“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
The Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is often considered one of the most prestigious and challenging examinations in India. Cracking this exam requires not only intellect but also dedication, patience, and unwavering consistency. One of the recent shining examples of this truth is Abhishek Singh, who secured All India Rank 78 in UPSC CSE 2024. His success story, recently featured in an insightful Topper Talk with StudyIQ IAS, has become a beacon of hope and guidance for thousands of aspirants.
A Glimpse into Abhishek’s Background
Abhishek Singh hails from a humble background, yet his dreams were anything but small. A graduate of Civil Engineering from IIT Hyderabad, Abhishek’s academic foundation was already strong. However, cracking the UPSC required a different approach than traditional engineering exams. Despite coming from a technical field, Abhishek was drawn towards civil services due to his desire to create a meaningful impact on society. His engineering background helped him develop logical thinking and discipline, which eventually became an asset in his UPSC journey.
Initial Reaction to Success and the Power of a Support System
When the UPSC results were announced, Abhishek described the moment as “surreal.” Overwhelmed by emotion, he celebrated with his family and friends, whose support he deeply acknowledged as a major factor in his success. His parents, especially his father, made countless sacrifices to ensure Abhishek had the resources and environment needed to succeed. His father’s silent perseverance, sleepless nights, and relentless belief became the silent fuel powering Abhishek’s journey.
In the interview, Abhishek shared how he felt an immense sense of gratitude towards his family. Their love and encouragement kept him going through the most challenging phases. It’s often said that behind every successful person is a strong support system—and for Abhishek, this couldn’t be more true.
Early Influences and an Inspirational Environment
Abhishek’s childhood was shaped by strong moral and academic values. His grandfather instilled the importance of education and integrity early in his life. Despite financial challenges, his parents never compromised on his education. He grew up in an environment where values were prioritized over luxuries, which helped him develop humility and focus.
This upbringing played a critical role during his UPSC preparation. It gave him emotional maturity and resilience—two traits that are indispensable for navigating the long and grueling UPSC cycle. His parents’ stories of struggle and perseverance inspired him to stay grounded and reminded him why he started this journey in the first place.
Structured and Strategic Preparation
Abhishek’s preparation strategy was built around consistency, smart work, and deep understanding. He emphasized the importance of solving previous year’s papers, as they provide insights into the examination pattern, frequently asked topics, and the kind of conceptual clarity required. Unlike many aspirants who try to cover too many books, Abhishek chose quality over quantity—sticking to standard sources and revising them multiple times.
Key aspects of his preparation included:
- Analyzing Past Year Papers to identify trends and assess expected question formats.
- Limiting Study Material to trusted sources, which helped reduce confusion.
- Revision as the cornerstone of his study plan—each book and subject was revised at least 3–4 times.
- Answer Writing Practice, especially for mains, which helped him develop a concise and analytical style.
He also stressed that understanding the core concepts, rather than rote memorization, is crucial for clearing UPSC.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Abhishek candidly spoke about mistakes that aspirants often make—some of which he too encountered in his early attempts. One significant issue is the underestimation of CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test). Many students assume it is easy and fail to prepare adequately, which often results in failure at the preliminary stage.
Another error he highlighted was not understanding the language of questions properly, especially in General Studies papers. Questions are often framed in a tricky or analytical manner. Therefore, interpreting them accurately is essential. He advised aspirants to read the question twice before answering and not jump to conclusions based on assumptions.
He also discouraged depending on too many sources, as it dilutes preparation. Instead, building strong command over selected materials and practicing mock tests consistently were his key strategies.
Mental Resilience and Managing Stress
Preparing for the UPSC is a mentally exhausting journey. Abhishek admitted that self-doubt, anxiety, and pressure were frequent visitors. However, what set him apart was his ability to cope with them constructively. He turned to meditation and mindfulness techniques to keep himself calm and focused.
He emphasized that it’s normal to feel demotivated or overwhelmed during this journey. The key lies in acknowledging those feelings and not letting them dictate your pace. Abhishek developed a habit of reflecting weekly on what went well and what needed improvement, which gave him better control over his emotions and progress.
Importantly, he shared that failure is part of the process, and setbacks should be viewed as opportunities to recalibrate and grow.
Advice to Future Aspirants
In his message to future UPSC aspirants, Abhishek Singh offered these golden tips:
- Stay Consistent – Even small progress every day adds up.
- Stick to Basics – Master NCERTs and standard books before moving to advanced sources.
- Practice Answer Writing – Don’t wait till the last moment to start; make it a regular habit.
- Prioritize Mental Health – Take breaks, meditate, and maintain a balance.
- Believe in Yourself – Self-confidence can make the difference between giving up and pushing through.
He concluded by reminding aspirants that the UPSC journey is not just about becoming an officer but about transforming oneself into a better thinker, learner, and person.
The Story Beyond the Rank
Abhishek Singh’s achievement is a story of courage, consistency, and conviction. From a small-town boy to an officer-in-the-making, his journey is a testament to how dreams combined with discipline can turn into reality. His life teaches us that you don’t need extraordinary circumstances to achieve greatness—what you need is extraordinary effort.
To every aspirant out there, Abhishek’s story is a reminder that with the right strategy, strong values, and mental strength, even the toughest exams can be conquered. May his journey inspire many more to aim high and work hard—because success is indeed a journey, not a destination.
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Check other toppers blog also:
Kashish Bakshi :The Inspiring Journey of UPSC 2025 Topper Who Conquered India’s Toughest Exam
Neha Rajput: Journey & Strategy Every Aspirant Must LearnJourney & Strategy Every Aspirant Must Learn
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