Utkarsh Srivastava: A Journey from Average Grades to UPSC Success

Utkarsh Srivastava's journey to success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a testament to perseverance. Despite facing academic challenges, including a graduation score of just 49%, he remained focused on his goals. His reliance on selective study materials and determination led him to achieve an All India Rank of 498 in his fifth attempt. This inspiring story highlights that initial academic performance does not determine one's potential for success. Read on to learn more about his remarkable journey and the obstacles he overcame.

By Ambika Singh Oct 13, 2026, 11:15 IST

An Inspiring Journey

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is often regarded as one of the toughest competitive exams in India. Many believe that excelling in academics from the beginning is essential for success. However, Utkarsh Srivastava's story challenges this notion. His academic record from school through college was not extraordinary; he graduated with just 49% marks. Despite facing setbacks during his studies, including being labeled a backbencher, he refused to let these obstacles deter him from his goals.

Dreams Persist Despite Low Marks

Utkarsh's early education was quite ordinary. In an interview, he shared that he scored 62% in his 10th grade and around 74% in his 12th. During his graduation, he faced backlogs, leading others to call him a backbencher. His overall score in his BA degree was only 49%. Nevertheless, he decided to pursue competitive exams despite these challenges.

Trust in Hindi Medium and NCERT Books

Utkarsh completed his undergraduate studies in Political Science at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, where he studied in Hindi. While preparing for the UPSC, he focused on a few select resources rather than collecting numerous books. He relied on M. Laxmikanth's book for Indian polity and NCERT books to strengthen his foundational knowledge.

Facing Setbacks in PCS and a Narrow Miss

Before achieving success in UPSC, Utkarsh encountered several disappointments. According to his interview, he failed the PCS prelims five to six times. He also narrowly missed completing the physical test for the Uttar Pradesh Police jail warden recruitment by just seven seconds. Witnessing an IPS officer during this time intensified his desire to achieve significant goals, prompting him to take his UPSC preparation seriously.

Continuing Preparation Amid Personal Struggles

Utkarsh faced personal challenges as well, including emotional turmoil following a breakup. Despite this, he remained committed to his studies. The support from his family played a crucial role in maintaining his motivation throughout his long struggle. Even after numerous failures, he kept his focus on his objectives.

Achieving AIR 498 in His Fifth Attempt

In his fifth attempt at the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, Utkarsh succeeded, securing an All India Rank of 498. Following this achievement, he was allocated to the Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Indirect Taxes). His journey from graduating with 49% marks to reaching a prestigious civil service position illustrates that initial academic performance does not define a person's full potential.