A Tale of Resilience and Determination: IRS Dr. Shivin Chaudhary’s Journey from MBBS to UPSC AIR 297 

May 4, 2024

3 Minutes

Introduction

Dr. Shivin Chaudhary, an officer in the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), achieved All India Rank 297 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022. His path to success was a winding one, filled with both triumphs and obstacles.

Early Life and Medical Education

Born in Hisar, Haryana, Dr. Chaudhary resided in Gurgaon for most of his life. Influenced by his parents, both doctors, he pursued the science stream with a focus on PCB after completing 10th grade. He dedicated himself to preparing for the AIPMT, now known as NEET, but fate had other plans in store.

The First Twist: AIPMT Cancellation

In 2015, the AIPMT faced allegations of cheating, leading to its cancellation. Devastated, Dr. Chaudhary refused to succumb to despair and applied to other medical exams, including AIIMS and Indraprastha University. However, his luck seemed to run out, and he failed to secure admission.

A Path Redefined: UPSC Civil Services

Undeterred, Dr. Chaudhary shifted his focus to the UPSC CSE, a path that aligned with his passion for politics and development. He began preparing in his fourth year of medical school and completed a Diploma in International Relations. However, the final year of MBBS proved particularly challenging.

The Second Twist: COVID-19 and Internship

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Dr. Chaudhary’s plans. Maulana Azad Medical College and its associated hospital became dedicated COVID-19 facilities, leaving little time for personal preparation. As a result, he postponed his first UPSC attempt to 2021.

The Prelims Challenge: A Year of Intermittent Preparation

In 2021, despite resuming preparation after completing his internship, Dr. Chaudhary faced intermittent preparation due to the pandemic’s impact. Feeling overwhelmed, he started an anonymous YouTube channel, “Anonymous UPSC Spirit,” to document his journey and connect with other aspirants.

Mains Disappointment and Missed Opportunity

While he performed well in Prelims, Dr. Chaudhary faced a setback in Mains. Due to delayed preparation and insufficient guidance, he fell just 18 marks short of securing an interview.

Self-Reflection and Renewed Determination

The Mains result prompted Dr. Chaudhary to re-evaluate his approach. He focused on completing his optional subject and adopted a more structured study plan for Prelims, resulting in another strong performance in Prelims.

A Tragedy and a Renewed Purpose

During this time, Dr. Chaudhary’s grandfather became seriously ill, leaving him with regret that he had not spent more time with him. This tragedy instilled in him a renewed purpose to make a meaningful contribution to society.

Triumph Over Adversity: Mains Success

Dr. Chaudhary implemented his lessons learned in his second Mains attempt. His improved performance secured him a place in the interview.

Interview and Final Result

The interview stage was a rewarding experience. Dr. Chaudhary confidently presented his views and answered the questions posed to him. In April 2023, he achieved All India Rank 297.

Reflections and Advice

Dr. Chaudhary’s journey imparts several invaluable lessons:

• Embrace unexpected challenges as opportunities for growth.
• Face fears with determination, using them as motivation.
• Find passion in your pursuits and let it sustain you through difficulties.
• Continuous improvement is essential for success.
• Surround yourself with supportive individuals who provide guidance.

Dr. Chaudhary’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of embracing change, and the pursuit of a life filled with purpose. It serves as an inspiration to overcome obstacles and achieve dreams.