Every year, thousands of UPSC aspirants reach the interview stage believing that they are one step away from becoming civil servants. But for many, that last hurdle turns out to be the toughest.Deepak Baghel knows this feeling better than most.He made it twice to the UPSC Civil Services Personality Test, only to miss the final merit list both times. After investing years of hard work, two consecutive disappointments could have marked the end of his journey.Instead, they became the beginning of a new chapter.By changing the way he prepared, not just studying harder but studying smarter, Deepak secured 602 All India Rank (AIR) in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2025. However, even after achieving her dream of cracking one of India’s toughest exams, she says her journey is far from over. His next goal is to get a rank that will help him join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).His story is a reminder that success often belongs not to those who never fail, but to those who learn to respond to failure.
A childhood dream that took an unexpected turn
Deepak Baghel hails from the Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh. He completed his schooling in Gwalior before graduating from Jiwaji University.Interestingly, becoming a civil servant was never 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 stage, his future seemed directed towards a military career.However, circumstances changed and in 2022 he decided to prepare for the Civil Services exam.This decision would ultimately change his life.
Twice made it to the interview, but missing the final list
Many UPSC aspirants spend years trying to crack the preliminary exam.Deepak went much further.In his first attempt in 2023, he passed the preliminary exam, the main exam and passed the personality test. Despite being so close, he narrowly missed out on a place on the final merit list.The following year had an almost identical result.Once again, he made it to the interview stage.Once again, his name was missing from the final list.For many candidates, two consecutive disappointments in the last stage would have been enough to abandon the dream.Deepak chose a different path.
The change in strategy that transformed his preparation
Instead of simply increasing his study hours, Deepak decided to rethink his entire preparation strategy.Under the guidance of IPS officer Abhijeet Chaudhary, he analyzed what had gone wrong and identified areas that needed improvement.Instead of relying on complicated language or trying to impress examiners with technical jargon, he focused on clarity and authenticity.Reflecting on the change, Deepak said, “I simplified my preparation. I stopped using unnecessary jargon and focused on keeping my originality intact.”This change, he believes, made the biggest 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.Over time, his perspective changed.Preparing from Gwalior, he realized that location alone does not determine results.Consistency, disciplined preparation, conceptual clarity and self-confidence, he says, matter far more than the city from which one studies.His journey serves as an encouraging example for thousands of aspirants who are preparing from smaller towns in India.
AIR 602, but the journey continues
Deepak’s perseverance finally paid off when he scored AIR 602 in the UPSC 2025 Civil Services Examination.For many candidates, passing the exam itself represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.Deepak, however, continues to prepare with a bigger goal in mind: to get a rank that will allow him to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).His determination reflects the same mindset that has helped him bounce back from repeated setbacks.
His message to UPSC aspirants
When asked what keeps him motivated during such an unpredictable journey, Deepak offers a simple piece of advice:“Your ‘why’ should be really big because this journey is unpredictable.”His words resonate with countless aspirants who spend years preparing for an exam where success often depends as much on resilience as on knowledge.Deepak Baghel’s story proves that setbacks don’t necessarily mean the end of a dream. Sometimes, they offer a chance to take a break, improve, and come back stronger than before.For students preparing for exams, his journey offers an important lesson: failure is not always a verdict, it can also be valuable feedback. Those willing to learn, adapt, and persevere often find that success comes not because of their failures, but because of what they were taught.Exemption from liability: This article is based on public information, interviews and details shared by Deepak Baghel through public platforms and media reports. The article is for informational and inspirational purposes only.