‘When you want something, the whole universe conspires in helping you achieve it’. Mr. Akash Verma journey is true testament for this famous quote of Paulo Coelho. Being an IAS officer was his dream.He cleared UPSC CSE in 2021, but got Indian Defence Account Services. This service was good and gave him a lot of learning opportunity but Mr. Verma didn’t want to stop before reaching his goal. He then made two more attempts and failed in both of them. However, he secured his desired rank this year – in his fourth attempt.
Mr. Verma’s journey to success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2023 is a testament to perseverance, adaptability and dedication. Despite facing initial setbacks, he emerged triumphant, securing All India Rank 20 in the CSE 2023.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Verma shares his journey from IIT and IIM to Civil Services.
UPSC JOURNEY
His first attempt in UPSC CSE 2020 saw him reach the interview stage, but he narrowly missed his goal – the IAS. In 2021, although he secured a place, his optional subject, Public Administration, did not yield satisfactory marks, leading him to reconsider his strategy.
Undeterred by setbacks, Mr. Verma made strategic changes, opting for his graduation subject, Electrical Engineering, as his optional in subsequent attempts. Despite falling short in the 2022 exam, he remained resilient, determined to achieve his goal.
A graduate from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and a former student of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kolkata, Mr. Verma’s academic excellence laid a strong foundation for his journey. Initially choosing Public Administration due to its alignment with his MBA studies, he later transitioned back to his passion for Electrical Engineering, recognizing its potential for securing higher marks.
When asked about changing optionals he said, “I was fond of my graduating subject Electrical Engineering. But, then the UPSC syllabus was mostly theoretical so I was hesitant to take that. After I cleared in 2021, I decided to switch back to Electrical to score good marks.”
IIT, IIM TO UPSC
Hailing from a humble background, with his father employed as a bank manager in Noida and his mother transitioning from academia to become a homemaker, Mr. Verma attributes his success to the unwavering support and guidance of his parents. Recognizing his weaknesses early on, they provided him with the necessary resources and encouragement, instilling in him a resilient mindset crucial for overcoming challenges.
It was his parents who motivated him to get into IIT. A selection in IIT made him confident to tackle any challenges in life.
“After I cleared IIT, I was never scared of any exams. Preparing for exams became a part of life. Due to that I was able to clear CAT and now UPSC CSE twice”, he told Indian Masterminds.
DIPLOMATIC ANSWERS DON’T GET YOU GOOD MARKS
Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Verma emphasizes the importance of authenticity in responses during the UPSC CSE, debunking the myth of relying on diplomatic answers. He stresses the significance of backing beliefs with factual evidence, a strategy that proved instrumental in his success.
“UPSC wants to test your real personality. So, being diplomatic doesn’t really help. I learnt it later on in my journey. You need tobe clear in your ideas and thoughts but have facts to back it up. It is all about convincing yourself and examiner about your stand”, said the topper.
Acknowledging the value of coaching and test series, Mr. Verma underscores their role in breaking mental barriers and honing writing skills essential for the exam. Additionally, he highlights the benefits of mock interviews, citing their role in cultivating humility and preparing candidates for the rigors of the actual interview process.
As Mr. Verma embarks on his journey as an IAS officer, he remains committed to leveraging his experiences to serve as an asset to the nation. With his unwavering determination and resilience, Mr. Akash Verma exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and excellence, inspiring aspiring civil servants across the country.
