About Vikas Divyakirti UPSC Journey : Who is Vikas Divyakirti? Many people across the country can answer this question, from those in the bureaucracy to political leaders, and every young person preparing for the UPSC or any other PCS exam. But the Vikas Divyakirti we know today wasn’t always like this. His life was very different until he went to college. Then a turning point came, and everything changed for him. In an interview with ANI, he shared what he might have been doing today if he hadn’t chosen this path.
Who is Vikas Divyakirti ?
Vikas Divyakirti, who successfully cleared the UPSC exam on his first attempt in 1996, left his job at the Central Secretariat within a year. He decided to guide UPSC aspirants instead. He began teaching and in 1999, he founded Drishti IAS, where he continues to teach. Dr. Divyakirti is not only an educator but also an author and a popular YouTuber. His ability to explain complex topics like UPSC preparation, parenting, relationships, and life skills in a simple and relatable way has made him very popular, even among those not interested in civil services.
How was Vikas Divyakirti Early Life and Education
Dr. Vikas Divyakirti is a well-known name among UPSC aspirants. His journey to becoming an influential educator and mentor is both inspiring and transformative. Born into a family that valued education, Dr. Divyakirti had a diverse academic background. He completed his 12th grade with commerce, despite initially studying science. For his undergraduate studies, he chose History and later pursued an MA in Hindi Literature from Hindu College, Delhi University.
College Life and Initial Struggles
During his college years, Dr. Divyakirti was more interested in debating than studying. He had a natural talent for winning debates, often with minimal preparation. This period of his life was marked by a lack of serious academic focus. However, everything changed in 1994-95 when he decided to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination while still pursuing his MA in Hindi from Hindu College.
Discovering Sociology
As he began his UPSC preparation, Dr. Divyakirti initially considered History as his optional subject, given his undergraduate background. However, he soon realized that he had only managed to pass his History exams without truly understanding the subject. During this time, he came across a book on Sociology, which proved to be a turning point in his academic journey. The book opened his eyes to a different perspective on the world, and he decided to take Sociology as his optional subject for the UPSC exam.
Influence of a Great Teacher
Another significant influence during this period was his Hindi literature teacher, Rameshwar Rai, at Hindu College. Although Dr. Divyakirti did not attend many classes and often found them boring, Rai’s teaching left a lasting impact on him. He began studying at Rai’s house, where he developed a deep appreciation for the world of knowledge. This experience instilled in him a passion for learning, leading him to study for 12-14 hours a day.
UPSC Preparation and Success
Dr. Divyakirti’s approach to studying underwent a radical transformation as he prepared for the UPSC exam. For the first time, he began studying systematically and with genuine interest. This rigorous preparation paid off, and he cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in his first attempt in 1996. His success in the UPSC exam marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
Career as an IAS Officer
After clearing the UPSC exam, Dr. Divyakirti joined the Central Secretariat as an IAS officer. However, within a year, he realized that his true calling was in teaching and mentoring aspiring civil servants. He decided to leave his job and focus on guiding UPSC aspirants, a decision that would significantly impact his life and the lives of countless students.
Founding Drishti IAS
In 1999, Dr. Divyakirti founded Drishti IAS, a coaching institute that has since become one of the most reputable names in UPSC preparation. His unique teaching style, which simplifies complex concepts and makes learning enjoyable, has attracted a large number of students. Drishti IAS is known for its high-quality study materials, comprehensive test series, and effective teaching methodologies.
Life Beyond UPSC
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Divyakirti has often said that if he had not succeeded in the UPSC exam, he might have pursued a career in politics. He imagines himself as possibly becoming an MLA or a councillor, with a group of supporters around him. However, his decision to focus on the UPSC exam changed everything. It not only shaped his career but also transformed his approach to life. He moved from being a debater who relied on rhetoric to someone who valued substance and depth in his arguments.
Legacy and Influence
Today, Dr. Divyakirti is more than just a teacher. He is an author, a popular YouTuber, and a motivational speaker. His insights on UPSC preparation, parenting, relationships, and life skills resonate with a broad audience, including those outside the civil services sphere. His ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple and relatable manner has made him a beloved figure among students and educators alike.
Dr. Vikas Divyakirti’s journey from an IAS officer to a revered mentor and educator is a story of dedication, passion, and transformation. His life serves as an inspiration to countless UPSC aspirants and others who seek to make a difference in their fields. His success story underscores the importance of following one’s passion and the profound impact that dedicated mentorship can have on the lives of students.
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