Dhanbad’s Ashish Akshat tops JPSC

Ankit Raj secures 19th rank despite adversities

Dhanbad/Koderma, July 25: The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) declared the results of its main examination on Friday, bringing pride and joy to families across the state. Among the top achievers was Ashish Akshat of Dhanbad, who secured the first rank in JPSC-2023. His success is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the power of determination, consistent effort, and family support.

Ashish, an alumnus of NIT Jamshedpur, chose to leave a stable private-sector job to pursue his dream of joining the Jharkhand Police Service. Inspired by his father, Subodh Kumar Srivastava, a retired inspector in Jharkhand Police, Ashish set his sights on a career in public service. “My father has been my mentor throughout the journey,” said Ashish, crediting his disciplined upbringing and family values for his success. His mother, Gayatri Devi, a homemaker, and elder brother Kumar Abhishek also played key roles in supporting his journey.

Having completed his schooling at Denobili School, Dhanbad, and his Plus Two from DAV Bokaro, Ashish cracked the AIEEE and pursued a B.Tech in Civil Engineering at NIT Jamshedpur. Post-graduation, he worked with several private companies but soon realized that his true calling lay in the civil services. He began preparing for UPSC and simultaneously appeared for JPSC exams. Though he had reached the interview stage in his previous attempt, it was in his second attempt that he achieved the top position.

Ashish emphasized the importance of consistent preparation, describing the JPSC syllabus as “stable” and manageable with regular effort. “Failures did come, but I never gave up,” he said. Even while working, he made time for his studies, sacrificing social events and weekends to focus on his goal. He credited DSP Vikas Kumar Srivastava for valuable interview guidance and drew inspiration from online motivational content like DSP’s Paathshala.

His preparation strategy included mock interviews, daily study routines, and joint discussions with his brother, who was also preparing for JPSC. Although his brother was not selected this time, their group study sessions and mutual support helped Ashish remain focused and confident. He dedicated his success to his parents, brother, and wife, stating that their belief in him kept him going through difficult phases.

Ankit Raj: Overcoming Personal Struggles to Secure 19th Rank

Another inspirational story comes from Koderma, where Ankit Raj achieved the 19th rank in JPSC-2023 despite facing numerous hardships. A native of Bhelwatand village in Domchanch block, Ankit lost his father in 2001 and was raised by his mother Sumitra Devi, with immense support from his uncle, elder aunt, and grandmother Phulwanti Devi. His grandmother’s dream of seeing him become a successful person became the driving force behind his tireless efforts.

Ankit’s educational journey was full of obstacles. From studying in Tilaiya during his early years to completing his tenth grade at Bhelwatand, he consistently displayed academic excellence. His performance in Class 10 earned him admission into Science College, Hazaribagh, where he scored 87.6% in Class 12 and secured the 10th position in the state.

To support his education financially, Ankit took up home tuitions while pursuing his studies. He later graduated in Physics Honors from St. Columbus College, Hazaribagh, and completed his postgraduate studies from Vinoba Bhave University. Tragedy struck again during his higher education, with the deaths of his grandmother and uncle, forcing him to sell family land to fund his studies.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Ankit returned home and began his JPSC preparation using free online resources and YouTube tutorials. He stayed disciplined by maintaining a daily log of study hours and mobile usage, which he shared with his mother to stay accountable. He avoided social media completely in the last three months before the exam, using app timers to limit distractions and stay focused.

Ankit says his routine and discipline were critical to his success. “Make a daily routine and stick to it. Inform your parents so that you remain accountable. Use your phone only in a positive and time-bound manner. Hard work never goes unrewarded,” he advised aspiring candidates.

He had also written BPSC Mains and UPSC Mains (twice), demonstrating his consistency and seriousness about public service. Ankit’s story is a shining example of perseverance under pressure, and his success has brought immense pride to his family and district.

JPSC 2023: A Testament to Grit and Determination

The stories of Ashish Akshat and Ankit Raj highlight the diverse paths to success in competitive exams. Whether it’s Ashish’s decision to leave a corporate career to serve the public or Ankit’s resilience amid personal loss and financial struggle, both have proven that determination and hard work remain the cornerstones of success.

As Jharkhand celebrates its newest batch of civil servants, these two young men stand as role models for aspiring candidates across the state. Their journeys not only reflect personal victories but also underscore the larger message — that with courage, discipline, and a strong support system, no dream is beyond reach.