Mudit Jain’s Unconventional Voyage from IPS to IRS

May 3, 2024

3 Minutes

Early Life and Academic Roots

Mudit Jain, a native of Delhi hailing from a modest family background, demonstrated academic excellence throughout his school years. However, an incident during his seventh grade proved to be a pivotal moment in his life. His mother’s medical condition ignited a burning desire within him to achieve extraordinary heights.

Despite grappling with the dilemma of choosing between engineering and medical studies, Mudit eventually opted for a demanding combination of PCB with Mathematics. However, his inadequate preparation for competitive examinations during this phase became a source of regret.

First Attempt at UPSC CSE

A year of employment at Accenture Bangalore reignited Mudit’s aspiration to pursue civil services. Resigning from his position, he returned to Delhi to commence preparation. In his first attempt at the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) in 2013, he successfully navigated both the Preliminary and Mains stages. However, his interview score of 118 fell short of his expectations.

Second Attempt

Unfazed by the setback, Mudit persevered and once again cleared the Pre and Mains examinations in 2014. This time, his interview performance improved significantly and a rank of 222. Nonetheless, a nagging feeling lingered that he could have achieved an even higher ranking.

Injury and Setback

Following his successful performance in the 2015 CSE Mains, Mudit joined the Police Academy for training. However, fate took an unfortunate turn when he sustained a knee injury that necessitated hospitalization and medical examinations. The diagnosis of osteoarthritis raised concerns about his ability to continue training.

Selection for IPS

Undeterred by the physical challenge, Mudit remained resolute and appeared for the 2015 CSE interview. While his improved interview score was commendable, it was insufficient to secure a top-100 rank. Consequently, he was once again selected for the Indian Police Service (IPS).

Missed Pre

Driven by an unwavering belief in his abilities, Mudit overestimated his preparation for the 2016 Pre examination. To his dismay, he missed the cut-off mark by a narrow margin. The realization that his IPS career was uncertain due to his injury compounded his disappointment.

Treatment and Recovery

Determined to overcome his physical limitations, Mudit embarked on an extensive treatment regimen that included physiotherapy, Ayurvedic therapies, and running. He returned to the academy in 2016, but unfortunately, he suffered another setback when he twisted his ankle.

Third Attempt

With a full year at his disposal, Mudit dedicated himself to preparing for the Pre examination with renewed vigor. He diligently solved numerous mock tests and meticulously revised his notes. His efforts bore fruit, and he successfully cleared the Prelims in 2017.

Mains and Interview

Having consistently exceeded the Mains cut-off marks, Mudit was confident in his ability to clear this stage as well. However, his elusive interview score continued to elude him, reaching a maximum of 165.

Fourth Attempt

With three selections already under his belt but no Indian Administrative Service (IAS) result, Mudit recognized the need for a strategic adjustment. He focused on improving his interview score, setting a target of 175 or above. Despite his efforts, he once again received a score of 165 in 2018.

Final Result and IRS Selection

The final result placed Mudit in the 173rd rank, a testament to his unwavering perseverance. This time, he completed the Detailed Application Form (DAF) for IAS, IFS, and IRS, omitting IPS due to his physical condition. Ultimately, he was selected for the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).

IRS Experience

Upon completing his foundation course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mudit underwent training at the National Direct Taxes Academy in Nagpur. In 2020, he was posted as Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax in Delhi. His primary responsibilities involve conducting faceless assessments and scrutinizing financial records for potential errors or irregularities.

Reflections and Key Lessons

Reflecting on his extraordinary journey, Mudit emphasizes the paramount importance of determination, adhering to the processes set by UPSC, and never surrendering. He credits his family, friends, and peer group for their invaluable support throughout the arduous process. His key takeaways include:

• The unwavering belief that if you are determined, anything is possible.
• The importance of following the processes set forth by UPSC.
• The relative ease of clearing Mains compared to Pre.
• The element of luck involved in Pre, in contrast to Mains, which emphasizes approach and perseverance.
• The crucial role of building a support system of family, friends, and peers who provide motivation and encouragement.