NLS Grad Avinash V Secures 31st Rank in UPSC Results
June 2, 2022
We are delighted and proud to share that Avinash V, NLS BA LLB 2020, secured an all India rank of 31 in the Civil Services Examination and bagged the top rank in Karnataka in his first attempt. The Union Public Service Commission announced the results of the 2021 examination this week. The 24-year-old alum is a gold medallist from NLSIU who received the Mrs. Madhu Bhasin Noble Student Award for Legal Aid Clinic.
Avinash joins a growing list of alumni who have joined the Civil Services and served with distinction. We spoke to Avinash to find out about his journey so far, and his plans for the future.
Please tell us about your background, and what inspired you to take up civil services.
I am from Davangere Karnataka. Prior to joining NLS, I completed my schooling and pre-university from Davan College in Davanagere. While my family has an established hotel business, joining the services was a way to distinguish myself through service to the nation. I was particularly inspired to join civil service during my internship at the Ministry of External Affairs during my fourth year of law school.
What was your reaction to the results? Did you expect such a high rank in the first attempt itself?
I was overjoyed! It is definitely a great feeling when your efforts bear fruit. As it was my first time writing this exam, I did not have a frame of reference to asses my performance. I could not have predicted this outcome. I am grateful that the results turned out the way it did.
Did the NLS experience contribute to this success?
Yes, definitely it did make a great difference. The Law optional paper was my strength during this exam; the strong foundation for the subject at law school made my preparation much easier. Furthermore, NLS had provided me with opportunities to do internships, moots, and research work that helped develop a well-rounded personality. This also aided me during the interview stage of the examination. The long list of seniors from NLS in the service definitely motivated me. Jeydev CS, who recently secured All India 5th rank in the civil services examination, was really a great inspiration for me to take this leap.
What are your next steps?
I am opting for the Indian Foreign Service, and the foundation course starts in Mussoorie next month. Doing good and honest service for the nation is my priority. I also wish to work in diverse areas, multilateral institutions, and in the Ministry in Delhi. My interest lies in foreign diplomacy and advocacy work. Working globally is a challenge and gives immense pleasure. Next year, India will host the G-20 summit. We hope to be present at the upcoming summit to put forth our ideas.
Would you like to pass on any tips that helped you during your preparation to your juniors/other UPSC aspirants?
For those who wish to write the exam, I suggest they develop a strong foundation in law at NLS. Do not hesitate to approach seniors for guidance. One should start preparing for papers such as Essay and Ethics during law school. Furthermore, reading newspapers everyday also helps with the preparation.