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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is renowned as one of India’s toughest competitive exams, with millions aspiring to secure a coveted rank. In 2019, Pradeep Singh, a determined aspirant from Haryana, emerged as the All India Rank (AIR) 1, inspiring countless others with his remarkable journey. Balancing a full-time job with rigorous preparation, Pradeep’s success story is a testament to resilience, strategic planning, and unwavering focus. This article delves into how Pradeep Singh secured AIR 1 in UPSC 2019, offering practical insights for aspirants aiming to replicate his achievement.
Hailing from Tewri village in Sonipat, Haryana, Pradeep Singh grew up in a modest farming family. His father, Sukhbir Singh, a former sarpanch and farmer, was his primary source of inspiration. After completing his schooling at a government school until Class 7 and later graduating with a B.Tech in Computer Science from Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST), Murthal, Pradeep entered the workforce. Before topping UPSC 2019, he was already serving as an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, having cleared the exam in 2018 with AIR 260. His journey to AIR 1 in 2019, however, was his fourth attempt, showcasing his persistence and ability to learn from past setbacks.
Pradeep’s journey stands out because he prepared for UPSC while working as an Income Tax Inspector in Delhi—a demanding role that left little spare time. He turned constraints into opportunities, utilizing lunch breaks, commutes, and post-work hours for study. By watching educational YouTube videos during travel and revising notes during office downtime, he maximized every available minute.
Actionable Insight: Divide your syllabus into small, manageable units and assign them to specific time slots, ensuring steady progress even with a busy schedule.
Pradeep’s first three UPSC attempts were stepping stones to his eventual success. His initial failures taught him to identify weaknesses, while his third attempt (AIR 260 in 2018) gave him a foothold in the IRS. Instead of settling, he analyzed his shortcomings—particularly in answer writing and interview skills—and refined his approach for 2019.
Actionable Insight: Treat each attempt as a learning experience. Review past performances, seek feedback, and adapt your strategy accordingly.
While Pradeep briefly attended coaching for the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) exam, he relied heavily on self-study for UPSC. He curated a focused set of resources—standard books like Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for Modern History, and newspapers like The Hindu—and stuck to them. Consistency was his mantra; he set daily targets to cover specific syllabus portions and ensured he met them, even amidst work pressures.
Actionable Insight: Limit resources to avoid overwhelm. Stick to a daily study routine, prioritizing revision to retain information.
Time management was Pradeep’s cornerstone. He segmented the syllabus into smaller parts, allocating time based on his work schedule. On lighter workdays, he extended study hours; on busier days, he focused on high-yield topics like current affairs. He also emphasized the importance of completing topics within set deadlines, maintaining momentum throughout his preparation.
Actionable Insight: Create a flexible yet disciplined timetable. Use tools like planners or apps to track progress and adjust as needed.
Pradeep recognized that Mains and the Interview demanded distinct skills. For Mains, he practiced answer writing diligently, focusing on clarity, structure, and relevance—skills he deemed critical for scoring high. For the Personality Test, he worked on interpersonal skills, drawing from his IRS training and mock interviews to enhance confidence and articulation.
Actionable Insight: Start answer writing early—aim for one answer daily—and join mock interview sessions to refine your communication and demeanor.
Current affairs played a pivotal role in Pradeep’s strategy. He read newspapers daily, supplementing them with monthly magazines and online resources. He linked current events to static syllabus topics, enriching his answers with contemporary examples—a tactic that impressed both Mains examiners and the interview panel.
Actionable Insight: Maintain a current affairs notebook. Regularly update it with key events and practice integrating them into your answers.
Pradeep often credited his father’s encouragement as a driving force. Whenever he felt demotivated, his family reminded him of his goal—to serve as an IAS officer and uplift the farming community. This emotional anchor kept him grounded and focused.
Actionable Insight: Build a support system—family, friends, or mentors—to stay motivated during tough phases.
In his fourth attempt, Pradeep scored 1072 out of 2025 marks (52.9%), securing AIR 1. His optional subject, Public Administration, complemented his practical experience as an IRS officer, giving him an edge. His disciplined preparation across Prelims, Mains, and the Interview culminated in a near-perfect execution, outshining over 829 successful candidates that year.
Pradeep Singh’s journey to AIR 1 in UPSC 2019 is a blend of hard work, adaptability, and strategic execution. From juggling a job to mastering the syllabus through self-study, his approach offers a blueprint for aspirants—especially those with limited time. His story underscores that success in UPSC isn’t about perfection but persistence, learning from failures, and optimizing every resource at hand. For those aiming to crack UPSC, Pradeep’s mantra is clear: stay consistent, manage time wisely, and let determination guide your path.
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