VELLORE: The only way to crack the UPSC examinations is to work towards preparation with focus and patience, says 24-year-old Rachit Raj, an alumnus of VIT University here. Rachit bagged the All- India third position in the civil services examinations 2013, the results for which were announced on Thursday.
A native of Palamu district of Jharkhand, Rachit had appeared for the preliminary examinations in May 2013 and the main examination in December 2014 and came out with flying colours.
He had studied B Tech Biotechnology during 2008-12 at VIT. “I had to turn down the `17 lakh scholarship for MBA course from Mumbai International School of Business, after completing my B Tech to prepare for the UPSC, he told Express. The youngster spent around three to four hours a day to prepare for the examinations, he said.
“The focus was on smart study that included multiple revisions and maximum practice. Within five or six months, I was able to keep up with the subjects,” he said. “A positive attitude clubbed with these qualities can help one become a winner. In addition, they should develop writing skills, he pointed out.
According to Rachit, the difficulty in the competitive examinations depends on the preparation by the participants. “You should know everything about everything and with a dash of patience and focus, it becomes easy to attempt,” was his advice to freshers. Interestingly, he had also cleared the Indian Forest Services examinations last year, he was ranked 23rd. “The result was out in January this year, but my focus was on Indian Administrative Services,” he said. He underwent special coaching at Khan Study Group in New Delhi.
As a top ranker at VIT too, he wants to work to bring change in society. “My aim is to work towards development and good governance,” he said. Did he get good support from his family? “My family has been extremely supportive, both emotionally and financially and in every way possible. I am grateful and thankful to have such a wonderful family,” he said. Rachit is getting ready for the next phase of training in civil services at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy, Mussoorie, from September 1.