Kunal Rastogi’s UPSC Journey: A Detailed Account from Background to Success

May 13, 2024

4 Minutes

Introduction

Kunal Rastogi embarked on a transformative journey to achieve his childhood dream of joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Background and Early Education

Growing up in Tripura and Uttar Pradesh, Kunal completed his schooling in Agartala before returning to Lucknow for higher education at CMS Gomti Nagar. In 2021, he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from BITS Pilani.

Initial Career Considerations

Academically, Kunal excelled throughout his education, achieving a commendable CGPA of 7.5. However, he lacked the exceptional numerical aptitude required for competitive exams like NTSC and KVPY. Despite this setback, his aspiration for public service remained strong.

The Impact of Mentorship

During his college years, Kunal encountered a student named Suraj from an underprivileged background. Suraj’s academic struggles inspired Kunal to become a mentor, guiding him towards academic success. The satisfaction he derived from Suraj’s transformation ignited his passion for public service.

Choosing Civil Services

Kunal’s family background, with his father serving as an IPS officer, further influenced his decision to pursue a career in civil services. Despite initial career aspirations in engineering, he realized that his true calling lay in public administration.

Preparation for Prelims and Mains in the First Attempt

The COVID-19 pandemic provided Kunal with an opportune time to prioritize his UPSC preparations. He meticulously developed an efficient strategy:

1. Test Series Notes: Kunal effectively utilized test series to create comprehensive notes, including high-content initial tests, model answers, and key insights.

2. Prelims Note Optimization: To optimize his Prelims revision, Kunal categorized key information from textbooks like M Laxmikant and Spectrum into manageable chapters on A4 sheets.

3. Content Generation from Past Questions: Previous year questions served as a valuable resource to identify knowledge gaps and tailor answers to align with UPSC expectations.

4. Chat GPT for Answer Structuring: Kunal utilized Chat GPT’s AI capabilities to generate answer structures, enhancing both clarity and depth.

5. Model Answers for Depth of Knowledge: Regularly studying model answers expanded Kunal’s subject matter understanding and provided insights into the examiner’s perspective.

First Attempt: Mistakes and Learnings

In his first attempt, Kunal qualified for Prelims and Mains but faced setbacks in the interview due to factors such as:

1. Misinterpretation of Essay Topic: Kunal misconstrued the essay topic, resulting in a lower score.

2. Interview Mishaps: Unforeseen questions and perceived mechanical responses adversely affected his interview performance.

3. Lack of Practice: Insufficient writing practice tests led to avoidable mistakes in the Mains examination.

Second Attempt: Triumph and Disappointment

Overconfidence from his first attempt led Kunal to neglect further preparations. His subpar performance in CSET, despite his engineering background, resulted in his failure to qualify for Prelims.

Rebuilding and Resurgence

Inspired by memories of his student mentorship, Kunal rededicated himself to the examination. With family support, he embarked on a year of intensive preparation.

The Final Result: A Dream Fulfilled

On his birthday, Kunal received the long-awaited result that placed him at All India Rank 15, fulfilling his childhood dream.

Reflections and Advice

Kunal’s journey epitomizes the transformative power of determination and perseverance. He advises UPSC aspirants:

• Dream Big, Work Hard: Set ambitious goals and remain committed to hard work.
• Embrace Challenges: Adversity provides opportunities for growth and resilience.
• Stay Grounded: Maintain humility and acknowledge the support of others.
• Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who offer guidance and support.
• Believe in Yourself: Confidence is crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

The UPSC examination is a challenging path that requires unwavering determination, hard work, and a positive mindset. By embracing these principles, aspiring civil servants can transform their dreams into reality.