Navneet Anand, a 23-year-old from the small village of Harbhanga in Bihar’s Purnia district, has defied the odds to crack the coveted UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) in his third attempt. His story is one of resilience, grit, and a burning desire to break free from the limitations of his background. Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Naveent cracked UPSC CAPF at the age of 21 and is currently under training as an Assistant Commandant in CISF.
EARLY LIFE
Harbhanga, where Navneet’s story begins, is a place where a teacher’s job is considered the pinnacle of achievement. Education, for many, remains a luxury. Yet, Navneet’s parents, despite their farming background, instilled in him the value of academics. This push led him to leave home for boarding school in class 3rd, a pivotal decision that set him on the path to excel.
“After competing in an All India Competition, I secured admission to Sainik School, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. I have spent 8 years there, receiving all my grooming and training at this esteemed institution,” he shared.
Life, however, wasn’t easy. When Navneet was just in class 7th, tragedy struck. He lost his father in a road accident. The weight of responsibility landed on his young shoulders. He saw his mother struggle financially and face insensitive comments in a society not known for gender sensitivity. It was a turning point, a moment that ignited a fire within him – a fire to achieve something remarkable, something that would not just secure his future but also bring respect to his mother.
Navneet had his sights set on the National Defense Academy (NDA), but his dream was cut short by -2 myopia. Undeterred, he strategized. He decided to prepare for other government exams while pursuing a degree in economics from Ambedkar University, Delhi.
LOVE FOR BASKETBALL, CAPF, CSE
His preparation journey was a mosaic of dedication and diverse passions. Every day, he carved out 2-3 hours for focused study in the library. But Navneet wasn’t just about books. Basketball and painting served as his therapy, outlets to unwind and recharge. ”Basketball is therapy to me. I am a National level player,” Navneet shared.
His first two UPSC attempts, in 2021 and 2022, didn’t yield the desired result – clearing the prelims. Yet, he didn’t let setbacks deter him. He used these years strategically. While he couldn’t clear the prelims, he completed the syllabus for the UPSC CSE mains exam and the optional subject. He also cleared other prestigious exams like CDS, UGC NET JRF, and most importantly, the UPSC CAPF, with an impressive rank of 37. This backup plan, a demonstration of his early and consistent efforts, provided him with a safety net.
Determined to conquer the prelims in his third attempt, Navneet dedicated eight dedicated months to it. He focused on Previous Years’ Questions (PYQs) over mock tests, a strategy that eventually paid off. Clearing the prelims instilled in him a newfound confidence; he knew the mains, his core area of strength, wouldn’t pose much difficulty. “And I was right. I finally aced the mains and the interview stages, securing an All India Rank of 499, without any coaching,” Navneet shared with Indian Masterminds.
MOTHER’S HAPPINESS
His success story resonates most deeply with his mother. The years of struggle, and the taunts she faced, all seem insignificant compared to the immense pride she feels today. “Seeing this change has brought so much happiness to me,” says Navneet, his voice filled with emotion. He goes on to add, “My mother said, ‘I lived 15 years in a single day.'” His success is as much his as it is hers.
FAILURES AND COMEBACK
Navneet’s journey wasn’t without its moments of self-doubt. During his initial failures, he would confide in friends, jokingly calling himself “unlucky.” But his belief in his knowledge, honed through years of consistent study, meticulously tracked his study hours. Starting with 90 hours a month, he gradually pushed himself, aiming for a monthly target of 300 hours. While he never quite reached that goal, his dedication was evident, with his highest recorded study month clocking in at 267 hours.
He emphasizes honesty with oneself: “When we are honest with ourselves, we don’t owe anyone anything.”
In his third year, he published a novel on Amazon titled “Richie and Giggs: A Tale of Two Doodles. Additionally, he paints and has received medals for his artwork. These activities served as therapeutic outlets throughout my journey. During my third attempt, I started watching movies in the theatre, a change I consciously brought into my routine.
PRELIMS STRATEGY
Navneet’s preliminary preparation strategy in his third attempt focused on revision. He recognized that the vast amount of material covered in the UPSC could only be truly mastered through consistent revision. He categorized his study material into “core” and “periphery” lists. The core list, revisited every 2-3 days, included essential NCERT textbooks, M. Laxmikanth’s book on Indian Polity, and Spectrum.” Current affairs and YouTube videos were relegated to the periphery.
Looking back, Navneet emphasizes the importance of revision for UPSC aspirants. He advises focusing on core study materials, meticulously reviewing previous years’ question papers, and maintaining control over social media usage. He also credits his reliance on Google Excel.
