Avinash Singh's UPSC Chronicles: A Narrative of Persistence and Passion

March 13, 2024

3 Minutes

Avinash Singh’s life story is a remarkable example of how determination and hard work can turn dreams into reality. Born into a military family, Avinash’s early life was marked by frequent relocations, studying in various parts of India. Despite being an average student, with 79% in his 10th board exams and 69% in his 12th, he never lost sight of his aspirations. After failing to clear entrance exams for prestigious engineering institutes, he pursued a Civil Engineering degree from a government college in Gujarat. Even with academic hurdles, including back papers and narrowly missing the eligibility criteria for campus placements, Avinash’s spirit remained unbroken. He harbored ambitions that reached beyond his academic achievements.

The Turning Point: CAPF and UPSC Journey

After high school, Avinash faced setbacks in his academic pursuits, failing to clear entrance exams for prestigious institutes like IIT and AIEEE. Undeterred, he pursued an engineering degree in Civil from a government college in Gujarat. However, his academic struggles continued, and he graduated with a modest 59.6%, just shy of the eligibility criteria for campus placements. 

Avinash’s dream of serving the nation took a more defined shape when he decided to prepare for the Civil Services and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) exams. Relocating to Old Rajinder Nagar in New Delhi, a hub for UPSC aspirants, he dedicated himself to rigorous preparation. In 2016, he cleared the prelims for both CAPF and UPSC, but personal challenges led to a period of depression and weight gain, threatening his chances in the CAPF physical test. With sheer determination, Avinash managed to lose the excess weight in just 50-60 days, eventually securing an All India Rank of 24 in the UPSC CAPF examination and choosing to serve in the Border Security Force (BSF). 

Overcoming Personal Trials

Avinash’s journey was not just a professional battle; it was also a personal struggle. In 2019, he endured a painful relationship breakup but remained steadfast in his commitment to his goals. Yet, he remained focused on his goals, drawing inspiration from incidents like being denied entry to a gym reserved for civil servants, which fueled his desire to succeed. Serving in the BSF, he was awarded the GSR award for his exemplary performance in the parade.

Amidst his duties, Avinash continued to prepare for the UPSC exams, finding solace in discussions on ethics and various topics with his colleagues. He firmly believed in the importance of balancing work and personal life, echoing Hillary Clinton’s words, “Don't confuse having a career with having a life.” The following year brought the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Avinash’s sense of duty was tested when his mother contracted the virus. Choosing family over career, he took a break from his UPSC preparations to care for her. 

Triumph Amidst Adversity

The pandemic brought the world to a standstill, but for Avinash, it was an opportunity to regroup and focus on his UPSC preparations. The exams were postponed, giving him ample time to study. His dedication paid off when he qualified for the exam in 2021, a milestone that marked his entry into the prestigious Dadra and Nagar Haveli Civil Services (DANICS) as an SDM trainee.

A Lesson in Resilience

Avinash Singh’s story is a powerful reminder that success is not just about talent or intelligence; it’s about resilience, hard work, and the ability to turn problems into opportunities. His journey from an average student to a successful DANICS officer is a narrative of resilience, hard work, and unwavering dedication. His story inspires countless aspiring civil servants to persevere in the face of adversity, reminding us that success is not just about reaching a destination, but also about the journey and the lessons learned along the way.

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