Meet Prateek Jain, a young trailblazer who cleared the UPSC Civil Services Exam at just 25 years old. His remarkable journey—from earning a degree in engineering at BITS Pilani to pursuing International Relations at JNU, and ultimately cracking one of India’s toughest exams—serves as a major source of inspiration for aspiring civil servants across the country.
🎓 Educational Journey: A Blend of Science and Social Awareness
Prateek comes from a modest, education-focused family. He started his academic journey at BITS Pilani, where he pursued engineering. But unlike many peers who ventured into corporate roles, Prateek was driven by a higher calling: public service.
To broaden his understanding of socio-political systems and governance, he enrolled at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for a Master’s in International Relations—laying the groundwork for his UPSC preparation.
💭 Why Prateek Chose the UPSC Path
Prateek’s decision to pursue the civil services was inspired by a desire to bring meaningful change.
“I didn’t want to just earn a paycheck; I wanted to make a difference where it mattered most—at the grassroots level.”
Stories of IAS officers transforming rural education, healthcare, and public welfare deeply influenced him. His goal was to make the government more accessible, efficient, and citizen-focused.
📚 UPSC Preparation: A Focused and Disciplined Strategy
Prateek’s preparation wasn’t about overnight success—it was the result of structured effort, smart planning, and consistency. Here’s how he cracked it:
✅ 1. Strategic Optional Subject
He chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as his optional subject, perfectly aligning with his JNU studies. This helped him dive deeper and stay confident during Mains.
✅ 2. Rigorous Study Routine
He maintained a disciplined 8–10 hour study plan each day, focusing on:
- NCERT books for basics
- Standard references like Laxmikanth (Polity), Spectrum (History), Ramesh Singh (Economy)
- Daily updates from The Hindu, PIB, and Yojana
✅ 3. Mastering Answer Writing
Early on, Prateek began practicing answer writing using previous year papers and mock tests. This practice sharpened his clarity and boosted his confidence.
✅ 4. Current Affairs Integration
He skillfully connected current affairs with static topics to give his answers a well-rounded and real-world touch—something examiners appreciate.
🧠 Mindset & Motivation: What Really Made the Difference
What set Prateek apart wasn’t just his academics—it was his mindset. UPSC is not just an exam; it’s a test of resilience.
🔸 Vision Board
He created a visual goal board with images of rural India, quotes by Dr. Kalam, and newspaper headlines of real-life changemakers.
🔸 Physical & Mental Wellness
To maintain his balance, he practiced daily yoga, meditation, and running—keeping stress at bay.
🔸 Positive Peer Circle
Being in JNU, he surrounded himself with serious aspirants and mentors who pushed him forward through discussions and practice interviews.
🏆 The Big Moment: Cracking UPSC in His 3rd Attempt
In his third attempt, Prateek secured an All India Rank (AIR) in the top 100, earning a spot in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). His story reflects not just a personal win, but a commitment to serve society with courage and clarity.
💡 Key Lessons for Every UPSC Aspirant
| What You Can Learn | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Be Consistent, Not Perfect | Regular effort wins over last-minute cramming. |
| Use Your Background Wisely | Any field—engineering, arts, or commerce—can lead to success. |
| Choose the Right Optional | Go with subjects you truly enjoy and understand. |
| Stay Balanced | Health and mindset are just as important as study hours. |
📣 Final Words from Prateek Jain
“Your background doesn’t define your future. If your goals are clear and your intent is pure, nothing can stop you. Keep showing up.”
Let Prateek’s story serve as a beacon of hope and motivation for anyone working toward the UPSC dream. Remember, it’s not about being the smartest—it’s about never giving up.
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1: What was Prateek Jain’s educational background before cracking the UPSC?
Prateek Jain completed his engineering degree from BITS Pilani and later pursued a Master’s in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). His diverse academic foundation gave him a unique edge in UPSC preparation, especially for his optional subject—Political Science & International Relations (PSIR).
2: How many attempts did Prateek Jain take to clear the UPSC Civil Services Exam?
Prateek cleared the UPSC CSE in his third attempt, securing a spot in the top 100 All India Ranks, which led to his selection in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
3: What was Prateek Jain’s UPSC preparation strategy?
His preparation was marked by daily discipline, smart subject selection, regular answer writing practice, and a focus on integrating current affairs with static subjects. He also emphasized mental fitness and peer discussions as crucial parts of his success strategy.