UPSC exam is considered to be the toughest exam in the world. It is the dream of many to clear this exam. Many children from poor families come to Delhi to dream of becoming an IAS; Some people do wonders even with less resources, while some people feel disappointed. However, those who do not give up definitely get success.
Fearing the waves, the boat does not cross, those who try never give up – Gaurav Pandey, a resident of Kala Tulsi village of Bhadohi district in Uttar Pradesh has shown this line right. Even after getting sick during the examination, Gaurav did not back down and got the result as 168 rank in the UPSC result in 2022. Let’s read the story of his struggle-
Dada’s wish was to serve the country by becoming an IAS-IPS
In a conversation with AnyTV.com, Gaurav Pandey said that in the society we live in, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, we have been hearing since childhood that we have to become a collector. At first I knew the meaning of UPSC only IAS IPS, other things came to know later. It was my late grandfather’s wish that I become an IAS. When I came to college, I listened to the stories of IAS IPS. When I read about them, I felt that I would get so much opportunity that I can do something. When you know what you want in life then after that your paths are made automatically.
UPSC cleared in 4th attempt
Gaurav told that, ‘Three times I got failure but I did not give up because of it. Failure teaches a lot in life. Anyone who has learned to live with failure can do anything. Because whatever you do, do a job anywhere, but the biggest challenge is to deal with failure. Because failure only tells us how to improve ourselves. Even if I had not appeared in UPSC, I had learned so much in these 4 attempts that how can I emerge even after failing. Because if you learn this then you will definitely do something better.
Gaurav says that, ‘I have two more opportunities, which I would like to give. I consider myself very fortunate that I can get IPS at this rank and I have full chance to serve the country. But since childhood there was a dream to become an IAS and if grandfather also wanted the same, then I will try to fulfill his wish. But I am extremely happy and satisfied with this success.
Gaurav Pandey with family (Image: AnyTV.com)
Health deteriorated during the examination, yet did not deter courage
Gaurav told that there was a lockdown in January 2021 and incidentally it was raining in Delhi on that day. There was paper from 7 in the morning, no car and cab was available. I didn’t want to waste years of hard work. I was completely drenched on my way to the metro. It was very difficult to get completely wet in that cold weather and take the exam in 6 hours of soaked clothes.
Gaurav says that even the socks were soaked, after which fever came when he reached home. The exam goes on for a long time. During this, the second day I was writing a paper in a fever of 102 to 103 degrees. At the same time, during coughing, blood came in the mouth, I was worried about it, but this time the exam had to be taken out. The examination was over but the fever did not end, later it was found in the investigation that COVID has gone. I didn’t even expect it. Because during the preparation of the exam, you do not come out of the house for many months, then the body also suddenly cannot bear anything.
IB was also selected
Gaurav Pandey told that he has done BA and MA in English Literature from Delhi University. Two months ago, he was selected in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) for the post of Intelligence Officer, but he did not join.
Mantra given to children of rural areas
Gaurav says that most of the boys from rural areas do very well in the preparation of IAS and IPS. Said that one has to come up after fighting the circumstances. UPSC’s paper is made in such a way that if there are children from rural areas, then they do not suffer any kind of loss or children doing coaching should not get any extra benefit. You have to study hard for this exam. Said that if you need something or have any weakness then you will have to work extra hard. He says that he used to study for 8 to 10 hours at the time of examination.
such is the family
Gaurav Pandey’s father Arun Kumar Pandey has retired as a Subedar in the Army. Mother is a housewife while elder brother Saurabh Pandey is an assistant manager in Central Bank Gyanpur branch. Gaurav and his family are in Delhi.