Every year, thousands of UPSC aspirants reach the interview stage believing that they are about to become civil servants. But for many people, this last problem is the most difficult.Deepak Baghel knows how to feel better than most.He appeared in the UPSC Civil Services Personality Test twice, missing the regular final list. After years of hard work, two consecutive disappointments would mark the end of his journey.Instead, they became the beginning of a new chapter.By changing his preparation style, not just studying hard but studying intelligently – Deepak got All India Rank (AIR) 602 in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. However, despite achieving his dream of clearing one of India’s toughest exams, he says his journey is far from over. His next goal is to find a position that will enable him to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).His story is a reminder that success is usually not for those who never fail, but for those who learn how to deal with failure.
A childhood dream that took an unexpected turn
Deepak Baghel hails from the Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh. He completed his education in Gwalior before graduating from Jiwaji University.Interestingly, becoming a civil servant was not his childhood ambition.After completing Class 12, he successfully cleared the Services Selection Board (SSB) and was on his way to join the Indian Navy. At that time, his future seemed to be going to the army.However, things changed, and in 2022, they decided to prepare for the Civil Services Examination instead.This would change his life.
Making it to the interview twice—but missing out on the final list
Many UPSC aspirants spend years trying to qualify the Preliminary Exam.Deepak went a step further.In his first attempt in 2023, he cleared the Preliminary Exam, Main Exam and reached the Personality Test. Despite coming so close, he narrowly missed out on a place on the final list.The following year brought almost the same results.Again, he came to the interview stage.Again, his name did not appear in the final list.For many candidates, two consecutive disappointments in the final would have been enough to give up on the dream.Deepak chose another option.
A change in strategy that changed his preparation
Instead of increasing his reading hours, Deepak decided to rethink his entire preparation process.Led by IPS officer Abhijeet Chaudhary, they analyzed what went wrong and identified areas that needed improvement.Instead of relying on difficult language or trying to impress the examiners with fancy words, he focused on clarity and precision.Reflecting on the change, Deepak said: “I simplified my preparation.This change, he believes, made a big difference in his performance.
Success does not depend on studying in Delhi
Like many UPSC aspirants, Deepak initially wondered if moving to Delhi would improve his chances of success.After some time, his opinion changed.Planning from Gwalior, he realized that the location alone does not show results.Consistency, strategic planning, clarity of thought and self-confidence, he says, are more important than the city one studies in.His journey is an inspiring example for thousands of aspirants from small towns across India.
AIR 602—but the journey continues
Deepak’s perseverance finally paid off when he scored an AIR 602 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025.For many candidates, clearing the exam represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.Deepak, however, continues to prepare with a major goal in mind – to find a position that will enable him to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).His determination reflects the same mindset that helped him bounce back from repeated setbacks.
His message to UPSC aspirants
When asked what keeps him motivated on such an unexpected journey, Deepak offers some simple advice:Your “why” should be a big one because this journey is so unpredictable.His words also apply to many test aspirants who spend years preparing for exams that often depend on courage and knowledge to succeed.Deepak Baghel’s story shows that obstacles do not mean the end of dreams. Sometimes, they give you a chance to rest, improve and come back stronger than before.For students preparing for competitive exams, his journey offers an important lesson: failure is not always a decision—it can also be a valuable response. Those who are willing to learn, adapt and persevere often find that success comes not because of their failures, but because of what those failures taught them.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information, interviews and information shared by Deepak Baghel through official platforms and media reports. This article is for informational and motivational purposes only.