Pratyush Pandey Ias //free\\ -

Pratyush has shared several insights for UPSC aspirants through his personal blog and interviews: Pratyush Pandey – Medium

: He stresses the importance of structured answer writing, particularly for "thinking papers" like Ethics and Sociology, where rote memorization is less effective.

In a career spanning nearly two decades in the UP cadre, Pandey has navigated the complex interplay of politics and administration. While generally maintaining a low-profile regarding controversies, his tenures have occasionally faced the standard challenges of bureaucratic life, such as frequent transfers typical of the UP cadre and pressure from political executives regarding transfers and postings. However, he has largely maintained a reputation for efficiency and adherence to rules.

He advocates for "thinking for oneself" rather than following clichéd strategies and suggests looking for simpler ways to tackle complex syllabus topics [20]. Public Perception and Mentorship

as his optional subject because he found it genuinely interesting and resource-accessible. A Strategy of One : He famously advised aspirants not to blindly follow anyone's strategy pratyush pandey ias

During his academic journey, he received prestigious scholarships and developed a keen interest in literature, eventually publishing two books. After a brief nine-month stint in the corporate sector, he shifted his absolute focus toward the civil services. UPSC Success Story and Strategy CSE 2019 / 2020 Batch All India Rank (AIR) Attempt Number First Attempt Optional Subject 1. The Sociology Optional Choice

Born into a milieu that prized education and public service, Pratyush’s formative years combined academic excellence with a deep curiosity about governance. Early internships and voluntary work exposed him to grassroots realities—sanitation drives, school reforms, and rural livelihood initiatives—seeding a conviction that systemic change requires both policy vision and patient execution.

His career includes roles as Assistant Secretary and Chief Development Officer (CDO) within the Uttar Pradesh administration .

Then, the report dropped.

"I’ll be there," Pratyush said.

He chose Sociology as his optional subject [25].

: Moving into engineering, he cracked the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) to join the prestigious IIT Kanpur , where he graduated with a B.Tech. in Civil Engineering (2013–2017) while maintaining a high GPA of 8.9/10.

His background in IIT/IIM helped him approach problems with a structured mindset, applying analytical skills to social and administrative issues. Pratyush has shared several insights for UPSC aspirants

Mental Health: Take small breaks, pursue a hobby, and don't let the exam consume your entire identity.

Disclaimer: Information regarding UPSC toppers is based on public records from the UPSC examination year 2019 and subsequent service allocations.

: His methodology is often described as analytical rather than rote. He developed a standardized answer structure to ensure speed and consistency during the Mains.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is widely considered one of the toughest examinations in the world. Every year, lakhs of aspirants compete for a few hundred positions, dreaming of becoming an IAS officer. Amidst this intense competition, a few individuals stand out, not just by securing a top rank, but by doing so in their very first attempt. However, he has largely maintained a reputation for

He also holds the charge for the Uttar Pradesh Diversified Agriculture Support Project (UP DASP) . This strategic role places him at the heart of the state's governance coordination and a vital agricultural development project.