The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, considered one of the top ten toughest exams in the world, has a reputation for making legends. Every year, thousands of aspirants across India dedicate years to cracking this prestigious exam, dreaming of a coveted position in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
However, one man conquered the exam in his first attempt and defied expectations by leaving his dream IAS job to pursue teaching and empowering future generations of civil servants.
Early Life and Academics
Born in the heart of Haryana, Vikas Divyakirti’s academic path began at the modest Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Bhiwani. Even as a young boy, his passion for learning was evident, fueled by a desire to make a meaningful impact on the world.
After completing his primary education, Vikas ventured to the bustling metropolis of Delhi, enrolling in Zakir Husain College. Initially drawn to commerce, he soon discovered a deeper fascination with history that led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in the subject,
Academic Journey Of A Scholar
Vikas’s academic journey transcended commerce and history, leading him to a postgraduate degree in Hindi Literature at Hindu College, Delhi, where he earned his Master of Arts in 1995.
He pursued law at the University of Delhi without stopping there, earning a Bachelor of Laws. His passion for learning culminated in advanced degrees in Hindi literature, including a Master of Philosophy and a Doctor of Philosophy from the same university.
To Civil Service
After completing his studies, Vikas began an academic career as an assistant professor at Delhi University. However, he yearned to contribute to society directly.
The allure of civil service, with its promise of serving the nation and making a tangible difference, drew him in.
To Succeed
Family and friends’ reactions to Vikas’s decision to pursue civil service were mixed.
While some were supportive, others expressed concerns about the intense competition and the sacrifices involved.
The pressure to succeed and the fear of failure weighed heavily on Vikas.
A Relentless Pursuit
Undeterred by the challenges, Divyakirti dedicated himself to cracking the UPSC exam. He spent countless hours studying, sacrificing personal time and social gatherings.
The relentless pursuit of success took a toll on his mental and emotional well-being, but he persevered, driven by his unwavering determination and belief in his abilities.
Clearing Civil Services
Vikas’ strategic approach to studying set him apart from his competitors. Instead of rote memorization.
He focused on understanding core concepts and developed a personalized study plan. His dedication to practice tests and previous years’ question papers honed his time management skills, leading to a remarkable victory.
In 1996, Vikas cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in his first attempt, securing an impressive All-India Rank (AIR) of 384. This triumph opened up a world of possibilities for him, paving the way for a career in public service.
Led To Internal Conflict
Despite his success in cracking the UPSC and securing a prestigious IAS position, Vikas felt conflicted. The bureaucracy, the red tape, and the slow pace of change within the government system frustrated him.
He realized that while he could make a difference as an IAS officer, he could potentially have a greater impact by empowering others to achieve their dreams.
To Create Change
The decision to leave the IAS took work. It was a significant career change, a departure from the path he had worked so hard to achieve.
His decision was met with mixed reactions. Some admired his courage and vision, while others questioned his motives.
Critics argued that he was abandoning his duty to serve the nation and pursuing personal gain.
However, Vikas remained steadfast in his belief that he could make a greater impact by empowering others to achieve their dreams.
Drishti IAS
With a clear vision, Vikas Divyakirti embarked on a new journey. He founded Drishti IAS, a coaching institute dedicated to helping UPSC aspirants achieve their goals.
He faced immense pressure from family, friends, and colleagues to stay in the government and climb the ranks, but Vikas refused to succumb to societal expectations.
He was determined to prove that his decision to establish Drishti IAS was not a mistake but a strategic move to create a sustainable impact on the lives of UPSC aspirants.
To Build A Legacy
The initial days were challenging, as Vikas had to build a reputation and attract students. He started with a small team of experienced educators focusing on personalized guidance and mentorship to his students.
One of Drishti IAS’s key USPs were its innovative teaching methods, personality development, and current affairs training. Vikas and his team emphasized conceptual understanding over rote learning.
They incorporated interactive sessions, case studies, and mock tests to prepare students for the diverse challenges of the UPSC exam.
Popularity
Drishti IAS’s growth was nothing short of meteoric. Word of mouth played a significant role in its success.
As more students achieved their UPSC dreams its reputation spread far and wide.
The institute’s innovative teaching approach became its hallmarks, making it one of the most sought-after coaching institutes for UPSC aspirants in India.
Digital Influence
In November 2022, he started his YouTube channel, which currently has over 3.75 million subscribers. Vikas’ influence has transcended physical classrooms, reaching millions through his informative videos.
In addition to his main channel, Vikas Divyakirti manages multiple other YouTube channels, including Drishti IAS, Drishti IAS English, Drishti Judiciary, Drishti PCS, Drishti Teaching Exams, Drishti IAS Shorts, Drishti CUET Hindi, Drishti CUET English, and Drishti Welfare Foundation.
For Hindi-Medium Students
Vikas’s love for the Hindi language, deeply rooted in his family’s literary heritage, has made him a staunch advocate for Hindi-medium students.
His passion for preserving and promoting Hindi culture has fueled his efforts to ensure that students from Hindi-speaking backgrounds have equal opportunities to excel in their academic pursuits.
Holistic Coaching
Drishti IAS is more than just a coaching institute; it’s a platform for nurturing the next generation of civil servants.
A prime example is Divya Tanwar, a young woman from Haryana. Despite facing unimaginable challenges from a young age, she pursued the UPSC civil services exam.
Under Vikas Divyakirti’s guidance, she cleared the exam on her first attempt, getting an All India Rank of 438, making her one of the youngest IPS officers in India at 21.
Unsatisfied, Divya reappeared for the exam the following year, securing an AIR of 105, fulfilling her dream of becoming an IAS officer at age 23.
The Power of Experience
Mentorship plays a crucial role at Drishti IAS. Students have access to experienced faculty members who provide guidance, support, and motivation throughout their preparation journey. The institute also fosters a supportive community where students can learn from each other and share their experiences.
In 2023, he was nominated for the Padma Awards in recognition of his contributions to education and civil service preparation in India.
Future Leaders
By focusing on holistic development, Drishti IAS aims to produce well-rounded individuals who are academically qualified, compassionate, empathetic, and dedicated to public service.
Can you guess who this extraordinary individual is?
I’m Archana R. Chettiar, an experienced content creator with
an affinity for writing on personal finance and other financial content. I
love to write on equity investing, retirement, managing money, and more.
