Charting the Course from IIT to IES: Shrichand Pooniya's Voyage from Village to UPSC Victory

March 22, 2024

3 Minutes

In the heart of Rajasthan’s Bikaner district, a young boy named Shrichand Pooniya harbored dreams that were larger than life. Born into a family of modest means, his early life was marked by simplicity and hard work. His father, a dedicated farmer, and his mother, along with his sisters, made significant sacrifices to ensure a better future for him. 

A Spark of Motivation

Shrichand’s journey of perseverance began in class 4 when his uncle recognized his potential. After answering a math question without pen and paper, his uncle encouraged him, saying that Shrichand had the potential to achieve great feats. This moment became a turning point in his life, instilling in him a belief that he could overcome any obstacle through dedication and hard work.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite facing challenges such as a lack of electricity and an unsuitable study environment, his resolve never wavered. He aspired to attend Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), a prestigious school for gifted students from rural areas. The whole village was aware that he was appearing for Navodaya exam and when they came to know that he failed, they made fun of him and compared him to his older brother. Although he did not pass the entrance exam in class 5, he did not let this setback define him. Instead, he worked even harder and topped the district in the class 8 entrance exam. This success was a turning point, providing him with a conducive environment for his studies.

The Dream of IIT

Shrichand’s ambition soared when his brother was selected for IIT Delhi. Determined to follow in his brother’s footsteps, he convinced his father to send him to Kota for JEE coaching, despite their financial constraints. His father, supportive yet cautious, made him sign an affidavit, emphasizing the importance of good results. His dedication paid off when he secured an All India Rank of 27 in the JEE 2013, earning him a spot in IIT Kharagpur.

Triumphs and Challenges at IIT

At IIT Kharagpur, Shrichand faced a new set of challenges, particularly with communication, as he was not fluent in English. However, he did not let this hinder his progress. Following his brother’s advice, he prepared for the Indian Engineering Services (IES) exam and achieved an impressive All India Rank of 10 in 2023. Additionally, he secured an All India Rank of 23 in the GATE exam and was selected for prestigious organizations such as IOC, Airport Authority of India, PSDC, and Engineer’s India Limited.

A Believer in Hard Work

Shrichand’s journey is a story of power of hard work and determination. He believes that there are no shortcuts to success and that success earned through shortcuts is short-lived. Drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita, he lives by the principle “Karm hi phal hai” (Work is the reward). His father’s advice to aim for a career as an IAS officer, engineer, or doctor motivated him to dream big and work tirelessly towards his goals.

Inspiring Others to Dream Big

Today, Shrichand Pooniya stands as an inspiration to many, especially those from rural backgrounds. His story is a reminder that with unwavering determination and hard work, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams. He encourages others to dream big and put in the effort required to turn those dreams into reality.

Shrichand Pooniya’s journey from a small village in Rajasthan to the prestigious halls of IIT Kharagpur is a story of resilience and the power of dreams. It serves as a hope for aspiring students everywhere, proving that no dream is too big to achieve.

Must read: Sagar Dodeja’s Journey: Conquering Engineering Exams with Wisdom and Strategy