A trailblazer from a remote village, IAS officer Ajay Kumar Gautam, defied all odds to graduate from IIT Kanpur. Driven by a vision to uplift society, he pursued his dream of joining Civil Services, becoming an IPS officer first, and later achieving his dream of becoming an IAS officer. His inspiring journey, marked by determination and resilience, illuminates the path for aspiring civil servants, embodying the transformative power of dreams.
Speaking to Indian Masterminds, Mr. Gautam, a 2020-batch IAS officer who is posted as Joint Magistrate in Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, shared about his CSE journey.
WHY CSE?
Hailing from a village with limited access to basic facilities, Mr. Gautam’s early life was a testament to the power of determination and dreams. He completed his education within the constraints of his village, and his potential shone through when he secured admission to the prestigious IIT Kanpur for his undergraduate studies. During his third year at IIT, he contemplated his future career path. The unique combination of his rural roots and his education in one of India’s top colleges compelled him to strive for greatness.
With a vision of making a meaningful impact on society, Mr. Gautam set his sights on the Civil Services, a career known for its assurance, dignity, and the power to effect positive changes. The dream of becoming an IAS officer, the pinnacle of the civil services, was his driving force. Even after clearing the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and being selected as an IPS officer, his unwavering commitment led him to take leave from work to prepare once more and attempt the CSE again.
CELEBRATION
Kasganj district, established in 2008, celebrated a historic moment as Mr. Gautam became the first person from his village to ascend to the prestigious rank of an IAS officer. In his village, where big dreams are rare, securing a job itself is a cause for celebration. “It’s a thing of celebration in my village if someone becomes a constable or assistant teacher,” the officer said.
The joy of his achievement was not limited to his family alone but reverberated throughout the village, inspiring hope and aspiration among its residents.
“My journey from humble beginnings to the corridors of power is nothing short of magical,” he told Indian Masterminds. His time at IIT Kanpur transformed him, instilling a newfound confidence that became the bedrock of his remarkable journey.
STRATEGY
His strategy for the Civil Services Examination was meticulous. He went to Delhi for coaching and opted for sociology as his optional subject. Throughout 2017-2018, he diligently prepared for the UPSC CSE examination. “Life in Delhi was challenging, but one has to move forward,” the officer said.
For mains examination, he gathered insights from toppers’ videos and written copies, meticulously analyzing their strategies.
INTERVIEW
The interview round saw him seek guidance on the qualities a civil servant should possess, which he gradually cultivated within himself. He gave his first interview in Hindi and was selected as an IPS officer. In his second attempt, he switched to English as the medium of his interview, an endeavour he prepared for diligently, even practising in front of a mirror for two months.
WISE WORDS
Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Gautam imparts valuable advice to the younger generation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, giving their best, and avoiding excessive mental stress. His story serves as a beacon of hope for all those aspiring to serve the nation through the Civil Services, illustrating that with determination, dreams can indeed be turned into reality.
