UPSC CSE is undoubtedly one of the toughest exams to crack. Given the vast syllabus, the constant change in pattern, and low success rate, it has become really difficult to enter civil services. Not only it takes years to prepare but also multiple attempts to get through. However, there are few wonder candidates who crack it in their maiden attempt defying all odds. One such candidates is Sai Ashrith Shakhamuri, who cracked UPSC CSE 2022 with AIR 40 in his first attempt.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, he shared his experience from this journey.
INSPIRED BY QUALIFIERS
Shakhamuri hails from Warangal and later shifted to Hyderabad with his family. After completing his B.Tech from BITS in Civil Engineering, he decided to go for UPSC CSE. He said, “The decision was really difficult as UPSC CSE is like taking a risk with your life. Then I saw people facing various difficulties in life, yet making it in this prestigious exam. A blind boy from Tamil Nadu cleared which really inspired me to go ahead.”
He started preparation from May 2021 after graduation. However, he gave three months of his last semester to understand the syllabus, pattern, and optional subjects. It helped him to strategize well and plan his journey. All of this worked out as he could clear CSE in just 1.5 years of preparation.
PREPARED FOR MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS
He chose Anthropology as his optional subject. And, had full support from his parents. “They trusted me and asked me to study. Before entering the preparation mode, I convinced my mind to be ready for multiple attempts. I wasn’t over-confident”, he said.
He believes although he was well prepared for his first attempt, lot of other factors aligned to make it successful. According to him, not just hard work, but luck and his parents’ blessings also helped.
BACK-UP PLAN
Shakhamuri said that he was clear about the exam from the beginning and knew what he was getting into. Following his passion for being an asset for this country and its people, he wanted to try. However, he was well aware about the success rate. He said that CSE was never his end goal and neither it should be for anyone else.
Before starting preparation, he also worked with his father in his family business. This was his back-up plan in case UPSC CSE didn’t work out.
