The UPSC civil services prelims exam for 2024 is set for June 16, drawing in countless aspirants vying for roles like IAS, IPS, and IFS officers. Despite the high number of applicants, only about a thousand individuals secure a spot on the final list.

One individual who made a significant career change is Vivek Atray, formerly an IAS officer from the Haryana cadre. After dedicating roughly 25 years to his prestigious IAS position, he chose to step down and pursue a different path. In 2017, he opted for voluntary retirement to focus on innovative education as an advisor and motivator. Originally a member of the Haryana Civil Services (HCS) in 1991, he transitioned to the IAS cadre in 2005 after his studies at NIT Kurukshetra.

During his extensive service, Atray left his mark through various reforms in digital governance, education, tourism, and sports management. Notably, he played a crucial role in the development of the Chandigarh IT Park while serving as Director IT.

Now, Atray has found success in a new role as an acclaimed public speaker, delivering motivational talks at prestigious TEDx events. He also serves as a mentor and author, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with others.

Interestingly, Atray comes from a family with a strong civil service background, with his father, JP Atray, also serving as an IPS officer. Before embarking on his civil service journey, Atray harbored dreams of becoming a professional cricketer and even represented Chandigarh in the under-19 cricket team.

Currently, Atray holds the position of chairman at the Yogananda Centre for Theology and serves as a visiting professor at Shoolini University.

Through his diverse experiences and contributions, Vivek Atray exemplifies the spirit of innovation and pursuit of excellence beyond traditional career paths.