In the world of UPSC coaching, very few names evoke the kind of respect and admiration that Dr. Vikas Divyakirti does. From cracking the civil services exam in his very first attempt to giving it all up to become a teacher, his journey is not just about career choices—it’s about purpose, passion, and people.
Humble Beginnings in Haryana
Born on 26 December 1973 in the small town of Bhiwani, Haryana, Vikas grew up in a middle-class family rooted deeply in education. His father was a Hindi literature professor, and his mother, a schoolteacher. While their home wasn’t lavish, it was rich with books, values, and the encouragement to question and learn.
Like many Hindi-medium students, Vikas struggled initially with English and often felt underconfident among his peers. But he was a curious soul—he read extensively, worked hard, and never shied away from challenges. During his college days, he even sold calculators and worked part-time in a printing press to support himself.
A Love Affair with Learning
Vikas started his higher education at Zakir Husain Delhi College, initially pursuing commerce. But soon, he realized his heart was elsewhere and switched to History. He later earned postgraduate degrees in Hindi Literature and Sociology, and even went on to study Law (LLB). Not stopping there, he completed his M.Phil and Ph.D. in Hindi Literature.
His academic thirst was never about collecting degrees—it was about deeply understanding the world around him and helping others do the same.
Cracking UPSC… and Letting It Go
In 1996, he cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination in his first attempt, securing a commendable AIR 384. He joined the Central Secretariat Service under the Ministry of Home Affairs. For most, this would have been the dream. But for Vikas, the spark was missing.
Within a year, he realized that a government desk wasn’t where he belonged. Teaching, guiding, and simplifying complex ideas for curious minds—that’s what gave him real joy. So, in a bold move, he resigned from his prestigious job and chose to go back to the classroom.
Drishti IAS: A Dream Takes Shape
In 1999, Vikas founded Drishti IAS in a small room in Delhi’s Mukherjee Nagar with barely a dozen students. There were no fancy classrooms or digital boards—just passion, purpose, and piles of books.
He brought something new to UPSC coaching: clarity, compassion, and connection. His classes weren’t just lectures—they were conversations. He explained the toughest of topics in the simplest words, often drawing examples from daily life. His sense of humor, down-to-earth personality, and honest opinions made him a hit among students.
Over the years, Drishti IAS grew into one of the most respected UPSC coaching institutes in India, with branches across cities and thousands of successful students to its credit.
More Than a Teacher—A Mentor and Thinker
Dr. Divyakirti isn’t just a teacher—he’s a thinker. His command over subjects like Philosophy, Ethics, Hindi Literature, and Sociology is remarkable. He encourages students not just to memorize facts, but to understand, question, and develop their own opinions.
He has also edited and authored several books and study materials. One of his biggest contributions is Drishti Current Affairs Today, a monthly magazine that helps students stay updated in an analytical way.
His teaching style emphasizes critical thinking, not blind memorization—something sorely needed in today’s education system.
A Voice for Hindi-Medium Aspirants
As someone who studied in Hindi-medium schools, Dr. Divyakirti has always been a strong advocate for students from non-English backgrounds. At a time when English dominated competitive exam spaces, he fought to make UPSC preparation accessible in Hindi.
He raised his voice when the CSAT paper pattern change in 2011 disadvantaged many students from rural or Hindi-medium backgrounds. His stand resonated with lakhs of aspirants who often felt overlooked.
Digital Reach and Cinematic Debut
With time, he expanded his presence online. His YouTube channel, launched in 2022, quickly became one of the most-followed educational platforms in India. His videos cover everything from current affairs to life lessons, and his calm, grounded approach makes them highly relatable.
In 2023, he even made a special appearance in the acclaimed Bollywood film “12th Fail”, playing himself and contributing to its story—bringing his life full circle in front of the very audience he’s been inspiring for decades.
Personal Life and Controversies
Dr. Vikas is married to Dr. Taruna Verma, who is also actively involved in Drishti IAS as the Managing Director. Together, they have a son named Satwik.
Like most public figures, he hasn’t been immune to controversies. In 2022, one of his academic references during a lecture was taken out of context, sparking backlash. He later clarified that his intention was purely academic, and many rallied in his support.
Inspiration to Millions
Today, Dr. Divyakirti is more than just a teacher—he’s a role model. His story proves that real success lies not in titles or salaries, but in doing what you love and impacting lives along the way.
He has inspired millions of students—not just to crack exams, but to think deeply, live meaningfully, and stay grounded.
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