When Ashish Kumar missed clearing UPSC Civil Services Examination by a whisker, he didn’t get disheartened. Instead, he resolved with firmer determination to fill the little gaps and ace the exam next time. And he did! In his second attempt in 2019, he got the All India Rank 53 and stepped into the prestigious Indian Administrative Service. He was allocated West Bengal cadre.
Indian Masterminds presents his inspiring story of success. A story of determination and firm resolve to find out his weaknesses and turn them into his strength.
MISSED BY A WHISKER
In his first attempt at UPSC CSE in 2018, Mr Kumar missed the cut-off by a mere 0.33%. He reportedly scored 97.67% and just missed out on the 98% cut-off! However, this touch-and-go situation did not disturb or dishearten him. Instead, he set about to plugging the gaps, reformatting his strategy with a firmer resolve than before to ace the exam the next time.
CHANGING STRATEGY
He started off by readjusting and refocusing on his strategy. He analysed what could have possibly gone wrong, where he lacked, how he got left behind. And after reviewing all the weak spots he came up with a new strategy. And prepared accordingly.
Talking to media, he had said that he welcomed the failed result and acknowledged that there were gaps in his preparation, so he planned for his second attempt meticulously. “Not clearing the examination, in hindsight, was good for me because it allowed me to focus more on my preparation.”
He made sure that his preparation had a proper direction this time. He limited the sources, closely observed the strategies of previous years’ toppers and fashioned his study pattern accordingly. He concentrated more on making notes and attempted mock tests extensively.
GAVE HIMSELF THREE CHANCES
But, most importantly, he devised a clear timeline this time to have mental clarity. He gave himself three chances to crack the exam and made up his mind to look for a different career otherwise.
However, the need for a different career did not arise as he cleared the exam in his second attempt very convincingly, securing 53 rank. So now his advice to all aspirants is: “Focus on the exam on hand and do not think of ‘what if’ scenarios. The examination requires you to be completely invested in the preparation and not have a wavering mind.”
