Banna, AIR 15 UPSC 2024: From IPS to IAS – How?

Who is Banna?

Banna Venkatesh, a native of Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, achieved All India Rank 15 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024. He transitioned from an engineering background to becoming an IPS officer and, ultimately, an IAS officer. His family has a middle-class background in agriculture, and they fully supported his choices.

Educational Background

Banna Venkatesh completed his schooling at Keshav Reddy School, Srikakulam. He completed his intermediate from Sri Chaitanya Junior College, scoring 98.4% in 2015. He graduated with a BTech in ECE from NIT Trichy in 2019, securing a grade of 9.49. He also participated in a 3-month summer internship at IIT Hyderabad in 2018.

UPSC Journey and Attempts

Banna Venkatesh began preparing for the civil services in 2021. He cleared the UPSC CSE in his first attempt in 2023, securing a rank of 467 and joining the Indian Police Service. He re-attempted the exam in 2024 and achieved an impressive rank of 15.

Banna’s UPSC Preparation Strategy

• Study Approach: Focused on improving answer-writing and presentation skills.
• Daily Routine: Managed studies while serving as an IPS officer, dedicating six months to focused preparation.
• Mains Strategy: Emphasized regular revisions, mock tests, and incorporating mentor feedback.

Optional Subject Strategy (Geography)

Geography was his chosen optional subject.

Mental Health and Motivation

He aimed to contribute to society through the civil service, with a particular focus on helping weaker sections.

Key Takeaways from Banna’s Success

• Demonstrates the possibility of improving rank significantly while balancing job responsibilities.
• Highlights the importance of targeted practice in answer writing and presentation.
• Emphasizes the value of mentorship and consistent revision in achieving success.

Final Words

Banna Venkatesh's journey, marked by his resilience and dedication, serves as an inspiration to all UPSC aspirants. His story proves that with the right strategy and unwavering commitment, achieving your dreams is within reach. He is a beacon of hope for those striving to make a difference through the civil services.

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