Rising Above Financial Struggles: Jitendra Patel’s UPSC Journey

February 17, 2024

4 Minutes

IPS Jitendra Patel

Introduction 

Usually, the UPSC journey for many starts after they arrive in Delhi but Jitendra Patel’s journey to becoming a civil servant began about a decade earlier. Born into a family where ends barely met, Jitendra’s early life was far from easy. His father worked hard in a textile mill, earning just enough to support the family, while his mother, who had never been to school, did her best to ensure they had meals for the day. They lived in a small house with a tiny piece of land on the city’s outskirts. For Jitendra and his family, life was about surviving with what they had. He went on to clear his UPSC exam in 2015. 

Dream of Engineering

Jitendra aimed to become an engineer, a goal that seemed reachable with the modest cost of education at the time. But just as he was about to step into the world of engineering, the fees for engineering colleges skyrocketed from 2000 to 45,000 rupees a year, making it nearly impossible for him to pursue his dream. Facing this roadblock, Jitendra’s father chose to use his life savings to support his son’s education, a sacrifice that Jitendra knew he couldn’t take for granted. It was during this challenging time that he learned about the UPSC exam, a gateway to becoming part of India’s administrative framework. The UPSC offered a chance to make a significant impact, to work for the betterment of the country, and to represent those at the bottom of the social ladder. Inspired by this opportunity, Jitendra decided to embark on a journey that was anything but easy.

A New Goal: UPSC

Preparing for the UPSC exam is a daunting task for anyone, but for Jitendra, it was filled with financial hurdles. He took educational loans and worked part-time jobs to fund his studies. He shares his journey of transitioning from a job in Delhi to preparing for the UPSC exam against his family’s wishes. Initially, his family was not supportive of his decision to leave his job for UPSC preparation. However, after showing persistence, his father finally told him to follow his heart. Planning strategically, Jitendra decided to work for a few more months to save money and then moved to Gwalior for self-study. He prepared for the UPSC without any formal coaching or guidance, relying instead on advice and study materials from a friend. Despite the lack of resources and support, he remained committed to his goal of clearing the UPSC exam.

Journey Begins: Overcoming Financial Hurdles

Patel’s attempt at the UPSC exam in 2005 was unsuccessful. His mother doubted he could clear the exam without coaching or proper guidance. He worried about the financial implications and assured her he could manage. Once in Delhi, due to limited money, he only joined the coaching for geography which was his optional paper. He did not clear the exam in his first attempt. Jitendra’s family suggested he return home, considering the difficulty of the exams. However, he decided to stay in Delhi. He borrowed money from friends, bought a secondhand phone, and started attending job interviews. Soon, he ran out of money and couldn’t afford food for a day. He considered going back home but couldn’t even afford the trip to the train station. Unexpectedly, his family had sent him ₹2000. Soon after, he found a tutoring job that led to a decent full-time job.

Persistence in the Face of Failure

Jitendra then worked in Mumbai for three years. During this time, he was inspired by the poetry of Avtar Singh Sandhu ‘Pash’, which speaks about the dangers of becoming numb to dreams and societal pressures. This inspiration, along with the support of a friend who promised to help him with a job if he decided to quit UPSC preparation, motivated him to give the UPSC exam another try. In January 2011, he moved back to Delhi to prepare for the exam, focusing directly on the mains exam since he had not cleared the prelims before. Till 2014 he appeared in the Mains exam four times and still couldn’t clear it. He reflected on his answer writing skills. His hard work and perseverance eventually paid off when he cleared the UPSC exam in 2015. It was a moment of triumph, not just for him but for everyone who had supported him along the way. 

Jitendra’s story is more than just an account of passing a competitive exam. It is a narrative of overcoming obstacles, breaking through societal and financial constraints, and achieving something extraordinary. It serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges, reminding them that success is within reach if they persist and dedicate themselves to their goals. In the end, his journey shows that no dream is too big and no obstacle too difficult if we are willing to fight for it.