The 5 Cs of Success: IRPS Devendra Kumar’s Blueprint for UPSC Prep

March 12, 2024

3 Minutes

Introduction

Devendra Kumar’s journey from the platform of Hajipur Railway Station to the esteemed position of Deputy Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat is a tale of determination, resilience, and service. Born in Vaishali District, his aspirations took flight at the young age of 17 when he embarked on a journey to join the Indian Air Force. His 14 years of service to the nation laid the foundation for a remarkable career that would eventually lead him to become an Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) officer of the 2009 batch.

Serving the Nation and Nurturing Dreams

During his tenure in the Air Force, Devendra not only served his country with dedication but also nurtured his dream of joining the civil services. He understood the importance of perseverance and self-belief, qualities that would later become the cornerstone of his success in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination.

Empowering Future Aspirants

Currently serving as a Deputy Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, Devendra’s commitment to nation-building extends beyond his official duties. He generously gives back to the community by conducting free mock tests for Hindi medium students from Bihar and Jharkhand. Having faced the challenges of preparing for competitive exams without any coaching, he empathizes with the struggles of aspiring candidates and strives to provide them with the guidance and support they need to succeed.

The 5Cs of Success

Devendra’s advice to UPSC aspirants is encapsulated in what he calls the “5Cs”:

• Confidence
• Concentration
• Consistency
• Compactness
• Copy (Practice Writing).

He emphasizes that understanding the demands of UPSC is crucial, as the commission looks for candidates who exhibit maturity, basic knowledge, and the ability to make decisions in the nation’s interest.

Overcoming Challenges with Determination

Devendra’s journey was not devoid of setbacks. Despite failing to qualify by just one mark on his first attempt, he did not lose heart. Instead, he focused on choosing the right study materials, starting with NCERT books and supplementing them with IGNOU materials. He stressed the importance of compact study materials, which he personally condensed into a 15-16 page code for revision before entering the examination hall.

The Power of Concentration and Consistency

Devendra’s success can also be attributed to his disciplined approach to studies. He advocates for dedicated study hours each day, emphasizing quality over quantity. His mantra is to concentrate fully during study time, ensuring that every hour is utilized effectively.

Compactness and Clarity in Preparation

In his preparation, Devendra highlights the importance of compactness. He suggests that aspirants should focus on the essentials, keeping their answers short and crisp. Understanding the core of topics like what is G20, its agenda, India’s role in G20, for instance, is more important than delving into broad discussions such as India’s representation, the foreign relations, etc.

Practice Makes Perfect

The final ‘C’, according to Devendra, is copy; the practice of writing. He advises candidates to make a habit of answer writing, as it is a critical component of the UPSC examination. Regular practice helps in refining one’s writing skills and presenting answers in a coherent and concise manner.

Conclusion

Devendra Kumar’s journey from a young airman to a respected civil servant is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and a clear vision. His story serves as an inspiration to countless UPSC aspirants, reminding them that with the right attitude and approach, no dream is too big to achieve.

Must Read: Quest for Excellence: The Strategy of IAS Srishti Singh in UPSC CSE 2020