Breaking Walls, Building Dreams: IAS Abhishek Singh’s UPSC Story and Beyond

March 3, 2024

4 Minutes

Life often takes us through difficult paths before revealing the roads to our true destiny. Abhishek Singh’s journey to becoming an esteemed IAS officer is a testament to this very fact. At a phase when life seemed to crumble around him due to a personal heartbreak, he found himself battling depression, loneliness, and even suicidal thoughts. The nights were sleepless, and the days were a struggle to find a shred of hope. It was during this darkest phase that a ray of light emerged through the advice of his father and his own will to change his circumstances. The decision to prepare for the civil services exam was not just a career choice; it was his escape and his path to regaining his lost self-esteem. 

The Power of Focus

Abhishek’s journey was anything but easy. Despite being academically strong, the cloud of depression and anxiety made focusing on his studies an uphill battle. Yet, he discovered a unique perspective that helped him through - treating the UPSC interview as one would treat a date. This meant putting forward his best effort, showcasing his best self, and making a positive impression, all of which are crucial to succeeding in both endeavors. This approach not only helped him excel in his exams but also taught him the importance of presenting oneself positively in any situation. 

Balancing Personal Life

The common notion that a relationship can be a distraction during crucial career phases was another challenge that Abhishek navigated skillfully. His relationship with his then-girlfriend, now wife, was not a hurdle but a support system. He highlighted the importance of having the right partner who offers constructive criticism and stands by you, helping you grow both personally and professionally. 

Transforming Vision into Reality 

Abhishek’s aspirations were always aligned with making a significant difference in society. However, upon becoming an IAS officer, he realized the importance of adopting a balanced and neutral approach. He shared an incident where dealing with a local goon required a strategic and non-emotional response, showcasing the need for clarity and a comprehensive understanding of every situation. This lesson underscored the essence of duty over personal emotions, a crucial realization for anyone aiming to bring about change. 

Must Read: IAS Durga Shakti Nagpal: The Maverick Bureaucrat

Finding Inspiration in Unlikely Places 

Interestingly, Abhishek found profound motivation from the Hindi film industry, particularly from actor Shah Rukh Khan. A specific speech by Khan, emphasizing perseverance and the will to overcome obstacles, resonated deeply with him. One statement by Shah Rukh is stuck in his head, “If I am locked up in a room and I have to break a wall and if there’s nothing to break the wall, I will bang my head against the wall. No matter my head will bleed but I will break the wall.” He finds this headstrong and perseverance which shows the strength of thought of a person. He says to reach somewhere all a person needs is a strength of thought. This message of breaking through barriers, even if it meant enduring pain, mirrored his journey and struggles. It reinforced the belief that determination and a strong mindset are indispensable to achieving one's goals. 

Insights and Ideas

Abhishek believes in the power of thought and the legacy left behind by those who dared to challenge society and believed in their own ideas. He points out that the people who have lived before us have left us a wonderful legacy of thoughts, ideas, and institutions. These change bringers are called disrupters. And he says to bring such changes in a society all an individual needs is a strength of thought. He emphasizes that to be a disrupter and bring about change, one must possess a strong conviction in their ideas. The journey through UPSC and into civil services is long and filled with challenges. Yet, it is the unwavering faith in oneself and the relentless pursuit of one's goals that pave the way to success.

Abhishek Singh’s story is not just about overcoming personal and professional hurdles; it is about the transformation that follows when one decides to take charge of their destiny. It is a narrative that inspires resilience, determination, and the belief that no matter how insurmountable the obstacles may seem, there is always a way through with the right mindset and effort. His journey from the depths of despair to the heights of success serves as a beacon of hope for many aspiring to make their mark in the world, reminding us that our past does not define our future, but our actions do. 

Read more about the life and the inspiring UPSC journey of IAS Abhishek Singh here.