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Success stories are often romanticized, but the real ones are stitched together with failures, sacrifices, and resilience. One such powerful tale is that of Indrajit Singh, a BSc graduate who failed the UPSC exam four times before emerging victorious in his fifth attempt. Today, he stands tall as an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer with an inspiring legacy of governance and grassroots transformation.
🎓 Early Life and Academic Brilliance
Indrajit Singh hails from Vishalpur, Punjab, and comes from a humble family background. His academic career was stellar from the start. He completed his BSc from Punjab University, Chandigarh, and later topped his MSc in Applied Physics at Guru Nanak Dev University.
Despite his academic credentials, the civil services proved to be a different beast—one that tested more than just textbook knowledge.
📉 Four Failures That Didn’t Break Him
1️⃣ First Three Attempts – With Physics Optional
Singh appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Exam thrice with Physics as his optional subject. He cleared the preliminary rounds but failed to secure enough marks in the mains, leading to disqualification.
2️⃣ Fourth Attempt – Switched to Sociology
Realizing the gap in performance, Singh changed his optional subject to Sociology, which is considered scoring and more manageable for non-humanities students. Although his performance improved, he still couldn’t crack the final selection.
3️⃣ Fifth Attempt – The Breakthrough
On his fifth attempt, armed with refined strategy, enhanced writing skills, and deeper understanding of current affairs, Indrajit Singh finally cleared the UPSC CSE and got selected into the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
🏛️ Professional Milestones as an IAS Officer
📍 Chief Development Officer – Gorakhpur (2020–2022)
- Launched an innovative 100-day rural employment scheme during COVID-19.
- Empowered 15 poorest families in every village with customized job assignments and microfinancing.
- Promoted skill development, sanitation, and financial inclusion.
📍 Municipal Commissioner – Lucknow (2022–2024)
- Took charge when Lucknow ranked 41st in Swachh Survekshan.
- Oversaw the establishment of a massive waste management facility at Shivri.
- Result: Lucknow jumped to 3rd rank nationwide for cleanliness under his leadership.
📍 Current Role – Special Secretary, UP Energy Department
- Leading the state’s push for renewable energy and EV infrastructure.
- Pioneering green energy policies and promoting sustainable practices.
💡 Lessons from His UPSC Journey
| Challenge | Lesson Learned |
|---|---|
| Multiple Failures | Consistency beats luck in competitive exams |
| Optional Subject Change | Flexibility and adaptability are crucial |
| Community Engagement | Grassroots solutions deliver real impact |
| Strategic Thinking | Governance is more than paperwork—it’s transformation |
🤝 Impact Beyond the Desk
Indrajit Singh is not just a policy executor. He’s known for:
- Engaging with local communities in face-to-face gram sabhas.
- Reducing bureaucratic delays with digital dashboards.
- Spearheading public health drives and urban sustainability campaigns.
His leadership style is a blend of humility, pragmatism, and people-first governance.
❓ FAQs – Indrajit Singh IAS Journey
Q1: How many attempts did Indrajit Singh take to clear UPSC?
👉 He cleared the exam in his fifth attempt after four failures.
Q2: What was his educational background?
👉 BSc from Punjab University and MSc in Applied Physics from GNDU.
Q3: What made him switch optional subjects?
👉 Poor performance in mains with Physics prompted him to adopt Sociology.
Q4: What is his most celebrated contribution?
👉 Transforming Lucknow’s cleanliness rank from 41st to 3rd.
Q5: Where is he currently posted?
👉 Serving as Special Secretary in the Uttar Pradesh Energy Department.
Q6: What can aspirants learn from his journey?
👉 That failure is feedback, and adaptability is key to eventual success.
🌟 Final Words: The Grit Behind the Glory
Indrajit Singh’s life is a compelling reminder that determination outlasts failure. His journey—from struggling with Physics optional to becoming a trailblazing IAS officer—is proof that success favors those who persist with purpose.
In a nation that reveres administrative excellence, Singh stands as a beacon of hope for UPSC aspirants and a symbol of transformative leadership for citizens.