Deepanshu Singh's UPSC Journey: From Tech to Teaching and Policy Making

March 13, 2024

3 Minutes

Deepanshu Singh’s journey is quite unique and sheds light on the power of determination, adaptability, and the desire to contribute positively to society. Born and raised in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, he was well aware of the challenges faced by the less privileged, particularly in accessing education. Despite holding a well-paying position at Microsoft and other multinational companies, he felt a void in his life, a longing to make a meaningful impact.

The UPSC Dream

In 2012, Deepanshu made an important decision to prepare for the UPSC exam. His first attempt in 2013 was half-hearted, yet he managed to clear the Prelims, Mains, and even the interview. However, he fell short of becoming an IAS officer, which was a wake-up call for him. He realized that serious preparation was required, and he resigned from his job to dedicate himself fully to UPSC. His father, a civil servant himself, cautioned him about the challenges ahead, but Deepanshu was undeterred.

Overcoming Challenges

Deepanshu knew his strengths lay in current affairs, but the 2014 and 2015 exams focused less on this area. Despite reaching the interview stage, his name did not appear on the final list. It was during this period that he received a call from the co-founder of Unacademy Roman Saini to invite him for teaching. He started teaching and analyzing ‘The Hindu’ newspaper on YouTube. This initiative resonated with many, and soon, other platforms followed this suit.

Rising to Fame

Deepanshu’s efforts in online education did not go unnoticed. He gained public recognition and financial success. His classes helped many, including Soumya Pandey, the All India Rank holder 4 of 2017, who expressed her gratitude to him. His journey in education continued to evolve, with a focus on both online and offline teaching.

A Purpose-Driven Approach

Deepanshu emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s purpose in aspiring for the UPSC. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and other educators taught for free, eight hours a day. This period also saw him collaborating with IAS officer of Noida Suhas Halwai to create a Live Hospital Bed Availability Tracker, one of the first in India.

Innovation in Education

With a decade of experience in teaching, Deepanshu acknowledges the challenges in online education accessibility. He is working on creating a personal learning platform for UPSC aspirants, offering 24/7 support, personalized mentoring, and a focus on individual strengths and weaknesses.

Contributions to International Policy

Deepanshu’s aspirations extended beyond teaching. He harbored a desire to work on international platforms like the G20 and BRICS. During the pandemic, he authored a book on international relations, which led to an opportunity to serve as a technical advisor for the G20 policy drafting for India. Despite initially lacking expertise in commerce and trade, he and his team conducted extensive research, resulting in a paper on the digitalization of trade documents, endorsed by G20 leaders.

A Lesson in Resilience

Deepanshu’s journey is a lesson in resilience. He faced personal challenges, including a breakup, but remained focused on his goals. His message to aspiring UPSC candidates is clear: discipline and motivation are key. Whether one clears the exam or not, the knowledge gained and the journey itself are invaluable.

Conclusion

Deepanshu’s story is not just about his attempts at the UPSC exam, but about his relentless pursuit of growth, contribution, and making a difference. From a tech professional to an educator, and now a policy influencer, his journey inspires many to look beyond conventional paths and strive for a purposeful life. 

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