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After studying BTech, Abhishek Vashishtha went to study Political Science and cleared both JRF and NET exams. But it was his passion that led him to secure AIR 14 in UPSC.
IAS Abhishek Vashishtha urged aspirants to focus on limited, high-quality resources and build a strong foundation with NCERTs.
Born and raised in Delhi, Abhishek Vashishtha’s desire to serve the society turned him from an engineer to a civil service servant. After pursuing a BTech in Electronics and Communication at the Ambedkar Institute of Advanced Communication Technologies and Research in Delhi, he developed a keen interest in political science, thereby earning a Master’s degree in the field. He also went on to clear the JRF and NET exams and received a Junior Research Fellowship in Political Science. However, civil services was his ultimate goal.
“Despite receiving a placement offer from a multinational company, I chose to prepare for the UPSC. Opting for the UPSC path after completing my B.Tech was driven by the desire to serve society and make a significant impact on a large scale. The sense of purpose and job satisfaction that Civil Services offers was unparalleled for me,” he told News18.
IRS To IPS To IAS
After finishing college in 2017, he began preparing for the UPSC exam. Vashishtha prepared for a year and took his first attempt in 2018, however, he was unable to clear the prelims. In 2019, he sat for the exams once again and cleared the prelims but missed the mains cutoff by just one mark.
In 2020, he cleared the exam and was allocated to the Indian Revenue Service. In 2022, he was assigned to the IPS. However, his passion and desire led him to appear for the exam again. In 2024, he secured Rank 14 and was allocated to the IAS.
“I chose the UPSC path after completing my B.Tech, the answer lies in the nature of Civil Services itself. It is one of the very few platforms where you can directly serve society and create meaningful impact on a large scale. The scope to work for the public, contribute to nation-building, and make tangible improvements in people’s lives is immense. For me, the sense of purpose and job satisfaction that Civil Services offers is unmatched. Serving the country and working for society were the driving forces behind my decision to pursue the UPSC,” he said.
UPSC Preparation
For his preparation, Vashishtha first focused on NCERTs for foundational knowledge. For Polity, he referred to Laxmikanth; for Economics, he used internet resources and YouTube videos; for Modern History, he relied on Spectrum by Rajiv Ahir; for Geography, he depended on NCERTs; for Ancient and Medieval India, he used the old NCERTs; for Art and Culture, he referred to Nitin Singhania’s book; and for Science and Technology, I covered current affairs.
“My interest in Political Science and International Relations, especially India’s global engagement, naturally led me to choose Political Science and International Relations as my optional subject,’ he added.
How To Crack Interview
The UPSC interview, or Personality Test, assesses traits suitable for a civil servant, such as balanced thinking, clarity of expression, logical argumentation, and honesty. The Board consists of five members and the interaction is conversational. Questions can be based on socio-political or economic issues or information from the Detailed Application Form (DAF-II).
“During my interviews, I faced questions related to my hobbies, such as the difference between T20 cricket and Test cricket, reflective diary writing, and air pollution in Delhi. The questions were diverse,” he stated.
“Understanding the exam process and syllabus is crucial,” he advised UPSC aspirants. He urged aspirants to focus on limited, high-quality resources and build a strong foundation with NCERTs. Reading newspapers daily for current affairs and regular practice is essential. Practice helps in applying knowledge during the exam, he added.
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. December 13, 2025, 13:48 IST
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