured beyond his hometown to pursue Mechanical Engineering at the College of Engineering in Pune. His academic journey then led him to the global city-state of Singapore, where he pursued a Master’s degree in Economics from the National University of Singapore. After successfully completing his studies, he joined a Policy Think Tank named the Center for Asian Globalisation, where he worked for over a year.
The turning point came when Mr. Agrawal made the life-altering decision to return to India and give the UPSC exam. With just a few months to prepare for the prelims in June 2018, he dedicated himself to rigorous study, leveraging the foundation laid during his brief preparation period in Singapore. Despite the time constraints, his focused approach bore fruit as he cleared the exam on his first attempt, securing an All India Rank of 43.
PREPARATION STRATEGY
“I feel that UPSC is just like any other exam,” Mr. Agrawal reflects, emphasizing the importance of understanding the exam’s intricacies. With a meticulous approach, he delved into the vast syllabus, meticulously reviewing questions dating back to 1995. Inspired by the success stories of IAS toppers like Tina Dabi and Gaurav Agarwal, he crafted his own strategy and booklist, leveraging his expertise in economics as his optional subject.
His disciplined approach included meticulous planning, detailed calendars, and a commitment to staying ahead of the curve. He emphasized the significance of practice, solving numerous question papers for both prelims and mains, and honing his answer writing skills for the latter. Remarkably, he achieved this without enrolling in any formal coaching, relying instead on self-discipline and a deep understanding of the exam dynamics.
YOUTUBE CHANNEL
But Mr. Agrawal’s story doesn’t end with his personal triumph. Committed to giving back, he created a YouTube channel, offering a treasure trove of content for aspirants. Recognizing the scarcity of quality content for economics, he produced 119 videos covering the entire prelims syllabus, becoming a guiding light for those navigating the challenging UPSC landscape.”I have covered the static portion in my videos,” he informed.
As IAS officer Akshay Sunil Agrawal continues to make a mark in the administrative landscape of India, his story stands as an inspiration for aspiring civil servants. From the global corridors of Singapore to the rustic charm of Shirpur, his unconventional journey underscores the essence of dedication, strategic planning, and the transformative power of dreams.
