It appears that Vaibhav Suryavanshi is not the only achiever in his family. The under-19 cricketer's maternal uncle, Abhishek Chauhan, has also scaled great heights. Abhishek has successfully cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, securing an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 102.
From Cricket to Civil Services: A Family of Achievers
"Vaibhav is a star, I'm a public servant," Abhishek says with humility. Behind this modest statement lies an equally inspiring journey of clearing the UPSC exam in his second attempt. His achievement has brought pride to the family, which now boasts both a budding cricketer and a civil servant.
Abhishek Chauhan's UPSC Preparation Journey
In several interviews with local news outlets, Abhishek shared details of his preparation. Alongside self-study, he acknowledged the role of online courses in his success. He emphasized that having a support system during preparation is crucial.
Importance of Companionship During Preparation
Abhishek believes that having one or two people who understand the UPSC journey makes a significant difference. He says, "When you spend long hours studying, both you and the people around you eventually feel exhausted. At such times, talking to each other helps you feel refreshed and motivated again." He shared that throughout his journey, he had several companions who supported him, and he supported them in return.
Strategy for Different Stages of UPSC
Speaking about his preparation strategy, Abhishek explained that each stage of the examination requires a different approach. For the Prelims, he emphasized deeply analyzing previous years' question papers alongside regular studies and lessons. For the Mains, he focused on strengthening his optional subject and essay paper. For the Interview round, he stressed the importance of remaining natural, honest, and full of integrity. He revealed that many questions were asked from his academic background and subject areas. Interestingly, the interview panel even asked him questions related to cricket.
Advice for UPSC Aspirants
When asked to give one piece of advice to those starting their preparation, Abhishek said planning is essential. He recommends creating a daily or weekly study plan and sincerely trying to follow it. He also advises aspirants not to become overly fixated on the final result. "Don't be too fixated on the outcome. If you're studying every day, you'll get it. You have to detach yourself from the outcome sometimes," he said.
Abhishek believes in efforts over outcomes. "I consider myself very lucky," he says. "For me, I always believed that if I did things the right way, I would eventually get a good outcome." He continued with inspiring words, stating that even if he had not succeeded, it would have meant that luck wasn't on his side, not that he had fallen short in hard work or effort.
Family Reactions and Emotional Moments
Reflecting on his success, Abhishek said, "My family members had been waiting for this moment for a long time; they're happier than I am." He also spoke emotionally about his late father. "There is one sadness… if Baba (grandpa) were here, he would have been the happiest of all. It was his dream first," he said.
Abhishek Chauhan's journey from a supportive uncle to a UPSC topper is a testament to dedication, planning, and the power of a support system. His story continues to inspire many aspirants across the country.
