Ashish Kumar’s journey to becoming an IAS officer is a testament to resilience and the power of learning from failure. Achieving an impressive All India Rank of 53 in the UPSC exam of 2019, Ashish’s story is a source of inspiration for many UPSC aspirants.
His first attempt at the UPSC prelims did not go as planned, resulting in failure. However, this setback did not deter Ashish; instead, it fueled his determination to succeed. He meticulously analyzed his weaknesses and worked hard to overcome them. This relentless effort and dedication paid off in his second attempt, where he not only cleared the prelims but also excelled in the subsequent stages of the examination.
Ashish believes that small mistakes often cost candidates their success in the UPSC exam, a lesson he learned from his own experience. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and rectifying these errors to improve one’s chances in the highly competitive exam. In his view, accepting one’s mistakes and working diligently to correct them is key to passing the UPSC.
Reflecting on his first attempt, Ashish recognized that certain errors contributed to his initial failure. One crucial aspect he points out is the approach to studying. He dispels the myth that there’s a set number of hours one must study to pass the UPSC exam, asserting that quality trumps quantity. According to him, honest and focused studying for 7 to 8 hours a day is sufficient.
Ashish also advises UPSC aspirants to leverage the internet for preparation but cautions against the distractions of social media. Staying away from social media can help maintain focus and concentration, which are vital for effective preparation. Additionally, he suggests keeping study material limited. By not overwhelming oneself with excessive resources, candidates can focus better and revise more efficiently.
Ashish Kumar’s success story is not just about hard work and dedication; it’s about smart work, introspection, and strategic preparation. His journey serves as a guiding light for UPSC aspirants, illustrating that with the right approach, even the hurdles of failure can be transformed into stepping stones for success.
