Cracking UPSC exam is a dream of almost all the students since childhood. Libraries in cities and villages are filled with students preparing for civil services exams, but not many of them clear preliminary exams despite several attempts, let alone crack the Mains. But, Saurabh Yewale, an ambitious boy from the city, not only qualified for UPSC Mains, but also passed with All India Rank 669, all in his very first attempt, a rare feat indeed. A student of Shivaji Science College, Saurabh is son of Ramesh Yewale, Additional Comptroller to the Governor, and Madhuri Yewale. When he cleared his JEE exam in 2018, he had an option of taking admission in any good stream of VNIT in Nagpur, but his ambition of becoming a civil servant took him to Delhi, where he pursued his Engineering in Mechanical branch from Delhi NIT.

 

He started preparing for UPSC exam in 2023 and appeared for the exam in 2024. He not only cleared preliminary exams, but also cleared for Mains, and then got selected for civil services after successful completion of interviews. Saurabh Yewale said that, “Only having a dream is not enough for clearing the UPSC exams, but it also needs dedication, determination, and consistency.” While sharing his journey of last one year, he said, “ My day started at 4 am with Yoga and then I studied for 10 - 12 hours everyday. Keeping myself healthy and focused for such long period of time was a challenge, but it was necessary for success.”

 

Saurabh Yewale credited his success to consistent guidance of his father, and care and support of his mother. He also acknowledged the guidance he received from several top bureaucrats. “I also benefited from personal guidance from senior administrative officials like Vikaschandra Rastogi, Radhika Rastogi, Pravin Darade, Pallavi Darade, Vijayalakshmi Bidari, Dr Vipin Itankar, Dr Madhavi Khode-Chavre, Vinayak Mahanuni, and also Pramod Lakhe, Director of pre-IAS Coaching Center.” Eventhough, he has cleared the UPSC exams, he is not satisfied as yet. “I am going to try again and get into top 100 next time,” declared Saurabh Yewale.