Has Any IAS Aspirant Cleared the Exam for Fun?
While many individuals approach the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam with the seriousness it demands, there are instances where students have unexpectedly found success without the initial intent of serious preparation. These anecdotes shed light on the unique journey of those who've cleared the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) without the full rigors of a dedicated study plan.
Kanishak Kataria: An Unexpected Success Story
One such case is Kanishak Kataria, who, much to his surprise, achieved the first rank in the UPSC exams. Kataria's journey is a testament to how a genuine interest in a subject can lead to unexpected success.
Background and Journey to Success
Kanishak Kataria, a prodigious student, secured a remarkable rank of 44 in the Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE) in 2010. He then pursued a Bachelor's in Technology in Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Bombay. His academic journey was promising, but after securing a well-paying job at Samsung in South Korea, he decided to return to India and take on the unique challenge of the IAS exam.
Before commencing his preparation, Kataria worked as a data scientist at a tech firm in Bangalore. He then joined a coaching center for about 7-8 months in Delhi but eventually shifted to self-study at home. His dedication is evident from his consistent daily study schedule of over 13 hours leading up to the Main Exam. Impressive, he even refrained from social media for two months to stay focused.
Strategic Preparation and Choices
For the Preliminary Exam, Kataria relied on practicing past question papers and taking test series. Unlike many aspirants, he chose Mathematics as his optional subject out of genuine interest. This choice not only aligned with his passion but also highlighted the flexibility one can have in exam preparation.
Kataria's success mantra involves hard work and maintaining a positive attitude, which he attributes to his ultimate success. His dedication is a shining example of how even without a strict, organized plan, passion and enthusiasm can lead to remarkable results.
A Life-Changing Achievement
Son of wealth and privilege, Kanishak Kataria had the opportunity to choose his career path carefully. His momentous achievement is not just a personal success but a memorable testament to the power of genuine interest and hard work. After securing the first rank, his girlfriend gifted him with an IAS badge, symbolizing not just a job but a dream fulfilled.
Kataria's journey provides motivation to aspirants who seek to enter the IAS without the conventional path of a structured preparation. His story, much like the memorable conversation between him and his friend Sonal, proves that success can be achieved in various ways and that sometimes, a simple shift in perspective can lead to remarkable outcomes.
For anyone aspiring to take the UPSC exams, Kataria's story is a reminder that success is not just about hard work but also about following one's passion and staying true to oneself.