Ishu Agrawal, a remarkable individual who cleared the challenging UPSC exam while working as a chartered accountant, stands as a true motivation for those preparing for the UPSC mains exam in 2023.
The UPSC exam, considered one of India’s toughest tests, attracted millions of applications from candidates spanning various fields such as engineering, banking, and other professions. Ishu Agrawal’s accomplishment shines brightly due to his simultaneous success as a chartered accountant while passing the UPSC exam. His tale continues to inspire those gearing up for the upcoming UPSC mains exam later this year.
Meet Ishu Agrawal – From Dhamtari to UPSC Success
Ishu Agrawal was born and brought up in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, where he completed his education before venturing to Nagpur to pursue a career in chartered accountancy. Graduating with a Commerce degree in 2014, he embarked on the path of becoming a chartered accountant. In 2018, he became a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, triumphing in his first attempt at the Chartered Accountancy (CA) exam. He promptly commenced his professional journey.
In 2019, he took on the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). While he came close, he narrowly missed the mark to clear the main examination. This setback was unexpected for Ishu, who had consistently been a top-performing student since his 12th grade. Undeterred, he retook the CSE, and in 2021, while continuing his work as a chartered accountant, he secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 81.
Balancing Paths: CA Practice and UPSC Preparation
Ishu Agrawal contemplates the possibility of continuing his chartered accountancy practice, considering his four-year commitment to CA studies. Despite enjoying a substantial monthly income, he attributes his current achievements to his unwavering self-confidence.
“Discover Your Optimal Study Times,” Advises Agrawal According to Agrawal, finding the most suitable study times is essential. Each individual’s schedule will vary based on their personal preferences. Some aspirants might tackle the majority of their studies early in the morning, while others may find the evening more productive. Agrawal also emphasizes the significance of understanding the exam format, the importance of specific subjects and allocating appropriate study time for each subject.
Overcoming Challenges: A Source of Inspiration
Agrawal highlights that candidates from smaller towns often grapple with competing against peers from prestigious private schools in metropolitan areas like Mumbai and Delhi. His triumphs serve as a beacon of inspiration for those aiming to achieve against all odds.
