From dreaming of the IFS to achieving it: Revanth Chandra’s UPSC success story and lessons for aspirants

Success Story: The UPSC exam is considered one of the toughest exams in India, with millions of candidates participating every year. But preparing for not just one, but three different exams simultaneously, is a testament to extraordinary talent and determination.

Still Trying to Become an IAS Officer
Meet Revanth Chandra, a 2022 batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer from the Telangana cadre. He passed the UPSC exam in his third attempt and fulfilled his dream of becoming an IFS officer. But his journey did not end there. He is making another attempt with the aim of improving his rank to become an IAS officer. His story is not only inspiring but also a guide for the millions of candidates who want to realize their dreams through UPSC.

Revanth Chandra's Journey So Far
Revanth Chandra started his UPSC journey in 2018 immediately after completing his graduation. He made an unusual and challenging decision - to prepare for three different exams simultaneously.

Which Exams Was He Preparing For?

• 1. Civil Services Examination (CSE) – for IAS, IPS, and other central services.
• 2. Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination – for the appointment of forest officers.
• 3. Indian Engineering Service (IES) Examination – for engineering graduates.

Revanth Chandra Failed 4 Times in 5 Exams

• First Attempt (2019): Revanth could not even pass the preliminary exam.
• Second Attempt (2020): Faced failure again, but he did not give up.
• Third Attempt (2021): He secured 81st rank in the IFS exam and became an Indian Forest Service officer.
• Fourth Attempt (2022): Passed the preliminary exam but failed in the main exam.
• Fifth Attempt (2023): Could not even pass the preliminary exam, after which he decided to take a break.

Revanth said, "My journey is no different from others. I just set a clear goal and focused on it completely."

How Did Revanth Chandra Face the UPSC Interview?
The UPSC interview is a decisive stage, where the candidate's personality, knowledge, reasoning ability, and confidence are tested. Revanth shared some important things while sharing his interview experience.

Commonly Asked Questions by UPSC Board Members

• 1. The history and geography of your hometown.
• 2. Your educational background and its relevance.
• 3. Your views on contemporary issues and government policies.

Main Points Every Competitive Student Should Focus On
1. Self-awareness: Understanding your strengths and weaknesses.
2. Communication skills: Giving your answers clearly and confidently.
3. Analytical thinking: Giving logical and balanced answers. According to Revanth, "The board wants to see how you present your ideas. Maintaining confidence during the interview is most important."

Revanth Chandra's Background and Education

• Hometown: Warangal, Telangana.
• Education: Civil Engineering from IIT Roorkee (2018).
• Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Law (PGDEL - 2023) from National Law School, Bangalore.
• Current Position: ACF/FDO, Kawal Tiger Reserve, Telangana.

What Was Revanth's Strategy for UPSC Preparation?

• 1. In-depth study of the syllabus and previous year question papers (PYQ).
• 2. Focus on test series and answer writing practice.
• 3. Group discussions and studying with peers.
• 4. Developing a strong understanding of the constitution, environment, economy, and current affairs.
• 5. Learning from your mistakes and improving. Revanth says, "The key to success is consistency and discipline. Maintaining mental fortitude during preparation is very important."

Revanth Chandra's Advice for UPSC Candidates

• 1. Study with a plan and follow time management.
• 2. Learn from test series and improve your answer writing.
• 3. Stay with good friends and mentors.
• 4. Keep a constant eye on newspapers and current affairs.
• 5. Do not give up, because failure is also a stepping stone to success.

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