“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.” – Confucius
In a story of relentless perseverance, unshakable focus, and extraordinary determination, Poleshwar Sahu has carved his name among the top achievers of Chhattisgarh. Securing the 4th rank in the CGPSC 2024, he has not only realized his lifelong dream of becoming a Deputy Collector but has also become a beacon of inspiration for thousands of aspirants across the state.
His journey is a masterclass in resilience – rising after repeated setbacks, facing failures head-on, and finally emerging victorious through sheer hard work and unwavering dedication. Poleshwar is not just an officer-in-the-making; he is a testament to the power of perseverance, patience, and the human spirit’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, Mr Sahu reflected on his journey and shared how, with perseverance, he continued even after failures and what inspired him to keep going.
Journey So Far: Four Attempts, One Dream
Mr Sahu said, “This journey means two things – it has been thrilling from both sides. Financially, emotionally, in every way, I needed support, and I got it from my parents, my brothers, everyone. Then came the academic challenges, which were immense. Overcoming them across four attempts has been a tremendous learning experience.”
He made a total of four attempts over the years, beginning his CGPSC journey in 2021 –
- 2021 (Prelims cleared, Mains not cleared): His first attempt saw him clearing the prelims but falling short in the mains.
- 2022 (Prelims cleared, Mains missed by 10 marks): Persistence paid off, yet the mains remained elusive.
- 2023 (rank 212): A significant leap, but no service allotment.
- 2024 (Full clearance, 4th rank): Finally, the breakthrough that led to his appointment as Deputy Collector.
“My journey has been about consistency. Every attempt taught me something new,” he admits, highlighting the importance of learning from failures.
Their Background: Humble Roots, Strong Values
Hailing from Golhapara village in Lormi, Mungeli, Sahu comes from a family grounded in agriculture. His late father, who passed away due to COVID in 2021, was a lawyer part-time and a full-time farmer, while his mother has been a homemaker. The family’s modest means required his elder brother to work a private job earning ₹25–30k monthly to support Sahu’s aspirations.
“I felt the burden of my parents’ sacrifices,” Mr Sahu recalls. “Digesting failures while honoring the dreams my father had for me was my biggest struggle.”
Academic Background: Engineering Meets Literature
Sahu’s educational journey is as diverse as it is impressive. He completed –
- B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (2020) from Rungta College of Engineering and Technology, Bhilai (CSVTO University)
- M.A. in English (2023) from CV Raman University (Open University)
- CG SET (2024)
This combination of technical and literary skills lent him an edge, particularly during interviews that tested both factual knowledge and personality.
Preparation Strategy: Hard Work, Intensity, and Patience
“The strategy changes according to each stage,” he explains. During prelims, he devoted 10–12 hours daily, sometimes stretching to 14 hours in the last months. For the mains, his regimen included 6–9 hours initially, ramping up to 12–15 hours in the final month and a half.
Sahu emphasizes smart work built on a foundation of relentless effort –
- Hard work: “There is no replacement for hard work. Smart work comes only after that.”
- Consistency: Daily efforts, even through setbacks.
- Patience: Recognizing that CGPSC is a marathon, not a sprint.
The Interview Experience: Rapid-Fire and Thoughtful Questions
His interview for CGPSC was an intense, multi-faceted assessment, testing not just his knowledge but his composure, personality, and ability to think on his feet. “The interview itself was factual, spiritual, and even hobby-oriented,” he recalls. “It was rapid-fire, challenging, and required complete presence of mind.”
The questioning began with geography, a subject he had prepared extensively for –
- “They asked about the Mid-Oceanic Ridge, why the height of the Himalayas keeps increasing, and details about tectonic plates.”
- He was also quizzed on active tectonic zones in Chhattisgarh and the state’s earthquake-prone areas, testing both local and conceptual knowledge.
Next came environment and wildlife questions, posed by a forest department expert –
- He was asked about the Wildlife Protection Act, including the number of schedules and their contents, particularly the first schedule listing animals like tigers.
- Questions on food chains, food webs, biodiversity, and conservation institutes further tested his depth of understanding.
The rapid-fire segment was particularly challenging, with around 30–40 questions on general studies and current affairs. He answered nearly all correctly, showcasing his preparation and focus under pressure.
The panel also explored his personality and hobbies –
- Sandilya Madam, the chairperson, asked about his hobbies such as listening to podcasts and meditation.
- Questions delved into meditation methods of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, bhajan and satsang practices, and devotional traditions like Nirgun Bhakti and the Sufi movement.
Reflecting on the experience, Mr Sahu said, “It was intense, rapid, and demanding – but staying calm and answering with clarity helped me navigate the toughest questions. Every topic, from geography to spirituality, was covered in a way that tested both knowledge and composure.”
Biggest Struggle in the Journey: Handling Failures
“My biggest struggle has been digesting my failures,” he confesses. “The dream my parents had for me, the dedication my father gave his life – he passed away due to COVID – made every failure feel heavy. But today, securing the 4th rank feels like fulfilling their dreams.”
Message to Aspirants: Persistence and Self-Belief
His advice is heartfelt and practical –
- Never give up: “Even when I ranked in the 200s and 300s, I doubted myself. But persistence pays.”
- Prepare with full intensity: Hard work backed by focus leads to results.
- Eliminate self-doubt: Confidence is as crucial as knowledge.
“CGPSC is a test of patience, hard work, and consistency. Everyone has their own pace, and success comes when you match it with your caliber,” he says.
Turning Point: The Fourth Attempt
After multiple setbacks, his fourth attempt in 2024 became his defining moment. Securing a 4th rank and the coveted Deputy Collector post was not just a professional achievement but a personal victory over years of struggle, self-doubt, and loss.
A Beacon of Hope
Poleshwar Sahu’s story is a testament to resilience, discipline, and the human spirit. From a small village in Mungeli to the corridors of administrative power, he exemplifies that with determination, support, and unwavering focus, even the loftiest of dreams are attainable. Aspiring officers across Chhattisgarh now have a shining example to emulate – a man who turned failures into stepping stones and made perseverance his most powerful ally.
