https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Local Boy Embarks on His IAS Journey

Mussoorie’s Madhav Bharadwaj cleared UPSC CSE 2022 with AIR 536 in his second attempt Madhav's aspiration to become a civil servant was ignited during his early years because of his father's association with LBSNAA After MBA from IIM-A, he joined Microsoft where he began UPSC preparation, and is now at LBSNAA for training
Indian Masterminds Stories

Hailing from the serene town of Mussoorie, Madhav Bhardwaj’s journey from a small-town dreamer to a civil servant is an inspiring tale that reflects dedication and perseverance. Known as a place every government worker aspires to reach, Mussoorie has proudly produced Madhav, who has now begun his training at the prestigious Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in the town.

Madhav’s aspiration to become a civil servant was ignited during his early years, although he often doubted his capabilities to pass the demanding Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) CSE examination. His father’s association with LBSNAA only added to his determination. Speaking exclusively with Indian Masterminds, Madhav shared the remarkable story of his journey to success.

BACKGROUND

With a computer science degree from MNNIT Allahabad and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad, Madhav embarked on a career path that led him to a role as a Product Manager at Microsoft. The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 brought an unexpected turn of events, as remote work allowed him to contemplate his long-held dream of civil service. He decided to pursue UPSC CSE while working from home and began his rigorous preparation journey.

Madhav’s journey was not without its challenges. After missing the mark by a mere three points in his first attempt, he displayed unwavering resolve. “I wasn’t expecting to not pass the exam. It was my biggest shock. However, I wrote the prelims exam which was scheduled for the next week,” he shared.

Finally, Madhav cleared the preliminary and mains round in his second attempt securing AIR 536 in the final list. He was the topper in the ‘Person with Disability’ list.

PREPARATION STRATEGY

Reflecting on his preparation strategy, Madhav emphasized meticulous planning. He thoroughly researched the exam’s requirements, sought advice from successful candidates, and delved into the syllabus. “I talked to both who cleared the exam and who couldn’t clear the exam,” he added. His approach ranged from studying NCERT textbooks to mastering the optional subject which was Management, and practising answer writing.

He was working all along his CSE journey. In the lead-up to the UPSC CSE, Madhav adopted a strict study schedule, which included late-night sessions during weekdays and strategic revision on weekends. He attributed much of his success to solving previous year question papers, enabling him to refine his elimination techniques.

Madhav’s dedication was also evident in his approach to the mains round. He devoted three months solely to preparing for his optional subject, followed by rigorous answer writing practice. “Within 3 months, I made the notes of my optional subject and parked it,” he added. Through this process, he not only expanded his knowledge but also honed his exam-taking skills.

During his interview round, Madhav was asked about his background and interests. Along with this, he was asked questions related to Bollywood, moonlighting, power, international relations, Microsoft and his alma mater, IIM Ahmedabad.

MOTIVATED

Even on the day of the result, Madhav battled persistent doubts about his success. It was his determination and focus on the underlying purpose of his pursuit that had kept him motivated throughout the journey. His connection to his hometown, Mussoorie, served as a grounding force, providing the comfort and serenity needed during the challenging preparation period.

“I kept myself motivated all along the journey by focusing on why I was doing it. I knew that if I’ll put in the effort, I will make it through,” Madhav shared. 

Sharing tips for the aspirants, Madhav said that the prospective candidates should approach this exam with a realistic mindset, recognizing that mastering the art of knowing when to step away from this perpetual cycle is equally crucial. “A genius always knows when to stop. It takes courage to let it go,” he added.

As Madhav embarks on his training at LBSNAA, his journey stands as a testament to the power of persistence, hard work, and a dream nurtured in the hills of Mussoorie.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
NALCO
NALCO Refutes Reports of Capex Deferral, Confirms Rs 30,000 Crore Smelter Expansion is on Track - Know the Matter
Northern-Coalfields-Limited-NCL-Resized
NCL Signs MoU to Support Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities in Singrauli - All Details Inside
Ruchika Chauhan IAS
Leading By Example: Gwalior DC Ruchika Chauhan Arrives At Her Office Boarding An E-Rickshaw! Delivers A Strong Message On World Environment Day
KVIC Khadi and Village Industries
KVIC Disburses Rs. 300 Crore Margin Money Subsidy Under PMEGP to Boost Self-Employment - Details Inside
HUDCO New Logo
HUDCO Champions Green Urban Development on World Environment Day 2025
Mayur Dixit IAS
Who is IAS Mayur Dixit, the New DM of Haridwar? Uttarakhand Bureaucracy in Buzz Amid Land Scam Fallout
Prime Minister’s Museum & Library, Delhi1
IRSME Ashwani Lohani Appointed Director of Prime Minister’s Museum & Library, Delhi - Know More About Him & the Historic Institution
World Environment Day
PSUs Observe World Environment Day 2025 with Strong Commitment to Sustainability and Green Practices - Check Here!
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Monika Singh
Monika Singh’s Life Beyond the Bureaucracy | Video Interview 
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
Modernising Governance: A Digital Transformation in Gangtok
IMG-20250523-WA0036
Abhishek Singh's SECRET: Vipassana, Anthropology & Smart Answer Writing | Video Interview 
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Divyanshu Pal Nagar IFS
5 Years, 5 Mains, 4 Interviews: How Divyanshu Pal Nagar Stumbled in CSE, Triumphed in IFS - A Lesson for Every Aspirant
Divyanshu Pal Nagar’s inspiring five-year UPSC journey shows how perseverance, disciplined self-study,...
ANUBHAV SINGH UPSC IFS 2024
9 Years, 8 Attempts, 7 Failures: How Anubhav Singh Cracked UPSC IFS 2024 with AIR 3 Against All Odds | Exclusive
Anubhav Singh’s inspiring journey to UPSC IFS Rank 3 showcases relentless perseverance, strategic preparation,...
Jogender Sihag
“I Cleared UPSC, But My Grandfather isn’t Here to Hear it,” Jogender Sihag, AIR 521, UPSC CSE 2024
"Life is short; make the most of it, whether in civil service or any other field. Just have a clear vision...
Social Media
Tiger jump Sundarban
Stunning Viral Video Shows Royal Bengal Tiger Making Spectacular 30-Foot Leap Across River in Sunderbans - See It Here
Retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Susanta Nanda shared the clip online, which quickly went...
shubham kumar ias marriage
IAS Topper Weds BPSC Topper: Shubham Kumar Marries IRS Officer Priyangi Mehta in Patna; Wedding Video Goes Viral
Topper Couple Alert: Shubham Kumar, Priyangi Mehta’s Wedding Grabs Spotlight in Bihar
parveen kaswan elephant
Elephant Outsmarts Electric Fence! IFS Parveen Kaswan Shares Incredible Video!
In the now-viral 51-second clip, the intelligent giant approaches a wooden pole supporting high-voltage...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
NALCO
NALCO Refutes Reports of Capex Deferral, Confirms Rs 30,000 Crore Smelter Expansion is on Track - Know the Matter
Northern-Coalfields-Limited-NCL-Resized
NCL Signs MoU to Support Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities in Singrauli - All Details Inside
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Monika Singh
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
IMG-20250523-WA0036
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT