Akshay Doshi, a man of 30 years hailing from the arid lands of Barmer, Rajasthan, embarked on an arduous journey towards success in the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). His resoluteness and unwavering determination led him to conquer all obstacles, culminating in an All India Rank of 75 in the 2023 attempt.
Early Education and the Desire for IIT
Growing up in Barmer, Akshay excelled in his academic pursuits. After completing his schooling, he set his sights on the coveted Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), enrolling in intensive coaching in Kota for his 11th and 12th-grade studies.
His hard work and dedication bore fruit as he successfully cleared the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) in 2011. Subsequently, he pursued a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the prestigious IIT Kharagpur.
The UPSC CSE Dream: A Seed Planted
Even amidst the rigors of IIT, a spark ignited within Akshay—a burgeoning desire to serve the nation through the esteemed UPSC CSE. Despite not securing a campus placement, he resolved to pursue his dream of becoming an IAS officer, a goal his family had instilled in him since his adolescent years.
First Attempt and the Lessons Learnt
In 2016, Akshay embarked on his UPSC preparation, a solitary endeavor devoid of coaching or external support. He attempted the prelims examination in August of the same year, only to fall short of qualifying by a mere 7 marks.
Undeterred by this setback, Akshay relocated to the capital city of Delhi, seeking more comprehensive resources and enrolling in coaching classes specifically tailored for the Mains examination.
Second and Third Attempts: Prelims Prevails
In his second attempt in 2018, Akshay focused primarily on the prelims examination, prioritizing its importance over the Mains. This strategy backfired, as he qualified for the Mains but faltered due to inadequate preparation. The following year, in 2019, he repeated the same mistake, leading to yet another setback.
Fourth and Fifth Attempts: Realizations Dawn
Akshay’s repeated failures proved to be valuable learning experiences. He realized the paramount importance of striking a balance between both prelims and Mains preparation. Additionally, he identified weaknesses in his optional subject, Chemistry, and dedicated himself to shoring up his knowledge and understanding.
Sixth Attempt: The Turning Point
With renewed vigor, Akshay commenced his final attempt in 2023. He meticulously planned his strategy, focusing on completing his optional subject’s syllabus, practicing writing answers, and meticulously studying previous year’s question papers (PYQs).
Support System and Discipline
Throughout his arduous journey, Akshay was bolstered by the unwavering support of his family, especially his parents. He also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of two close friends, Siddharth Jain and Neha Jain, who played a pivotal role in keeping him disciplined and motivated.
Interview Preparation
After qualifying for the Mains, Akshay faced the interview panel on January 4, 2023. He had meticulously prepared, paying meticulous attention to each keyword and making copious notes. If you all the upcoming aspirants want to take coaching of Civil Services then Next IAS will help you in this.
Result Day: Ecstasy and Gratitude
On May 16, 2023, Akshay received the news of his selection with an All India Rank of 75. Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, he acknowledged the culmination of eight years of relentless hard work and steadfast dedication.
Lessons for Aspirants
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Akshay emphasizes the significance of diligence, hard work, and the right guidance in UPSC CSE preparation. He advises aspirants to prioritize quality over quantity in their studies and to seek mentorship or guidance when necessary.
He also encourages them to maintain a positive attitude and to never abandon their dreams, no matter the challenges they may face.
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