From Rural Roots to Administrative Heights, IAS Hitesh Kumar Meena’s Inspirational Odyssey through CSE
- Muskan Khandelwal
- Published on 30 Nov 2023, 9:00 am IST
- 3 minutes read
Highlights
- IAS officer Hitesh Meena cleared UPSC CSE 2018 with AIR 417 in his third attempt
- His grandparents' steadfast resilience as farmers inspired him to pursue CSE even after two failed attempts
- He advises aspirants to minimize the usage of social media during the crucial period of preparation
Where aspirations clash with limited opportunities, a tale of determination and triumph unfolds. Hitesh Kumar Meena’s remarkable journey from the dusty lanes of his hometown to the prestigious echelons of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is no less. Presently posted as ADC Gurugram, Mr Hitesh Kumar Meena’s trajectory was shaped by his unwavering commitment to change lives and make a tangible impact on society.
KOTA TO IIT-DELHI VIA IIT-BHU
Born into a family of farmers, Mr. Hitesh’s upbringing was rooted in the ethos of hard work and perseverance. The turning point came after completing his 10th grade when he ventured to Kota to prepare for the IIT entrance exams. His pursuit of excellence led him to IIT-BHU, Varanasi, where he completed his B.Tech in Civil Engineering. Undeterred by challenges, his academic journey continued as he secured admission to IIT-Delhi for M.Tech in Transportation Engineering through the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).Related Stories
GRANDPARENTS’ MOTIVATION
The transition from engineering to civil services wasn’t immediate for Mr. Hitesh. It was a seed planted in his mind—a latent desire to bring about positive change at the grassroots level. His family’s belief in the transformative power of education, coupled with witnessing his grandparents’ relentless struggles as farmers, served as the catalyst for his eventual plunge into the Civil Services Examination (CSE).
“I always believed that education is a tool through which I can achieve anything,” Mr. Hitesh told Indian Masterminds. The idea of a career in civil services crystallized as the perfect avenue to channel his aspirations. His grandparents, resilient farmers who faced adversity with indomitable spirit, became the bedrock of his motivation.
TEST SERIES: SECRET TO SUCCESS
However, the road to success in the highly competitive realm of UPSC CSE was not without its share of challenges. Three attempts, two interviews, and countless hours of preparation marked Hitesh’s arduous journey. Finally in his third attempt he cleared the exam with AIR 417 in the year 2018.
The pivotal element that turned the tide in his favour was his emphasis on rigorous test series. “The more test series you give, the more past year questions you solve, the higher the probability of success,” says the officer. Test series not only honed his strengths but also exposed and rectified his weaknesses, ensuring that when the D-day arrived, nerves played no part in his performance.
ADVICE FOR ASPIRANTS
Mr. Hitesh’s advice for aspirants resonates with the wisdom of experience. While acknowledging the ubiquitous role of social media in information dissemination, he cautions against its potential to devolve into a time sink. “Minimize the usage,” he advises, emphasizing the need for focused dedication to one’s goals.
IAS officer Hitesh Meena’s success stands as proof that with determination, even the most humble roots can give rise to towering successes. His story is not just a personal victory; it is an inspiration for a generation aspiring to carve a path from obscurity to eminence.
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