https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

The Magical Journey from Humble Beginnings to the Corridors of Power

IAS officer Ajay Kumar Gautam cleared UPSC CSE 2020 with AIR 415 in his second attempt In his first attempt, he cleared the exam and became an IPS officer He is currently posted as Joint Magistrate in Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
Indian Masterminds Stories

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.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Madhya Pradesh State Administrative Service
MP Govt Approves 55% Dearness Allowance for IAS, IPS, IFS Officers & Deputation Employees
MEIL
MEIL Clinches Rs. 13,000 Cr NPCIL Order for Two Nuclear Reactors
Western Coalfields Limited
WCL Strengthens Healthcare Services in Vidarbha with Medical Equipment Donation to Dr Hedgewar Blood Centre
BPCL_resized
BPCL Partners with GPS Renewables to Set Up Compressed Biogas Plants Nationwide
Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL)
UCSL Delivers First Green Cargo Vessel ‘Wilson Eco 1’ to Norway, Marking Major Export Milestone for India
IAS Manoj Ahuja
Odisha: Chief Secretary Mandates Field Visits for Govt Officials to Strengthen Governance
NSE National Stock Exchange
Who Is Former IAS Neeraj Kumar Gupta, the Newly Appointed Chairman & Public Interest Director of NSE International Exchange?
Hindustan Shipyard Limited HSL
Hindustan Shipyard Launches Skilling Programme for 2,000 Contract Workmen under Skill India Mission
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr Lokesh M IAS
E-Rickshaw Chaos, Waterlogging, Traffic Mess — Can Noida Fix Its Daily Chaos? | Exclusive with Dr Lokesh M, IAS
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
IRS Padmapani Bora’s 16-Year-Long Journey in Governance
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-13 at 1.46
This Collector Finds Happiness In Squeaks Of Children With Hearing Impairment Who Start Hearing After Surgery
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Utkarsh Yadav UPSC Rajasthan
Brother of Dausa DM Cracks UPSC with AIR 32: Utkarsh Yadav’s Inspiring Journey from Hamindpur to IAS
Utkarsh Yadav, an IIT Roorkee graduate from rural Rajasthan, secured AIR 32 in UPSC 2024 after three...
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-23 at 21.26
“You May Fail Twice, But If You Stand Tall the Third Time, You Fly” – Trilok Singh, CSE ’24 AIR 20 | Exclusive
Rejected by the military, Trilok Singh didn’t quit, he reloaded. In CSE 2024, the Rajasthan native stormed...
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-23 at 17.08
Two Births in Two Weeks: How Malavika G Nair Delivered Her Baby And Her UPSC Dreams
Just 14 days after giving birth, Malavika G Nair cradled her newborn in one arm and a UPSC answer sheet...
Social Media
GozJlgrXYAAHoKv
Murals for Cleanliness: Thoothukudi District Launches Art-Inspired Sanitation Drive in Panchayats
Local artists add colour and messages to village walls, promoting hygiene and community pride
Himanshu Nagpal IAS
Varanasi's Beggar Rehabilitation Initiative Recognised by UIDAI, CDO Himanshu Nagpal Shares the News
Mr. Himanshu Nagpal is a 2019-batch IAS officer
IAS Vaishali Chopra
Young IAS Vaishali Chopra Takes a Stand Against Caste Bias During Field Training in Uttar Pradesh
While the issue itself may seem small, the post is resonating widely online for its honest reflection...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Madhya Pradesh State Administrative Service
MP Govt Approves 55% Dearness Allowance for IAS, IPS, IFS Officers & Deputation Employees
Utkarsh Yadav UPSC Rajasthan
Brother of Dausa DM Cracks UPSC with AIR 32: Utkarsh Yadav’s Inspiring Journey from Hamindpur to IAS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr Lokesh M IAS
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-13 at 1.46
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT