NLS Grad Akshat Baldwa Cracks UPSC in his first attempt
March 23, 2026
We are happy to announce that NLS graduate Akshat Baldwa, BA LLB (Hons) 2025, has secured an All-India Rank of 173 in the Civil Services Examination 2025. This was his very first attempt. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the results of the 2025 examination on March 6, 2026.
Akshat joins a growing list of alumni who have joined the Civil Services and served with distinction. We spoke to Akshat to find out about his journey so far, and his plans for the future.
What motivated you to pursue the Civil Services?
Within the blind community, career options are often confined to a narrow band such as Group D positions or clerical roles in banks. I was clear that I did not want to remain within these conventional boundaries or become part of that pattern. I wanted to pursue a path that was both distinct and socially meaningful.
At the same time, I have always been inclined towards the advancement of marginalised sections. Civil Services appealed to me because it offers a rare combination of policy formulation and on-ground implementation. This ability to influence both the design and delivery of public policy made it a convincing choice.
How did your time at NLSIU shape your interest in public service or governance?
My time at NLSIU played a very important role in shaping my thinking. In constitutional law, we study the rights that every citizen is supposed to have, but in reality, many of these rights are not actually accessible. This gap between what the law promises and what people experience stayed with me. During my time there, I went to court to enforce accessibility standards in films through cases like Akshat Baldwa v. Yashraj Films and Akshat Baldwa v. Maddock Pictures. These cases did bring real change, which showed me that intervention can make a difference. At the same time, I felt that Civil Services would give me a much wider platform to work on such issues in a more sustained manner.
How did you approach preparation for the UPSC examination, and what kept you motivated during the process?
I began my preparation in the fifth year of law school, with very limited time at my disposal. As a result, I could not cover all standard textbooks in depth. I, therefore, focussed primarily on past years question papers and a lot of mock tests for the preliminary examination. Since my graduation and prelims were scheduled close together, I had almost no time to prepare for mains in advance. After the prelims result, I had approximately seventy days to prepare for mains. During this period, structured answer writing in a peer group proved particularly effective. I followed the similar approach for the interview stage, where a group of 5 of us conducted mock interviews for one another.
In terms of motivation, the circumstances were quite immediate. I had turned twenty-five and, despite graduating from NLSIU, did not have employment as I had chosen not to sit for Day Zero placements. It was like a gamble, and I felt a strong need to secure a livelihood and support my family. This urgency sustained my effort. At the same time, Civil Services had been my aspiration since Class 11, and I had consciously foregone other opportunities for it. That sense of commitment provided continuity during difficult phases.
What advice would you offer to current NLSIU students or alumni aspiring to appear for the Civil Services?
To current students: do not let the myth that UPSC is incompatible with college life become a self-fulfilling prophecy. I prepared during my fifth year and cleared it. If I could do it, there is no reason others cannot. It is demanding, yes, and requires disciplined time management, but it is entirely doable without waiting for graduation.
To alumni considering the UPSC path: enter this journey with open eyes. Understand the exigencies of this examination before you commit — failure is not an aberration here, it is the statistically likely outcome. You must have a cogent backup plan and, equally importantly, a clear sense of how long you are willing to remain in the exam cycle. That self-awareness will save you from unnecessary anguish. And if any guidance would be helpful along the way, I am always available.
Looking ahead, what areas of public service are you most keen to contribute to?
I would like to work in areas that do not always get enough attention. Issues related to persons with disabilities are very close to me. I have seen firsthand how people with disabilities are routinely left out of systems that were never designed with them in mind. That’s something I’d like to change, wherever the opportunity presents itself. I am also interested in working for slum dwellers and other marginalized groups who often get left out of mainstream development. Beyond that, I’m open, this country has no shortage of places where committed public service can make a difference.