“I’m Still Not Able to Process It”: IIT Delhi Graduate Akshit Bhardwaj on Securing AIR 12 in UPSC 2025
At just 23 years old, Akshit Bhardwaj, a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, achieved a remarkable feat by securing All India Rank (AIR) 12 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. His journey to this prestigious rank is not a straightforward tale of success, but rather a story filled with challenges, learning, and strategic planning.
A Young Aspirant with an Academic Edge
Born on September 4, 2002, Akshit hails from Delhi and completed his B.Tech from IIT Delhi, one of the most competitive engineering institutions in India. Despite being exposed to various career options during his college years, he chose the path of public service and began preparing for the UPSC examination.
Akshit’s interests extend beyond academics. He enjoys quizzing, playing Fischer Random Chess, and reading non-fiction, hobbies that have contributed to his curiosity and analytical thinking. However, he quickly realized that preparing for the civil services required a different mindset compared to his engineering studies.
Understanding the Exam the Hard Way
Akshit began his UPSC preparation approximately two to two-and-a-half years before the results were announced, starting during his final year at IIT. Initially, he enrolled in a foundation course but soon transitioned to self-study. His first attempt at the prelims in 2024 ended in disappointment as he did not qualify.
This experience served as a turning point in his preparation. Akshit recognized that the initial challenge in UPSC preparation was not merely about reading books but understanding the exam’s requirements and nuances.
The Role of Friends and Shared Preparation
Preparing for the UPSC can often feel isolating, but Akshit found solace in the company of friends who were also preparing for the exam. They lived nearby and studied together, which fostered a supportive environment. However, one of his friends did not clear the exam that year, underscoring the unpredictability of the process.
Akshit described the preparation journey as influenced by many factors beyond mere study, stating, “This exam is very uncertain. It’s about luck, faith, what God wants, and the blessings you receive from teachers, friends, and family.”
A Bold Move: Changing Optional Subject
After his failure in the prelims, many aspirants might have reconsidered their strategies, but Akshit made a bold decision to change his optional subject from his initial choice to Mathematics. He started studying Mathematics from scratch, dedicating the next six months to preparing for the Mains while simultaneously building a solid foundation in his new optional subject.
This decision was ambitious, as Mathematics is considered one of the toughest optional subjects in the UPSC examination. However, Akshit embraced the challenge.
Learning the Art of Answer Writing
A significant shift in Akshit’s preparation involved structured answer writing practice. Instead of relying on self-discipline at home, he participated in test series that became his primary practice method. He completed 15–20 tests for General Studies and an impressive 30 tests for Mathematics. This rigorous practice was essential, as Mathematics requires continuous problem-solving skills.
Writing Before Reading: A Strategic Shift
One of the most valuable lessons Akshit learned during his preparation was to think about the answer before reading the material. This strategy enabled him to filter information effectively and tackle unexpected questions during the exam.
He noted, “In every paper, there are always seven or eight questions that hardly relate to anything specific. You still have to structure an answer.”
The Final Stretch Before Prelims
By March, Akshit had completed a comprehensive review of nearly the entire syllabus. He worked diligently that month, covering all subjects except for the environment. As April approached, he noticed that his mock test scores varied widely, but he focused on identifying mistakes rather than fixating on scores.
When the actual prelims arrived, he scored 140 marks, comfortably above the cutoff. However, he cautioned others against making the mistake he did: “I wasted a week waiting for the result.”
Preparing for Mains: Focus on Revision
The months leading up to the Mains examination were primarily dedicated to revision and practice. Instead of maintaining extensive notebooks, Akshit created concise one-page or two-page revision sheets for each subject shortly before the exam. These sheets included:
- Key data points
- Examples
- Value-addition material
- Economic statistics
This approach helped him keep essential information accessible during the final revision cycle.
Inside the UPSC Mains Examination Hall
During the Mains examination, Akshit adhered to a straightforward principle: write excellent answers for questions he was confident about and provide reasonable answers for those he found challenging. The first paper, GS-1, began favorably for him with a question on the Indus Valley Civilization, a topic he had specifically prepared for due to its centenary.
However, he faced an unexpected question on Indian sculptures, which required him to adapt quickly. He also included quotes from historians in his answers, a detail that many aspirants often overlook.
Mathematics Optional: The High-Scoring Gamble
Choosing Mathematics as his optional subject proved to be a high-scoring gamble for Akshit. His dedication and strategic preparation paid off, culminating in his impressive AIR 12 ranking.
Conclusion
Akshit Bhardwaj’s journey to securing AIR 12 in the UPSC CSE 2025 is a testament to resilience, strategic planning, and the importance of adaptability in the face of challenges. His story serves as an inspiration for countless aspirants who dream of making a mark in public service.
Note: The journey to UPSC success is unique for every aspirant, and learning from the experiences of others can provide valuable insights and motivation.
