Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Dec 23: For Dr Shreyak Garg, cracking the Civil Services Examination was never just about rank or recognition—it was about responsibility. Securing an outstanding All India Rank 35 this year, he turned years of quiet determination into a moment of pride, fulfilling a personal ambition and a long-held dream of his father to see him serve the nation through the civil services.
An academically driven child, Shreyak completed his schooling at Janki Das School before earning his MBBS degree from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra. It was during his internship in 2022 that his perspective shifted. Witnessing the stark lack of healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, he realised that lasting change demanded more than clinical treatment. Policy, administration and preventive systems, he felt, were equally vital—and this realisation led him to the UPSC path.
His preparation was rooted in discipline rather than exhaustion. Shreyak followed a steady routine of six to nine hours of focused study each day, complemented by physical activity such as running, badminton and cricket. Adequate rest—six to eight hours of sleep—was non-negotiable for him, as he believed mental clarity and physical well-being were key to sustained performance. He chose Medical Science as his optional subject, leveraging his academic background to build confidence.
The interview stage, he recalls, was both challenging and enriching. Questions ranged from international relations involving India-Pakistan and Afghanistan to healthcare-based scenarios, testing not only his knowledge but also his ability to think critically and express balanced opinions.
Behind his success stood unwavering family support. His father, a professor, provided academic guidance, while his mother, Sandhya, remained his emotional anchor throughout the journey. A voracious reader since childhood, Shreyak credits his upbringing for nurturing curiosity rather than suppressing it.
Describing the Mains examination as the most demanding phase, he draws inspiration from the Olympic Games that coincided with his preparation, motivating him to push his limits. His message to aspirants is simple yet powerful: stay honest with your efforts, avoid distractions, and focus on becoming a better version of yourself every single day.