Divyank Gupta, AIR 21 UPSC 2024: Cracking the Code to Success in the Civil Services Exam

Who is Divyank Gupta?

Divyank Gupta is a UPSC success story hailing from Kanpur. He secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 21 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024. This achievement marks his persistence and dedication, especially considering he was already serving as an IPS officer. His journey is an inspiration to many aspirants aiming for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Educational Background

Divyank Gupta holds a B.Tech. degree in Chemical Engineering from the prestigious IIT Kanpur. He graduated in December 2019, showcasing his academic prowess. During his time at IIT Kanpur, he was actively involved in extracurricular activities, holding significant positions such as Senior Executive of the IIT Kanpur Entrepreneurship Cell and also served in the Student Placement Office. He also served as Secretary of Antaragni.

UPSC Journey and Attempts

Divyank's UPSC journey is a testament to his resilience. He cleared the UPSC CSE 2024 with AIR 21 in his fourth attempt. His first attempt was in 2020, where he reached the interview stage but didn't make the final list. In his second attempt in 2021, he unfortunately didn't clear the prelims. However, he bounced back in his third attempt (2023), securing AIR 357 and being allocated to the Indian Police Service (IPS). Determined to improve his rank and join the IAS, he appeared again in 2024 and achieved his goal.

Divyank Gupta’s UPSC Preparation Strategy

• Study Approach: Divyank focused on comprehensive preparation, solving an extensive number of questions. He leveraged test series to assess his progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Daily Routine: While details of his specific daily routine are not available, it's understood that he maintained a disciplined approach, balancing his IPS duties with his UPSC preparation.
• Prelims Strategy: He likely focused on thorough coverage of the syllabus, practicing previous year's question papers, and taking mock tests to improve his speed and accuracy.
• Mains Strategy: Answer writing practice was a crucial component of his strategy. He focused on structuring his answers effectively, incorporating relevant current affairs, and presenting his arguments clearly and concisely.
• Role of Current Affairs: He kept himself updated with national and international developments, using this knowledge to enrich his answers and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of contemporary issues.

Optional Subject Strategy (Mathematics)

Details of his specific strategy for mathematics optional are not available but since Mathematics is considered a highly technical optional, a strong foundation in concepts along with rigorous problem-solving practice is essential for securing high marks.

Interview Preparation

Divyank attended 80 mock interviews during his third attempt, indicating the importance he placed on this stage. This extensive preparation helped him hone his communication skills, develop confidence, and refine his responses to potential interview questions.

Mental Health and Motivation

Balancing the demands of IPS training/service with UPSC preparation requires immense mental fortitude. Divyank's success underscores the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, managing stress effectively, and staying motivated throughout the long and challenging preparation process. It's important to note, Divyank secured a good rank in his previous attempt and was already an IPS officer. Appearing again requires immense self belief and a lot of dedication.

Key Takeaways from Divyank Gupta’s Success

• Persistence is Key: Divyank's journey highlights the importance of perseverance. Despite facing setbacks, he remained focused on his goal and ultimately achieved success.
• Strategic Preparation: His emphasis on solving a large number of questions, attending test series, and practicing answer writing underscores the need for a well-planned and strategic approach to UPSC preparation.
• Continuous Learning: Staying updated with current affairs and focusing on continuous improvement are essential for success in the Civil Services Examination.
• Importance of Mentorship: He actively mentors UPSC aspirants. Sharing experiences and insights plays an important role in guidance.

Final Words

Divyank Gupta's remarkable journey to securing AIR 21 in the UPSC CSE 2024 is an inspiring reminder that with dedication, strategic preparation, and unwavering belief in oneself, any goal is achievable. His story will undoubtedly motivate countless aspirants to pursue their dreams with renewed vigor.

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