Topper’s Tale: Ramandeep Singh’s Path to UPSC Success

Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, takes immense pride in celebrating the achievements of its alumni. One such remarkable success story is that of Ramandeep Singh, a 2019 batch pass out, who has recently made headlines by securing the 46th rank in the 2023 UPSC Civil Services Examination in his very first attempt. A graduate of IIT Delhi, Ramandeep shares his journey, the role Apeejay played in his success, and his future aspirations in a candid telephonic interview.

Read edited excerpts:

Congratulations on your remarkable achievement! How did you feel when you received the news of your success in the UPSC exams?
Thank you! It was an unexpected moment of joy. When the results came out on May 8th, a friend messaged me with the news. That’s when it hit me that I had made it. I vividly remember rushing to check the PDF and seeing my name on it. It was a surreal experience, and I immediately thanked God and shared the news with my family and friends. It felt like Diwali had come early for us.

Can you share your journey of preparing for UPSC?
The seed was planted during my school days in class 7th or 8th, when I came across the UPSC success stories in the “Competition Success Review” magazine. I began preparing during my college days, focusing intensely on my studies after completing my internship in my fourth year. While I was initially unsure about pursuing UPSC, my interest grew over time, fueled by a desire to make a positive impact in people’s lives. I relied on online resources like YouTube and Telegram for guidance, bypassing traditional coaching methods. Balancing my studies with other commitments, including completing my engineering degree from IIT Delhi, was challenging but manageable.

How did your experience at Apeejay School contribute to your success in UPSC?
Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg played a pivotal role in shaping my character and instilling essential values like discipline and competitiveness. The school provided a nurturing environment that encouraged holistic development, including participation in extracurricular activities and sports. These experiences cultivated a competitive spirit within me, which proved invaluable in the UPSC journey.

What specific skills did you acquire at Apeejay that helped you in cracking UPSC?
Discipline was a core value I picked up at Apeejay. Additionally, the competitive yet positive environment pushed me to constantly strive for excellence. These traits were instrumental in my UPSC preparation and overall success.

Can you share your preparation strategy for UPSC?
I didn’t join any coaching institute. Instead, I relied on online resources, especially YouTube and Telegram, for guidance. I focused on understanding the exam pattern through previous years’ question papers and consistently put in 8-10 hours of study every day. Balancing my college coursework and UPSC preparation was manageable as I had already completed most of my courses by my final year.

Given your interest in environmental conservation and forestry management, what motivates you to pursue a career in the Indian Forest Service?

My interest in environmental conservation stems from a desire to effect positive change and address pressing issues like climate change. The Indian Forest Service (IFS) offers a unique platform to contribute meaningfully to these areas while exploring diverse career opportunities within the government. I believe the role of the forest department will only grow in significance amid evolving environmental challenges.

You emphasise the importance of balancing development and environmental conservation. How do you envision achieving this balance, particularly in urban areas like Delhi?
Achieving a balance between development and environmental conservation requires a paradigm shift in our approach. Rather than viewing them as conflicting interests, we should strive for symbiotic progress. Initiatives like urban forestry and sustainable transportation can mitigate environmental impact while fostering development. Additionally, leveraging innovative methods like the Miyawaki technique for urban afforestation can enhance carbon sequestration and mitigate pollution.

What challenges did you face during your preparation, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge was staying motivated and dealing with self-doubt. Interacting with mentors, seeking support from family, and staying connected with friends helped me navigate through tough times. It’s essential to focus on what’s within your control and trust the process.

Reflecting on your UPSC journey, what lessons have you learned that you believe are essential for success?

Perseverance, dedication, and gratitude have been guiding principles throughout my UPSC journey. Embracing challenges with resilience and focusing on controllable factors were crucial in navigating the unpredictable nature of the exam. Gratitude towards mentors, family, and personal blessings reinforced my commitment to success.

Who has been your biggest inspiration or role model in this journey?

My father has been my greatest inspiration. Coming from a humble background, he worked hard to provide us with better opportunities. His perseverance and dedication have been a constant source of motivation for me.

Beyond academics and your career, what are some of your other interests?

I enjoy watching crime thriller web series, running, cycling, and listening to Punjabi and Bollywood music. These activities help me unwind and maintain a balanced life.

Finally, how would you advise individuals contemplating a career in UPSC to assess their suitability for the exam?
Assessing suitability for UPSC is challenging, given the multifaceted nature of the exam. Focus on understanding your motivations and aspirations, and be honest about your commitment to the journey. While success in UPSC is not guaranteed, sustained dedication and clarity of purpose can help navigate the challenges effectively. Remember, it’s not just about clearing the exam but making a meaningful impact beyond it.