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.

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What motivated you to pursue the Civil Services?

My motivation to pursue the Civil Services grew from a desire to contribute meaningfully to society through public institutions. While studying law, I became increasingly aware of how governance decisions shape people’s everyday lives, from access to justice and welfare schemes to the functioning of local administration.

I realised that while law provides the framework for rights and accountability, effective public administration is essential to translate these principles into reality on the ground. The Civil Services offers a unique platform where one can work at the intersection of policy formulation and implementation while directly engaging with communities. What appealed to me most was the opportunity to address complex social challenges in a practical way and contribute to inclusive development.

How did your time at NLSIU shape your interest in public service or governance?

My time at NLSIU played a significant role in shaping my interest in public service and governance. The academic environment at NLS encourages critical thinking, engagement with public issues, and an interdisciplinary understanding of law and society. Through classroom discussions, projects and debates with peers, I was able to examine governance challenges from multiple perspectives — legal, social, and institutional. This exposure helped me appreciate the role of institutions in safeguarding rights and promoting development.

Are there any experiences, courses, or mentors at NLSIU that influenced your journey?

Several experiences at NLS contributed to shaping my perspective on public service. Courses related to constitutional law, governance, and public policy helped me understand the institutional framework through which rights and welfare are delivered in a democracy.

I remember studying in classes such as Law Poverty and Development – how legal coding shapes the structure of society and if implemented well, it is transformative. Many electives such as Reading the Nation, courses on themes of law and social justice, climate change etc. further strengthened my interest. Therefore, I am grateful for those experiences at NLS in helping me choose this path.

How did you approach preparation for the UPSC examination, and what kept you motivated during the process?

My approach to UPSC preparation focussed on building conceptual clarity, maintaining consistency, and regularly evaluating my progress. I began by carefully understanding the syllabus and focussing on standard sources to build a strong foundation, which I began in my 5th year properly. Alongside reading, I made it a priority to practice answer writing regularly and stay updated with current affairs, since the examination requires both analytical thinking and the ability to express ideas clearly. Revision was an important component of my preparation strategy, as it helped consolidate information over time.

What kept me motivated during the process was the larger purpose behind the examination i.e., the opportunity to contribute to public service. At the same time, the support of family, mentors, and friends helped me remain resilient during challenging phases of preparation. Viewing the journey as a process of learning and personal growth also helped maintain perspective and sustain motivation.

What advice would you offer to current NLSIU students or alumni aspiring to appear for the Civil Services?

For NLS students or alumni aspiring to join the Civil Services, the key is to approach preparation with clarity, discipline, and patience. The analytical and reading skills developed at NLS are strong assets for the UPSC exam; the focus should be on understanding the syllabus well, building conceptual clarity, practicing answer writing, and regularly revising while staying engaged with current affairs.

Maintaining balance and mental well-being during the process is equally important. Ultimately, the goal should not only be to clear the examination but also to cultivate a genuine commitment to public service.

Looking ahead, what areas of public service are you most keen to contribute to?

Looking ahead, I am particularly interested in strengthening the connection between governance and citizens’ everyday experiences. Improving access to public services, ensuring effective implementation of welfare policies, and enhancing transparency in administration are areas where governance can significantly improve people’s quality of life.

I am especially keen on exploring how technology, including AI-driven tools, can make public systems more accessible and efficient, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Given my background in law, issues related to access to justice, regulatory frameworks, and institutional accountability are of special interest to me, especially in advancing accessibility for persons with disabilities.

I would also like to focus on initiatives that address the needs of elderly citizens and women by strengthening inclusive service delivery. Ultimately, my goal is to work with integrity and empathy while contributing to governance systems that are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to citizens’ needs.

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