UPSC Topper 2022: Know how Avinash Kumar, son of a Farmer secured AIR 17, His strategy, tips to crack IAS Exam

Meet UPSC topper Avinash Kumar who secured AIR 17 in the UPSC exam 2022 with sole dedication and will to prove himself. Read further to know his tips, strategy to crack one of the toughest exam in the country.

UPSC Topper 2022 Avinash Kumar cleared Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam on the third attempt. His true will and motivation to clear the exam kept him going to clear the toughest exam in the country. The UPSC announced the civil services examination final result 2022 on May 23. Kumar who hails from the Araria district of Bihar suggests aspirants to "focus on fundamentals. Keep it simple. Make modifications to the strategy as and when required, rather than keeping it rigid."

In an interview with Shiksha.com, Avinash Kumar shares his strategy, tip, books he referred to and how he choose his optional subject, and more...

Q. What inspired you to appear for UPSC Exams?

A. If you're born and brought up in Bihar, you have a natural inclination towards civil services because this exam has an aspirational value there. However, later on, one analyzes his career choices and finally reaches here. The element of "public service" in this job inspired me to appear for this exam. 

Q.Tell something about yourself, and your educational background.

A. I come from Araria district of Bihar. I have studied up to 10th from SRS Vidya Mandir(Forbesganj). For +2,  I went to Chinmaya Vidyalaya (Bokaro). I graduated in Power Engineering from Jadavpur University (Kolkata). After that, I worked for a year at CESC Limited. 

Q. You cleared your UPSC IAS Exam on the third attempt. What kept you going? How did you decide to choose your optional subject?

A. PURE WILL. Pure will is what kept me going. It is an unadulterated belief in what you want to do and the idea that you want to follow. It brings everything else into action. I chose Philosophy as my optional subject. It was based on my interest. If you want to understand any civilisation, you have to understand its foundational philosophy. A civilisational state like India can only be understood after understanding its Darshana (philosophy). I found this preparation phase as an opportunity to systematically study philosophy. 

Q. What was your preparation strategy?

A. Focus on fundamentals. Keep it simple. Make modifications to the strategy as and when required, rather than keeping it rigid. 

Q. How you managed to keep yourself positive during the time you were preparing for the UPSC exam? What mistakes should be avoided in IAS preparation?

A.  I believe in the "Law of Karma". So, I always used to think that if I put in enough effort, results will come one day. However, having said that, there were indeed some bad days when I questioned everything including my decision to appear for the exam. But, I kept my hope alive. 

One must not complicate the process. One must not lose hope. One must take responsibility for his dream and work honestly for it. 

Q. What books did you refer to clear the UPSC exam?

A. I referred to the NCERTs and the advanced reference books. 

Q. What tips you would like to give to students who are preparing for the UPSC CSE 2023?

A. Be honest with your preparation. Take the attempt with a sense of confidence. If it is meant to happen, it will happen. There is also a luck factor in this exam. So, don't be disappointed with the initial setbacks. All the best!

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