Aakash Garg, AIR 5 UPSC CSE 2024- A Techie’s Triumph Through Consistency, Strategy & Social Insight. Read here to know more about the top-ranked Delhiite.
At ClearIAS, we believe every UPSC success story holds lessons for thousands of future aspirants.
One inspiring journey is that of Aakash Garg, who secured All India Rank 5 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024.
A Delhi native with a tech background, Aakash’s journey is a testament to dedication, discipline, and determination.
Who is Aakash Garg?
Hailing from Rohini, North West Delhi, Aakash studied at CRPF Public School (Class of 2018) and completed his B.Tech in Computer Science from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (2022).
While many of his peers were headed for tech careers, Aakash had different plans—to integrate technology into governance and make a real impact.
UPSC Journey: Two Attempts
- 2023: First Attempt – Reached Mains but didn’t qualify.
- 2024: Second Attempt – AIR 5 in Final Results.
What changed? According to Aakash Garg, it was strategic preparation, a structured routine, and most importantly, consistency.
“It’s not just about studying more. It’s about studying smart and staying balanced,” Aakash shared.
Why Sociology? Blending Science with Social Understanding
Despite his engineering background, Aakash chose Sociology as his optional subject. His goal was clear: to understand society at a deeper level, to serve it better.
With a strong technical background, Aakash sees India’s administrative future being shaped by technology integration.
“It’s all about e-governance and the rise of Artificial Intelligence,” he says.
“Emerging technologies like quantum computing and robotics will play a vital role in governance.”
This is a powerful lesson for aspirants: Your optional subject should align with your interests and vision, not just your academic background.
Aakash Garg’s UPSC Strategy: Key Takeaways
- Regular Revisions – He ensured complete coverage of the syllabus with multiple rounds of revision.
- Mock Tests & Answer Writing – Daily practice to sharpen analytical skills and structure answers better.
- Physical Exercise & Mental Health – Maintaining clarity of mind through balance and breaks.
- Mentorship & Peer Discussions – Valuable for feedback, motivation, and staying grounded.
Lessons from Aakash Garg for Every Aspirant
Despite his focused schedule, Aakash ensured that he didn’t burn out. He made time for movies and web series, using entertainment as a way to unwind and rejuvenate.
His success shows that balance is not a luxury—it’s a necessity during UPSC preparation.
- Consistency is king – Build daily habits, not just high-intensity sessions.
- Strategic preparation wins – Know what to study, how to revise, and when to reflect.
- Don’t fear failure – The first attempt isn’t the end. Learn. Adapt. Come back stronger.
- Let your background enhance your vision – Bring your unique perspective into the preparation and the service.
Final thoughts
Aakash Garg’s climb to AIR 5 in just his second attempt proves that with the right mindset and a resilient routine, success in UPSC is well within reach.
His journey from an engineering graduate to a top-ranked civil services candidate is the blueprint of smart, modern preparation.
At ClearIAS, we take pride in helping aspirants build their own success stories—stories like Aakash’s.
UPSC 2024 Overview – Key Stats
- Total Candidates Recommended: 1009
- Appeared for Prelims: 5.8 lakh+
- Qualified for Mains: 14,627
- Faced Personality Test: 2,845
- Men Selected: 725
- Women Selected: 284
- PwD Representation: 45 candidates
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