Vipassana to LBSNAA: How Arpit Gupta’s Inner-self told him how to prepare for UPSC and made him an IAS

March 25, 2024

5 Minutes

Introduction

Arpit Gupta's journey is a remarkable tale of determination and resilience. Hailing from Sahjanwa, Gorakhpur, he was raised in a modest family, with his father employed by the Indian Railways. Despite successfully completing an engineering degree from IIT Roorkee and having a short stint as a financial market analyst, Arpit couldn't let go of his aspiration to become a civil servant.

His story is not just about achieving success but also about how to prepare for UPSC. Arpit's experiences and approach to cracking the UPSC exam offer valuable insights for aspirants. His journey is a testament to the power of determination and self-discovery in the pursuit of one's dreams.

Arpit's Inspiration and Motivation

Arpit Gupta's journey to becoming an IAS officer began with a dream he had since the 9th grade. Despite studying Mechanical Engineering and briefly working as a Financial Market Analyst, his real passion was to join the civil services. What inspired him was the big difference between his life and that of a friend who didn't have the same opportunities due to their background.

Arpit's determination came from realizing that while he had the advantage of studying in a convent school and his father's job at Indian Railways provided him with the basics to follow his dream, his friend from a local government school didn't have the same luck. This motivated him to want to fix the issues in the country's education system.

Starting the UPSC Journey

In September 2019, Arpit began his UPSC journey. It was a daunting task, considering the countless aspirants using the same study materials. However, he drew confidence from his college seniors who had cracked the exam. Arpit decided not to follow the crowd by enrolling in coaching classes. He wanted to stand out with his unique approach.

The Importance of Self-Realization

Arpit Gupta believed that doing well in the UPSC exam wasn't just about being book-smart; it was about knowing yourself. He suggested taking some time to figure out who you are before diving into intense studying. Ask yourself questions, such as, "What is my motivation for pursuing this?" and "What positive outcomes do I aspire to attain?" Brainstorm on strategies you'll employ to convert these aspirations into reality.

Arpit's advice is straightforward: don't copy what other successful candidates do. Instead, create your own plan that suits your strengths and weaknesses. He emphasized that being yourself and having your unique approach were vital for success, as it would help you stand out and reach your goals.

Resource Management

Arpit Gupta's approach to resource management is straightforward yet effective. He emphasizes the significance of handling study materials wisely. Arpit's recommendation is to pick a single high-quality resource or book for each subject and then create concise notes from it.

He believes that such an approach streamlines the study process, preventing the overwhelming accumulation of excessive notes. Arpit understands that our memory has limitations, and bombarding it with extensive notes can be counterproductive.

The Power of Motivation

Arpit found motivation in simple things and lived by English quotes like "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard" and "Don't Procrastinate."

For him, the UPSC journey was just a step toward his larger goal of bringing change to his hometown and addressing the lack of opportunities.

Arpit's Vision

Arpit had a big dream. He wanted to make sure that the government's plans, like the New Education Policy 2020, actually happened on the ground and worked well. He aimed to check if these plans were going smoothly and find ways to make things better for the country.

He believed that to make our country better, we needed to put these plans into action in a way that helped everyone. He wanted to be hands-on, solve any problems that might pop up, and make sure that these plans made a real difference in people's lives, especially in places where there weren't many opportunities.

Conclusion

Arpit Gupta's journey from a small town to achieving All India Rank 54 in the Civil Services Exam is a story of determination, individuality, and the drive to make a difference. His journey can inspire anyone preparing for the UPSC exam, emphasizing the importance of believing in your abilities and following a unique path. Arpit's message resonates with those striving for success, reminding us that the UPSC journey is not just about passing an exam; it's about making a positive impact on many lives.