Harpreet Singh’s journey to becoming an IAS officer is a tale of perseverance and unwavering determination. His story is not just about clearing one of India’s toughest exams, the UPSC, but doing so while balancing a full-time job. In his fifth attempt, Harpreet achieved the remarkable feat of securing the 19th rank in the UPSC 2018 exam, a testament to his hard work and dedication.
IAS Topper Harpreet Singh
Harpreet Singh’s path to success was not straightforward. His journey spanned five attempts at the UPSC examination, each step teaching him valuable lessons. In 2018, his efforts bore fruit when he secured the 19th rank. This achievement was not just a personal victory but also an inspiration to many aspiring civil servants.
Balancing Job and Preparation
What sets Harpreet’s story apart is his ability to juggle professional responsibilities with his UPSC preparation. He never quit his job to prepare for the exam. This approach challenged the conventional wisdom that full-time preparation is essential for success in UPSC. Harpreet proved that with efficient time management and dedication, one can excel in the exam while being employed.
Early Career and UPSC Preparation
After completing his education, Harpreet moved to Chandigarh, a hub for UPSC aspirants. He joined coaching classes and simultaneously started preparing for the exam. During this phase, he received a lucrative job offer from a private company, which he accepted. This marked the beginning of his dual journey of professional work and UPSC preparation.
Initial Attempts and Challenges
Harpreet’s first attempt at the UPSC in 2013 did not go as planned, as he couldn’t clear the mains exam. However, this setback didn’t deter him. He persisted in his efforts, balancing his job and preparation with remarkable resilience.
Perseverance Amidst Failures
In his second attempt, Harpreet reached the interview stage but missed the final selection. His third attempt followed a similar pattern, reaching the interview but not making it to the final list. These consecutive failures could have discouraged anyone, but Harpreet chose to persevere.
Turning Failures into Stepping Stones
Undeterred by three unsuccessful attempts, Harpreet kept his preparation going. Meanwhile, he appeared for the CAPF exam and secured a position as an Assistant Commandant in the BSF. Joining BSF, he continued his UPSC journey, reflecting his unwavering commitment.
Final Triumph
In his fourth attempt, Harpreet achieved success, albeit with a rank that led him to the trade service. Yet, the dream of becoming an IAS officer remained alive in his heart. With this goal, he appeared for his fifth attempt and finally realized his dream by securing the 19th rank, a remarkable achievement given his journey’s challenges.
