Alumni Speak
‘Want to succeed in life? Learn focus and determination’
Haryana-based Civil Servant and IITian credits patience and perseverance as his go-to mantras
Meet Chinmai Garg, a 28-year-old achiever who clinched the Rank 5 in the Haryana Civil Services (HCS) Exam recently. Holding a Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kanpur (2014-2018), Chinmai decided to shift gears and dive into the realm of Civil Services. After a brief stint at the Quality Council of India, where he worked as an Assistant Manager, his commitment to the UPSC journey only strengthened. At present, awaiting UPSC results, he’s set to commence training in Gurugram, Haryana. Truly, his journey reflects dedication and a pursuit of excellence. His success mantra? “Stay focused but don’t be hard on yourself.” Read on to know more.
Edited excerpts from the interview.
Was Civil Services always a dream?
During my school years in Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, I was unaware of Civil Services. Back then, joining the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) was deemed prestigious, leading me to prepare for IITs and spend two years in Kota, Rajasthan. The allure of UPSC struck in my final year at IIT Kanpur, influenced by friends. This included my friend, Chinmay Mittal, an Indian Police Services officer as well.
Were you stationed in Charkhi Dadri during your preparation years?
After college, I underwent coaching in Delhi for a year. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I returned home to Charkhi Dadri.
Were resources limited during your preparation at home?
In Charkhi Dadri, major newspapers for preparation arrived a day late, and offline resources were scarce. I had to either source materials or rely on online resources for preparation.
Any major challenges in your journey and how you overcame them?
The uncertainty of results and the societal pressure associated with devoting years to UPSC were significant challenges. Such sacrifices demanded determination and grit; overcoming these challenges required introspection, resilience, and acknowledging the personal sacrifices made during the preparation journey.
Anyone else in the family who attempted such a paper?
I am the first in my family to enter the Services and the first IITian too. It’s a significant milestone for us.
When is the time that an aspirant should move on from the papers?
Knowing oneself is crucial. If an aspirant consistently faces challenges at a certain stage, it’s essential to reassess and consider a shift in strategy. Having a backup plan, such as a job or a degree, is advisable.
Any advice for school students?
Parents should avoid imposing their dreams on children. It’s crucial for students to focus and determine their passions during school years. Each person’s journey is unique, and success in life doesn’t solely hinge on cracking UPSC. School years are a time for exploration and self-discovery.
How were school years at Apeejay, Charkhi Dadri?
I joined Apeejay in pre-nursery in 1998 and remained there until class X. Despite being a bit notorious in my early years, the school played a pivotal role in bringing out the best in me. The credit goes to my teachers who instilled a strong value system in me, contributing significantly to my success.
