From a Mischievous Kid to an IAS Ranker: Aaditya Pandey’s Journey of Finding UPSC Motivation Within

November 7, 2023

7 Minutes

Introduction

Aaditya Pandey's incredible journey from a mischievous youngster to securing the 48th All India Rank (AIR) in the UPSC exams is a true testament to the power of determination and resilience.

This UPSC motivation tale not only narrates his transformation but also serves as an uplifting guide for those with a basic understanding of the English language. Let's dive into the amazing story of Aaditya Pandey, who overcame all odds to become an IAS topper.

Early Life and Challenges

Aaditya Pandey was born in Patna, Bihar, and he was the youngest in his family, with two sisters and an older brother. He was known for getting into trouble as a mischievous child. Aaditya came from a humble background. His father had moved to Patna before he was born and worked in menial jobs, like being a peon.

As a child, Aaditya was so cunning that a teacher once made a bet with Aaditya's father. The bet was that the teacher would shave off his moustache if Aaditya, the mischievous young boy, ever became successful in life. This bet was the first thing that motivated Aaditya to work hard.

Struggles and Initial Hurdles

Aaditya continued his education by moving to Jamnagar, Gujarat, where his sister and brother-in-law lived. He did well in the 8th and 9th grades but faced difficulties in the 10th grade due to falling in love, which affected his school performance. His sister and brother-in-law had to leave Jamnagar due to work, so his mother moved to support him.

Feeling more pressure, Aaditya's father insisted on him pursuing engineering, even though he had initially enrolled in English Honors at Patna University. He ended up joining Lovely Professional University for engineering, where he did well with a CGPA of 8.7 in the first semester.

However, his life took another downturn in the second semester when a breakup with his girlfriend left him heartbroken. This impacted his academic performance but he promised the girl, who broke up with him, that he would succeed in the UPSC exams.

The Turning Point: Mentorship and Perseverance

Aaditya's journey to success truly began when he met a college senior named Bharat while working out at his college’s gym. Bharat was a bright student who went on to become an IES officer and pursued his Ph.D. at IIT Roorkee later.

Their conversations, filled with profound knowledge, transformed Aaditya's perspective. It was during these college gym meetings that he acquired knowledge about the world of UPSC examinations.

Aaditya considered ‘Bharat Bhaiya’ as his guru and engaged in numerous discussions over tea during his college days. This marked the beginning of his dedicated hard work as he acquired detailed knowledge on how to prepare for UPSC.

The Path to UPSC: The Beginning

Aaditya went through different stages in life, including a short job he left just three months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. He started his UPSC journey by attempting the exam in 2020 after preparing for only 6-7 months. Until now, nobody in his neighborhood knew he was preparing for the exam; they assumed he was working from home.

A Streak of Setbacks

The first setback happened when he didn't pass the UPSC prelims in his first try. It was disheartening, but his father always encouraged him to keep working hard. So, he persevered and began preparing for the exam once more. A few days before the next prelims, he learned that he had missed passing by only 25 marks last time.

He worked even harder, but luck wasn't on his side once again. He failed the exam once more, but this time, he missed it by just 2.5 marks. This failure actually motivated him and made him believe he could succeed. During this time, people in his neighborhood started doubting and criticizing him, considering him a failure.

Aaditya says he drew inspiration from a quote by Tulsidas from Ramcharitmanasa:

“त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारं नाशनमात्मनः ।कामः क्रोधस्तथा लोभस्तस्मादेतत्त्रयं त्यजेत् ॥“

Translation: “This is the threefold gateway to hell and the destruction of the self. Lust, anger, and greed, therefore one should abandon these three.”

Undeterred by the setbacks, Aaditya realised he needed the right mentorship and risked a sum of 50,000 rupees to avail guidance from a coaching centre. Aaditya found his perfect coaching place, but for many new aspirants moving to Delhi, picking the right one from the Best 10 IAS Coaching in Delhi can be tricky. When deciding, it's smart to check how the classes feel, what's included in the course, how well they cover current affairs, and most importantly, trust your instincts.

He continued his journey, and his determination bore fruit when he passed the Prelims in his third attempt. Mock interviews played a crucial role in refining his skills. Although he was often perceived as a bit loud, but one of his mentors, Manish Bariyar, told him that if he was defending his points rationally, legally, morally, and ethically, its fine if he’s being himself. Aaditya kept that thing in mind and followed the same principle during his UPSC interview.

Achieving UPSC and Beyond

Aaditya's strong effort and never-give-up attitude paid off when he secured the 48th rank in the UPSC exams. He wants people to know that he's just an ordinary person, not a superhuman. He didn't study for 14-16 hours a day. His success, he believes, came from aiming precisely at his goal, much like Arjuna in the Ramayana, who aimed for the sparrow's eye, not its body.Aaditya underscores the importance of self-reflection, transparency, and ethical conduct. He cites a verse from the renowned Indian poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar,

" खम ठोंक ठेलता है जब नर, पर्वत के जाते पाँव उखड़।मानव जब जोर लगाता है, पत्थर पानी बन जाता है| ”

This verse, Aadiya believes, was always his guiding principle during his preparation days.

Aaditya Pandey strongly believes in following what is right, fair, and lawful at every step of his journey. He encourages others to also stick to their values and principles, and he offers this advice to those who aim to follow in his footsteps.

Conclusion

Aaditya Pandey's journey, from a mischievous child to a successful IAS topper, can inspire anyone. It shows the importance of never giving up, having a mentor, and doing what's right to succeed. His story proves that with hard work and self-confidence, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve great things.

In a world where challenges are part of every journey, Aaditya's story offers hope to those aiming to pass the UPSC exams. It reminds us that with dedication, determination, and the right guidance, even the most challenging dreams can come true.

As you follow your own path to success, remember the lessons from Aaditya's journey: stick to your values, keep going when faced with setbacks, and always believe in your ability to make your dreams a reality.