From NDA Aspirations to IAS Success: Vaibhav Kajale's Blueprint for UPSC Success

March 14, 2024

3 Minutes

The story of Vaibhav Kajale’s ascent to the Indian Administrative Service is a saga of unwavering determination and resilience. Growing up in Pune, he was initially drawn to the defense services and soar the skies as a fighter pilot, a dream sparked by the parades at the National Defence Academy (NDA). However, fate had other plans. Despite securing an impressive All India Rank of 57 in the NDA examination, he was declared medically unfit and could not join the academy. He redirected his path towards engineering and later choose the path of UPSC preparation.

Turning Point and Clarity of Purpose

Not one to be easily discouraged, Vaibhav pivoted towards engineering, completing his B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering. It was during his college days that he found his true calling. A visit from a police commissioner to his institute and witnessing the positive changes in Pune under his tenure sparked a desire in himto be part of the system and bring about positive change. This clarity of purpose became his driving force as he embarked on the journey to crack the civil services examination.

The Struggle and Support System

Vaibhav’s journey was not without its challenges. Coming from a middle-class family, he had limited resources for his preparation. However, his family, especially his father, who was an officer in the state government, provided him with unwavering support and inspiration. He made five continuous attempts at the civil services examination, reaching the interview stage each time. His determination was fueled by the belief that one must have a clear understanding of why they want to pursue civil services to sustain the journey.

Learning from Mistakes and Adapting Strategies

Vaibhav’s initial attempts were marked by setbacks. He realized that he was spreading himself too thin by referring to too many sources and not focusing enough on revising and recollecting what he had learned. He made the switch from Geography to Anthropology as his optional subject in his last two attempts, which proved to be a wise decision. He also learned the importance of active, organic, and smart learning, applying concepts from his studies to real-life situations.

Overcoming Overconfidence and Nervousness

Vaibhav’s journey was a rollercoaster of emotions. After a promising start with an All India Rank of 880 in his first attempt, he became overconfident, which led to a shortfall of just 10 marks to be an IAS officer in his second attempt. The pressure of expectations and personal challenges made him nervous in his third attempt, affecting his performance. However, he learned from these experiences, focusing on preparing micro notes and sticking to standard books in his subsequent attempts.

Time Management and Utilizing Opportunities

As a working aspirant, Vaibhav faced the challenge of managing his time effectively. He made the most of his traveling time and office breaks for studying and revising. He also emphasized the importance of utilizing weekends wisely. His strategy of preparing for Plan B simultaneously kept his mind fresh and helped him maintain focus on his studies.

Mastering the Prelims and Acing the Interview

Vaibhav shares valuable insights into tackling the prelims and interview rounds. He advises aspirants to keep a calm mindset during prelims, attempt more than 80-85 questions, and immediately start preparing for mains. For the interview round, he emphasizes the importance of being honest and showing one’s true personality. Pursuing hobbies and being socially active, rather than being active on social media, are key to relieving stress and preparing for the interview.

An Inspiring Trailblazer's Tale

Vaibhav Kajale’s journey is a learning curve for aspiring civil servants. He realised the pitfalls of over-diversifying his study sources and the importance of focused revision. His story is a reminder that setbacks are not the end but rather stepping stones to success. With clarity of purpose, resilience, and the right strategies, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. His journey from an aspiring fighter pilot to a dedicated IAS officer is a testament to the power of determination and the spirit of never giving up.

Must read: Three Fingers, Two Rejections, One IAS: Harvinder Singh's Journey of Triumph in UPSC