Nishant Jain’s Triumphant Path to IAS Success: Dismantling the Hindi Medium Barrier

May 8, 2024

4 Minutes

Introduction

Nishant Jain, a young man from the modest town of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, embarked on an ambitious and challenging journey: to shatter the societal misconception that success through the Hindi medium was unattainable. His unwavering determination and refusal to let language become a barrier led him to achieve the prestigious rank of 13th in the UPSC examination.

Childhood Inspirations

Growing up, Nishant witnessed the inefficiencies in the ration distribution system firsthand, sparking within him a desire to address such issues. He realized that becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer could provide him with the opportunity to make a tangible difference in society.

Overcoming Initial Obstacles

Despite being a student of the Hindi medium, Nishant refused to allow language to hinder his dreams. After completing Class 10, he secured a proofreading job, recognizing his language proficiency as an asset. During the summer break, he meticulously proofread 1750 pages, earning a modest sum of ₹1750.

Higher Education and a Temporary Setback

nishant excelled academically, but financial constraints prevented him from pursuing his studies at Delhi University. He opted for Meerut College instead while preparing for competitive exams. In his final year, he gained financial stability by securing a clerical position in the post office, but this limited his study time.

A Mentor’s Influence

A discerning senior recognized Nishant's potential and encouraged him to prioritize his aspirations. Inspired by these words, Nishant resigned from his job to focus on his studies. He obtained an MA degree, followed by a UGC-NET JRF fellowship of ₹20,000 per month. This enabled him to pursue an MPhil at Delhi University, fulfilling his long-held dream.

IAS Preparation and Triumph

While pursuing his MPhil, Nishant dedicated himself to preparing for the IAS exam. Despite failing the pre-examination on his first attempt, he remained steadfast in his determination. With the support of his family and friends, he regrouped and secured a job as a translator in Parliament, providing financial stability while continuing his IAS preparation.

In subsequent attempts, Nishant cleared the prelims, mains, and interview stages, achieving the remarkable feat of securing 13th rank in the UPSC exam. His success was particularly notable as he had achieved it through the Hindi medium, including his optional subject (Hindi literature).

Recognition and Training

Nishant's achievement garnered widespread recognition. The Lok Sabha Speaker, Sumitra Mahajan, hosted a felicitation ceremony in his honor, acknowledging his accomplishment and inspiring others. He commenced his IAS training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, adapting seamlessly to the predominantly English-speaking environment despite his Hindi background.

Key Lessons and Unwavering Persistence

Throughout his arduous journey, consistency and unwavering persistence were Nishant's unwavering companions. He faced numerous obstacles, including financial limitations, job responsibilities, and the challenges of studying in a non-native medium. However, he refused to let these hurdles deter him. Instead, he transformed his Hindi language from a potential weakness into a source of strength.

Conclusion

Nishant Jain’s remarkable story serves as a testament to the power of determination and the unwavering belief that language should not hinder success. By overcoming adversity and dismantling the misconceptions surrounding the Hindi medium, he has become an inspiration to others, demonstrating that with persistence and hard work, dreams can become reality regardless of the obstacles one faces.