Beating the Odds: Pradeep Singh Cracks UPSC Exam with a Full-Time Job and Clinches Rank 1

The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is a notoriously tough nut to crack. With lakhs of aspirants vying for a coveted spot each year, success stories like Pradeep Singh‘s serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration.

Pradeep, a resident of Sonipat, Haryana, defied the odds by securing the top rank in the UPSC CSE while juggling a full-time job. Hailing from a family with a strong connection to public service (his father being a farmer and former village Sarpanch), Pradeep’s journey to becoming an IAS officer is an embodiment of unwavering dedication.

His educational background is a testament to his adaptability. While his early education began at a government school in Ganaur, he transitioned to Shambhu Dayal Modern School in Sonipat for his higher studies. After graduating in Computer Science from Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology in Murthal in 2012, Pradeep initially set his sights on the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) exam.

This initial foray into competitive exams wasn’t without its rewards. Pradeep cracked the SSC exam on his third attempt, securing a prestigious position as an officer in the Indian Revenue Service. However, his ambition didn’t stop there. The dream of becoming an IAS officer burned bright, and Pradeep embarked on a new chapter – preparing for the UPSC CSE while holding down a demanding job.

His work ethics were exemplary. Every spare moment, every lunch break, was meticulously used for focused UPSC preparation. This relentless pursuit of knowledge finally paid off in 2019 when Pradeep emerged as the topper of the UPSC CSE, leaving everyone, including himself, pleasantly surprised.

Pradeep’s story is a powerful reminder that success in the UPSC exam isn’t confined to those with ample free time. It’s a testament to the transformative power of unwavering dedication, strategic utilization of time, and a burning desire to serve the nation.