- Vishal Narwade, an IIT Jabalpur graduate from Latur, Maharashtra, failed the UPSC exam five times before succeeding on his sixth attempt in 2019, securing the 91st rank and becoming an IAS officer after first being an IPS officer in 2016.
- His journey highlights perseverance, with consistent prelims clearance in all attempts and a focus on strategic preparation.
Early Life and Education
Vishal Narwade was born and raised in Latur, Maharashtra, in a middle-class family that valued hard work. He excelled academically, completing his schooling locally before earning a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from IIT Jabalpur, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous engineering programs.
UPSC Journey and Achievements
Vishal’s dream was to become an IAS officer, but the path was challenging. He attempted the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) six times, facing failure in the first five. Despite this, he cleared the prelims each time, showcasing his dedication. In 2016, after his fifth attempt, he became an IPS officer, a significant achievement, but his goal remained the IAS. In 2019, on his sixth attempt, he secured the 91st rank, fulfilling his dream and transitioning from IPS to IAS.
Strategies and Inspiration
Vishal’s success was driven by strategies like prioritizing subjects by weightage, sticking to consistent study materials, and focusing on revision. He advised against comparing oneself with others and emphasized mental well-being, including staying relaxed during exams. He drew inspiration from the Hindi couplet, “करत-करत अभ्यास के, जड़मति होत सुजान। रसरी आवत जात तें, सिल पर परत निसान।,” meaning persistent practice leads to wisdom, like a rope marking stone with repeated use.
Detailed Biography of Vishal Narwade: A Journey of Perseverance and Triumph
Vishal Narwade’s story is a compelling narrative of resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of a dream, offering inspiration to countless UPSC aspirants and beyond. Born in Latur, Maharashtra, Vishal grew up in a middle-class family where hard work and perseverance were instilled as core values. His early education in Latur laid a strong foundation, and his academic excellence paved the way for admission to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jabalpur, where he pursued a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering. This achievement marked the beginning of a journey that would see him transition from an engineering graduate to a civil servant, embodying the spirit of service and dedication.
Early Life and Education
Vishal’s roots in Latur, a district in the Marathwada region known for its agricultural landscape and cultural heritage, shaped his grounded perspective. His family’s emphasis on education and hard work fueled his academic pursuits, leading him to excel in school. His admission to IIT Jabalpur was a significant milestone, reflecting his intellectual capabilities and ambition. At IIT, Vishal not only honed his technical skills but also began to contemplate a career in public service, inspired by the idea of contributing to nation-building and serving the underprivileged.
The UPSC Journey: Trials and Tribulations
The decision to pursue the IAS was a turning point for Vishal, but the path was fraught with challenges. The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is renowned for its difficulty, with a success rate that tests even the most determined aspirants. Vishal embarked on this journey with six attempts, facing failure in the first five. However, his consistency was remarkable—he cleared the preliminary examination in all six attempts, a feat that underscores his preparation and resilience. Each failure was not a deterrent but a lesson, prompting him to refine his strategies and strengthen his resolve.
In 2016, after his fifth attempt, Vishal achieved a significant breakthrough by securing a position in the Indian Police Service (IPS). This was a prestigious accomplishment, one that many would have been content with, given the rigor of the selection process. Yet, for Vishal, it was a stepping stone rather than the final destination. His heart remained set on the IAS, and he continued his preparation with renewed vigor, drawing on his experiences as an IPS officer to inform his approach.
The Sixth Attempt: Victory at Last
The year 2019 marked a turning point in Vishal’s journey. On his sixth attempt, he cleared all stages of the UPSC CSE, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 91. This achievement not only fulfilled his long-cherished dream of becoming an IAS officer but also highlighted his ability to learn from setbacks and adapt. His transition from IPS to IAS was a testament to his perseverance, transforming years of hard work into a tangible reality.
Strategies for Success: A Blueprint for Aspirants
Vishal’s success is not just a personal triumph but a roadmap for others. He shared several strategies that guided his preparation, offering valuable insights for UPSC aspirants:
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Prioritization | Focused on subjects with higher weightage in the syllabus to maximize scores. |
| Consistency in Study Material | Stuck to a limited number of reliable books and resources, avoiding frequent changes. |
| Revision | Prioritized regular revision, especially for prelims, to ensure retention. |
| Mental Well-being | Emphasized staying relaxed and positive, understanding stress’s impact on performance. |
| Avoiding Comparison | Advised against comparing with others, focusing on personal growth and improvement. |
Additionally, Vishal recommended practical tips such as not trying to cover the entire syllabus, relaxing the day before the exam, and knowing the exam center in advance. These strategies reflect a balanced approach, combining academic rigor with mental preparedness.
Inspiration and Philosophy
One of the cornerstones of Vishal’s journey is his adherence to the philosophy encapsulated in the Hindi couplet: “करत-करत अभ्यास के, जड़मति होत सुजान। रसरी आवत जात तें, सिल पर परत निसान।” This translates to “By constant practice, even the dull-witted become wise; just as the rope, by constant rubbing, leaves its mark on the stone.” This belief in the power of persistent effort and consistent practice was evident in his approach, as he never gave up despite repeated failures. His story embodies this philosophy, showing how dedication can carve a path to success, much like the rope leaving its mark on stone.
Impact and Legacy
Today, Vishal Narwade serves as an IAS officer, continuing to uphold the values of service and dedication that drove him through his challenging journey. His story resonates deeply with UPSC aspirants, particularly those who face the emotional toll of repeated attempts. It serves as a reminder that failure is not the end but a part of the process, and with the right strategies and mindset, even the most elusive goals can be achieved. His advice to prioritize, stay consistent, and maintain mental well-being offers practical guidance, while his journey inspires hope and determination.
Vishal’s transition from an IIT graduate to an IPS officer, and finally to an IAS officer, is a narrative of transformation and triumph. It highlights an unexpected detail: his ability to clear prelims consistently despite multiple failures, showcasing a level of preparation and resilience that is rare. This aspect, often overlooked, underscores the importance of persistence in competitive examinations.