https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Meet The Maharashtra Topper of CSE 2023: IRTS Turned IAS, Sameer Khode

Sameer Khode secured AIR-42 in UPSC CSE 2023 in his fifth attempt.
Indian Masterminds Stories

In the domain of civil service exams, where endurance and commitment are critical, Sameer Prakash Khode was a model of tenacity. The transformation of Sameer Khode from a corporate professional to an Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer is remarkable and inspiring. He achieved All India Rank (AIR) 42 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2023.

In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, Sameer shared his UPSC journey, which spanned over five attempts and more.

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

Sameer Khode, hailing from Nagpur, Maharashtra, embarked on his academic journey with a degree in Chemical Engineering from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT). His father is a retired bank employee, while his mother is a homemaker.

He further honed his skills by obtaining an MBA from IIM Lucknow, setting a strong foundation for his future endeavors.

TRANSITION TO CIVIL SERVICES

Following a successful stint in the corporate sector spanning seven years in management consulting, Sameer transitioned to the esteemed Indian Railways in the IRTS cadre after securing AIR-551 in UPSC CSE 2019 in his second attempt.

However, driven by a fervent desire to make a broader impact on society, he set his sights on the civil services, aspiring to become an IAS officer.

“Engineering was my initial choice to secure a stable career, as it appeared to be a rational choice while I was studying. Thereafter, I also did an MBA and got a corporate job. But I believe the civil service is a broader domain, allowing me to bring many positive changes in a particular geography, which was an added motive for me to join the service,” he told Indian Masterminds.

JOURNEY OF ATTEMPTS

Sameer’s journey towards UPSC success was not without its challenges. Despite early disappointments, he persevered with unyielding resolve.

This is his fifth attempt in general and third attempt with full preparation. He applied for UPSC for the first time in 2013 but did not appear. Next, he applied in 2019 and cracked the exam, becoming an IRTS officer. He gave his third attempt in 2020 but scored low in the interview.

He gave another half-hearted attempt in 2022 but could not even clear prelims. And finally, he gave his best attempt in 2023 and secured AIR-42, becoming the Maharashtra topper of the year.

PREPARATION STRATEGY

Sameer’s preparation strategy was characterized by diligence and focus. Adhering closely to the syllabus, he meticulously covered relevant topics while staying abreast of current affairs. He prepared for the civil services alongside his corporate job.

His commitment to his goal remained unwavering, fueled by the support of his family, particularly his brother, and close friend, Shubham Bhaisare, himself an IAS officer.

“Being an engineer and an MBA, I can even apply the concepts studied there on the field,” he shared.

BALANCING ACT

Navigating the rigorous demands of UPSC preparation alongside his responsibilities as a professional posed a formidable challenge for Sameer. However, his ability to strike a balance between work and study reflects his exceptional time management skills and determination to succeed against all odds.

“I spared my free time in the evening and on weekends when I studied for UPSC. Moreover, my brother guided me well. He was also preparing for UPSC till a few years ago and I took all his notes and prepared thoroughly from them. I took a leave before the Mains exam and prepared properly during that period,” shared Sameer.

CHOICE OF OPTIONAL SUBJECT

Opting for Political Science as his optional subject, Sameer drew inspiration from his brother’s choice and recognized its relevance to administrative roles.

He valued its alignment with ground realities and its potential to enhance his understanding of governance and public policy.

PLANS FOR FUTURE

Talking about his plans for the future as an IAS officer, Sameer shared, “Railways job has taught me the importance of being meticulous, hardworking, persistent, and result-oriented. I will aim to measure everything empirically on the field and be persistent in terms of effort. I would also like to digitize certain data sets and processes to bring efficiency in the department that I work in.”

MESSAGE FOR ASPIRANTS

His tip for the upcoming aspirants is, “Target your preparation in terms of what is being asked in the exam and what is happening around us. Be persistent in your efforts. There will be setbacks, highs and lows, but you should be up for the long run.”


Indian Masterminds Stories
Related Stories
NEWS
NHAI logo
NHAI To Enhance Project Monitoring with Drone Technology for Transparency and Efficiency
IAS Khilli Ram Meena
IAS Khilli Ram Meena Succeeds IAS Renu Sharma As Chief Secretary of Mizoram
IAS Chandrabhushan Kumar
IAS Chandra Bhushan Kumar Appointed New Chief Secretary of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Closeup of word on wooden cube on wooden desk background concept - Fraud
Retired IFS Officer Duped of Rs 11.70 Lakh by Fraudulent Pension Officer
IAS R Alice Vaz
IAS R Alice Vaz Appointed Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi Ahead of Assembly Elections
IAS
IAS Officers' Association Resolves to Uphold Rule-Based Governance
IAS Shruti
IAS Shruti Takes Interim Charge as Yamuna Authority CEO
GAIL PSU
Vedanta Aluminium Partners with GAIL for Cleaner Energy Transition
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2024-11-20 at 18.06
Hyderabad's Transformation From The City of Pearls to Cyberabad
IMG-20241118-WA0002
The Journey Behind Kathakar Ki Diary | Video Interview 
GP Singh
They Aren’t Criminals, But IPS Officers, Standing Up To Political Pressure
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
NHAI logo
NHAI To Enhance Project Monitoring with Drone Technology for Transparency and Efficiency
IAS Khilli Ram Meena
IAS Khilli Ram Meena Succeeds IAS Renu Sharma As Chief Secretary of Mizoram
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2024-11-20 at 18.06
IMG-20241118-WA0002
GP Singh
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT