'Busy Giving Prelims & Mains, Didn't Realise What I Missed': After 73 Prelims, 47-YO Man Still Hopes To Crack UPSC CSE

Opting to pursue the UPSC Civil Services Exam means embarking on a challenging path. Universally acknowledged as the most demanding exam in the country, it tests one's mettle thoroughly. For one 47-year-old gentleman, who has faced the Prelims an astounding 73 times, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

27 years of preparation for the UPSC CSE

Pushpendra Shrivastava/ gnttv

Pushpendra Shrivastava arrived in Mukherjee Nagar 27 years ago.

This was after he had completed his 10th grade in the village and pursued further studies in Chhatarpur, eventually earning an MSc from Sagar University.

Although his family suggested B.Ed, Shrivastava discovered the UPSC and embarked on preparation.

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With minimal preparation, he cleared the Prelims on his first attempt. Since then, he has continuously appeared for exams, totaling 73 Prelims, 43 Mains, and 8 interviews over 27 years.

Pushpendra's study room/ gnttv

Reflecting on his journey, Shrivastava remarks, "I was busy giving Prelims one after the other and sometimes Mains only. I didn't realise when so many years passed. I never thought about what I missed until now. The knowledge and respect I have gained so far is my capital."

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He finds inspiration in people like Vikas Divyakirti - the author-educator YouTube influencer who teaches at Drishti IAS coaching institute and the real-life couple, Manoj and Shraddha Sharma, from the movie '12th Fail,¡¯ with whom he had studied.

The Print says, "All of them call me and wish me well. Nobody had discouraged me or asked me to quit."

Next up: State CSE in store

At nearly 48 years old now, he refuses to quit.

"I decided to become an officer and I won¡¯t stop until I become one," he declares.

Unsplash

Currently, he's gearing up for the interview round with the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission. Though the age limit in Madhya Pradesh was initially 40, it was extended to 43 in 2022 due to the pandemic, offering Shrivastava another shot.

Confident after clearing the Mains, he's ready for the next hurdle. However, just in case, he's already eyeing another opportunity.

"A vacancy for a Block Education Officer [in Bihar Public Service Commission] was supposed to happen in 2011 but it got delayed. I was eligible for the exam and will give it when the notification is released," he reveals with a determined smile.

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