Microsoft to IAS Officer : The Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE) is renowned for its formidable challenges, often necessitating individuals to relinquish established careers in pursuit of a loftier calling. In the serene town of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, Madhav Bharadwaj stands out as a striking example of someone who embarked on this audacious journey. His story epitomizes the qualities of unwavering determination and resilience.
Madhav’s educational odyssey commenced at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in his hometown, where he harbored aspirations of becoming an engineer. Following the completion of his BTech degree, Madhav ventured into the world of academia, pursuing an MBA at the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad. His path eventually led him to a coveted role as a product manager at Microsoft. Life seemed settled until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which compelled Madhav, like countless others, to adapt to the world of remote work.
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Amidst the uncertainties of the pandemic-induced lockdown, Madhav experienced a profound epiphany. The aspiration to become an IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer took hold of him, prompting him to embark on a bold career transition. He threw himself into rigorous preparations for the UPSC CSE with unwavering commitment. Despite giving his all, Madhav’s initial attempt fell short of success, with a mere three-point deficit.
Rather than succumbing to disappointment, this setback became the catalyst for Madhav’s determination. He viewed it as a personal challenge and resolved to conquer the exam in his subsequent attempt. Reflecting on his initial failure, Madhav candidly admitted, “I wasn’t prepared for not clearing the exam.” However, undaunted, he swiftly realigned his focus and remarkably, within a week, appeared for the prelims once more.
Madhav’s second attempt at the UPSC CSE marked a pivotal moment in his life. With an unyielding work ethic and an ironclad resolve, he triumphed in the prelims, mains, and interview rounds, culminating in a remarkable achievement—an All India Rank of 536 in the UPSC Civil Examination of 2022.
During the grueling preparation phase, Madhav’s daily routine was nothing short of demanding. He dedicated his entire workday at the office and supplemented it with four to five hours of intense nocturnal study. On his days off, he extended his study sessions to an astonishing 10 to 12 hours. In the final stretch before the exams, he pushed the limits further, investing an incredible 15-16 hours of study per day. His relentless toil and unwavering resolve bore fruit, ultimately enabling him to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming an IAS officer.
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Madhav Bharadwaj’s transformation from a thriving career at Microsoft to donning the distinguished mantle of an IAS officer serves as a powerful testament to the enduring qualities of resilience, unwavering determination, and the pursuit of a loftier purpose. His narrative stands as an inspiration to countless others, urging them to doggedly chase their dreams, regardless of the formidable challenges that lie in their path.
