Himanshu Gupta’s journey to becoming an IAS Topper is a narrative of resilience and unwavering determination. Residing in Delhi, Himanshu’s dream of serving the nation through the civil services crystalized after he topped the UPSC CSE exam in 2019, securing the 27th rank on his third attempt.
The path to success wasn’t easy for Himanshu. His initial two attempts at the UPSC examinations ended before they could even truly begin, as he didn’t manage to clear the preliminary stage. However, these setbacks only fueled his resolve. With each unsuccessful attempt, he gathered the strength to approach the next with a more robust strategy and a fortified spirit.
Born and bred in Delhi, Himanshu’s academic credentials had always been impressive. He excelled throughout his school years, scoring commendably high in his 12th-grade exams, and carried this academic prowess into his higher education. An alumnus of Delhi Technological University, Himanshu pursued engineering with a zeal reflective of his overall approach to learning and achievement.
After graduation, Himanshu entered the professional world, taking up a job that lasted one and a half years. It was during this period that he gave his first UPSC attempt. Balancing a full-time job with the demands of UPSC preparation proved to be a challenge too steep — his first attempt did not yield the result he hoped for.
Realizing the need for undivided attention towards his UPSC preparation, Himanshu made the bold decision to resign from his job before his second attempt. This decision, though not an easy one, demonstrated his dedication to his goal. Despite this dedication, his second attempt also did not succeed. Yet, rather than discouraging him, these failures led to introspection and a critical evaluation of his preparation strategy.
By the third attempt, Himanshu had refined his approach. He had pinpointed his weaknesses and worked diligently to turn them into strengths. His preparation became more streamlined, integrated, and focused. He meticulously ensured that he had a firm grip on each subject before moving to the next, laying a solid foundation upon which he built his success.
When the results were declared, Himanshu’s name was among the toppers — a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of learning from one’s mistakes. His story is a powerful reminder that failures are not the end, but rather the stepping stones to success. He now serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless UPSC aspirants across the country.