Hailing from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, Karamveer Narwaniya’s inspiring journey from a small town to securing a position in the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) is a testament to his resilience and strategic approach. Armed with an electrical engineering degree from NIT Kurukshetra, Karamveer set his sights on the UPSC Civil Services after graduation in 2020, driven by his desire to serve the nation and bridge the gap between the government and the common people in his hometown.
The Early Struggles and Shift to UPSC
Originally aspiring to join the Indian Army, Karamveer faced challenges in his attempts, eventually turning his focus toward the UPSC examination. However, his journey was not smooth. While he excelled in the General Studies section, the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) became a significant hurdle, preventing him from clearing the prelims in his first two attempts.
Overcoming Setbacks: The CSAT Hurdle
The CSAT paper, which tests candidates’ analytical, reasoning, and aptitude skills, requires only 33% to qualify. Despite his engineering background, Karamveer struggled with this section. In his first attempt, he missed the cut by just three marks, and in the second, the gap widened to nine marks. Coming from a middle-income family, where his father’s Army pension was the main source of income, Karamveer faced immense pressure to succeed.
Despite these challenges, he remained determined, learning from his past mistakes. In his initial attempts, Karamveer had relied heavily on his Math and Logical Reasoning skills, neglecting the English comprehension section. Recognizing this flaw, he adjusted his strategy in his third attempt, giving equal importance to all three components of the CSAT.
Strategic Shift and Success in the Third Attempt
Karamveer’s breakthrough came when he decided to analyze the last 10 years’ question papers and their answer keys. This deep analysis helped him understand the exam’s nuances and allowed him to focus on the areas where he had previously faltered. He dedicated three hours daily over three months to work on his weaknesses, particularly in the comprehension section. He also supplemented his preparation by referring to CAT (Common Admission Test) materials, which helped him tackle tricky math problems and logical reasoning challenges.
This holistic approach paid off, and in his third attempt in 2023, Karamveer not only cleared the UPSC prelims but also secured a commendable rank of 954 in the IRMS category.
Lessons in Perseverance and Adaptability
Karamveer’s journey highlights the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and strategic planning in overcoming challenges. His story is a reminder that success in the UPSC examination requires more than just academic knowledge—it demands a thorough understanding of the exam’s requirements and a willingness to adapt and improve with each attempt.
Today, Karamveer’s success stands as a powerful example for UPSC aspirants, proving that setbacks can be stepping stones to achieving one’s dreams with the right mindset and dedication.
