Lessons from Gajendra Kumar Meena’s UPSC Success: Challenges, hard work, and winning strategies

UPSC stories are always inspiring, but some are exceptionally beautiful and full of struggles. The story of IPoS officer Gajendra Kumar Meena from the 2021 batch is one such story. He passed the UPSC CSE after 5 attempts and countless struggles and secured a prestigious position in the Indian Postal Service (IPoS).

Gajendra Kumar Meena is from Bharatpur, Rajasthan. He graduated in Civil Engineering from IIT Hyderabad and then moved to Delhi to prepare for UPSC. He scored 151 marks in the interview, which included questions ranging from his DAF (Detailed Application Form) to current affairs. He mentioned that many factual questions were asked, testing his knowledge in various fields.

1. 2017 – Failed in the main exam for the first time.
2. 2018 – Reached the interview but could not make it to the final list.
3. 2019 – Failed in the main exam again.
4. 2020 – Passed UPSC CSE with 733rd rank and became an IPoS officer!
5. 2021 – Made another attempt, but could not pass the main exam.
Gajendra Kumar Meena's journey makes it clear that success does not come without struggle. The UPSC exam is not just a means to get a job, but a medium to serve the nation.

1. Always be honest: Avoid lying during the interview. "If you lie, they will catch it," he said.
2. Maintain patience: The interview panel may put you under pressure. In such a situation, do not panic and maintain confidence.
3. Don't be afraid to say 'I don't know': If you don't know the answer to a question, clearly say "I don't know". Do not try to give a false answer.
4. Avoid beating around the bush: Answer questions directly and accurately.
5. Give creative answers: Unique questions can be asked during the UPSC interview, such as – "Why do people like samosas?" Such questions test your logical thinking and creativity.

1. Master the syllabus instead of just passing the exam.
2. Take guidance from a mentor, but also become self-reliant.
3. Coaching can be helpful, but not necessary.
4. Practice continuously every day and self-evaluate.
5. Make correct use of time management and study smartly.
Gajendra Kumar chose Anthropology as an optional subject and developed a deep understanding of it.

1. Success comes only with patience and dedication.
2. If you fail, don't give up – keep trying.
3. UPSC is not just an exam, but a journey – enjoy it!
4. There is no shortcut bigger than hard work!