Manish Kumar Choudhary’s Inspirational Journey as an IRS Officer: Overcoming Language Barriers and Achieving Triumph

May 7, 2024

4 Minutes

Manish Kumar Choudhary, an esteemed officer in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), hails from Bhagalpur district in Bihar. As a member of the 2013 batch, he embarked on an extraordinary journey that began in the humble village of Kharik Bazaar.

Growing up in an environment where Hindi prevailed as the primary mode of education and employment opportunities were scarce, young Choudhary was instilled with an unwavering aspiration to secure a government job. His family, a pillar of support, prioritized his education from a tender age.

Early Education and Career Beginnings

Choudhary’s educational pursuits unfolded in Bhagalpur. He subsequently pursued higher studies through Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Concurrently, he held positions within the Delhi Government and the Ministry of Human Resource Development, demonstrating his early promise.

Civil Services Aspirations Ignited

Inspired by his initial achievements and recognizing his potential, Choudhary resolved to embark on the path of the UPSC Civil Services Exam. Despite the inherent challenges posed by his Hindi medium background, he remained resolute in his determination.

Confronting Language Obstacles

In the years leading up to 2010, when Choudhary commenced his UPSC preparation, he acknowledged the advantages enjoyed by English medium candidates in terms of resource accessibility and guidance. However, he refused to succumb to these perceived disadvantages.

A Strategic Preparation Plan

Choudhary devised a strategic approach to his preparation, meticulously acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills for the exam. He enrolled in specialized coaching classes for History and Maithili Literature, his chosen optional subjects. He meticulously allocated his limited time, meticulously studying and practicing.

Employer Support

Throughout his preparation period, Choudhary was fortunate to encounter supportive employers who recognized his aspirations. Their invaluable personal support enabled him to learn and practice effectively.

The Role of CSAT

In 2012 and 2013, the UPSC introduced the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) as an integral component of the Preliminary Exam. Choudhary astutely identified this as an area where he could excel. He devoted significant preparatory efforts to CSAT, which ultimately boosted his Prelims score.

GS Preparation Strategy

For General Studies (GS), Choudhary relied heavily on NCERT textbooks, acknowledging their comprehensive coverage of the exam syllabus. He diligently stayed abreast of current affairs through newspapers and online sources.

Interview Preparation

Having successfully cleared the Prelims and Mains exams, Choudhary faced the next formidable challenge: the interview. Initially, he grappled with camera nervousness and presentation skills. However, he resolved to overcome these obstacles through diligent practice. He rehearsed relentlessly in front of a mirror and sought constructive feedback from mentors. This practice proved its worth, culminating in a strong performance in his second main interview and subsequent qualification.

A Moment of Triumph

Choudhary’s arduous journey culminated in his selection for the IRS in 2013. As the first person from his village to qualify for the Civil Services, his achievement brought immense joy to his family and community.

Lessons Learnt

Throughout his preparation and career, Choudhary has gleaned invaluable lessons that he eagerly shares with aspiring civil servants:

• Embrace Difficulties: Embrace challenges as opportunities for personal growth and development.
• Medium of Instruction: Success is not contingent on the medium of instruction, but rather on one’s innate abilities and unwavering perseverance.
• Time Management: Effective time management is paramount for success. Prioritize tasks and allocate your time wisely.
• Honest Preparation: Integrity and hard work are indispensable for achieving success.

Conclusion

The pursuit of excellence in Civil Services requires unwavering determination, relentless perseverance, and a willingness to overcome obstacles. By embracing these principles, anyone, regardless of their background or the challenges they encounter, can realize their dreams.

Choudhary’s extraordinary journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring civil servants. With the right mindset and unwavering support, they can achieve success and meaningfully contribute to the nation’s progress.