UPSC Success Story: How IFoS officer Kaushal Kishore overcame challenges to achieve his dream

Inspirational Story: The story of IFoS officer Kaushal Kishore teaches us that failure is just a stop, not the destination. Hailing from a farmer family in Bihar, Kaushal Kishore did not give up despite failing 4 times and finally became an Indian Forest Service officer after passing the UPSC IFoS exam on his 5th attempt. His journey is the result of hard work, self-confidence and the right strategy.

How to balance job and studies during preparation?
Kaushal Kishore's UPSC journey started in 2016. He attempted this exam a total of 5 times, in which he failed in the initial 4 times:

• 1. 2017 and 2018 – Could not even pass the preliminary examination (Prelims).
• 2. 2019 – Passed Prelims but remained in Mains.
• 3. 2020 – Passed both Prelims and Mains, but missed the interview by 3 marks.
• 4. 2021 (fifth attempt) – Passed the UPSC IFS exam with All India Rank 80 and realized his dream.

Managed job along with studies
During his UPSC preparation, Kaushal Kishore taught at a JEE and NEET coaching center and later also worked as a Technology Consultant at PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers). He maintained a balance between job and studies to maintain financial stability.

UPSC Interview: What questions shocked Kaushal Kishore?

Many challenging questions were asked in Kaushal Kishore's UPSC interview. Some of the major questions were as follows:

• 1. From Chemistry: pH value and chemical formula of Dettol.
• 2. From sports: Deep technical questions related to cricket.
• 3. From hobby: Principles related to Vipassana meditation and his personal experiences.

During the interview, he admitted that he did not know the answers to some questions, but he maintained confidence and honesty, which was the key to success.

Kaushal Kishore's tips for UPSC interview

• A. Study the interview transcripts of previous years.
• B. Do not limit yourself to just DAF (Detailed Application Form), also prepare current affairs and general topics.
• C. If you do not know the answer, do not lie, but accept it politely.
• D. Maintain confidence and positivity during the interview.

UPSC Preparation: Mantra of Success

• Kaushal Kishore believes that two things are most important in UPSC preparation:
• UPSC Syllabus – It is important to understand it completely and study in the right direction.

Previous Years Question Papers (PYQs) – To know what type of questions are asked and how to prepare them. He says that preparing for UPSC from home is no less than a coaching institute, because everything is available on the internet today and family support is also available at home.

Kaushal Kishor's Family Background
Kaushal Kishore is from a small village in Gaya district of Bihar. His father is a farmer and mother is a housewife. He received his early education from DAV School, Gaya and did BTech in Production and Industrial Engineering from IIT Delhi.

How to achieve victory even after failing in UPSC exam?
His hard work and determination finally made him successful in the UPSC IFoS exam. His success is proof that if intentions are strong and hard work is done honestly, then failure cannot stop you from moving forward.

Kaushal Kishore's message for UPSC candidates

• 1. Do not quit your job until you are completely sure that you can manage your preparation.
• 2. Do not be obsessed with UPSC, take it like an exam.
• 3. Luck is also important along with hard work for success, so be patient.
• 4. There is life outside UPSC too, so do not limit yourself.

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