Kanishak Kataria, an inspiring figure in the Indian Civil Services Examination (CSE) landscape, gained widespread recognition when he topped the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam in 2018. His success story captivated many due to his dedication, background in technology, and unconventional approach to the UPSC preparation. In this article, we’ll explore Kanishak Kataria’s age, his journey, his family life, and the strategies he used to excel in one of India’s toughest exams.
Kanishak Kataria’s Age
As of 2024, Kanishak Kataria is 31 years old. Born in 1993, he has accomplished a great deal at a young age, becoming a role model for aspiring civil servants in India. Despite his early successes in the technology and engineering fields, Kanishak chose a career in the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) to contribute to the country’s governance.
Biography of Kanishak Kataria
Kanishak hails from Jaipur, Rajasthan, and was known as an academically gifted student throughout his schooling years. He completed his higher education at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-Bombay), where he pursued a degree in Computer Science. After graduating, Kanishak worked for some time in South Korea, gaining experience as a data scientist. However, he eventually shifted gears and returned to India with a renewed focus on preparing for the UPSC CSE, a decision that would soon change his life and career trajectory.
Academic Background
Kanishak Kataria’s academic journey is marked by consistent excellence. During his school years, he was a top-ranked student and actively participated in various academic competitions. His performance in the IIT-JEE exams was also impressive, securing him a place at one of India’s premier engineering institutes.
The decision to Join the Civil Services
Despite a promising career in the tech industry, Kanishak was driven by a desire to serve the public and make an impact in the field of governance. His decision to appear for the UPSC exam was motivated by a long-standing interest in contributing to India’s socio-political landscape. Kanishak’s background in data science and his technical knowledge gave him a unique perspective, which he applied to his studies for the UPSC exams.
Kanishak Kataria’s Wife
Kanishak Kataria is married to Sonal Chouhan, a software engineer who shares a similar academic and professional background. The couple has been known for their supportive relationship, which played a significant role during Kanishak’s preparation phase. Sonal provided encouragement and support that helped Kanishak stay motivated and focused throughout his rigorous UPSC preparation journey. They serve as an example of a modern partnership, balancing personal aspirations with shared goals.
Kanishak Kataria’s Marksheet and Performance
Kanishak’s UPSC result was nothing short of exceptional. He secured the highest position in the 2018 UPSC CSE exam, scoring an impressive total that highlighted his dedication, discipline, and effective strategy.
Detailed Analysis of Kanishak Kataria’s Marks
His UPSC mark sheet reveals that he performed consistently across all subjects, reflecting his well-rounded preparation strategy. His optional subject was Mathematics, which aligned well with his background in engineering and data science.
Kanishak’s marksheet inspired many aspirants to pursue mathematics as an optional subject, seeing the advantage it can offer for those with a technical background. His impressive scores set a benchmark for other candidates, especially those from non-human backgrounds.
Kanishak Kataria’s Coaching Strategy
One of the most frequently asked questions about Kanishak Kataria’s success is related to the coaching he attended. Kanishak attributed a significant portion of his preparation to self-study but also relied on selective coaching to strengthen certain areas.
Coaching Institutes Attended by Kanishak Kataria
Kanishak enrolled in selective coaching programs for certain subjects that required specialized guidance, particularly for General Studies. However, he maintained a balanced approach by combining online resources, test series, and mock exams with traditional coaching. His coaching was primarily focused on developing his writing skills and answer presentation techniques, which are crucial in the UPSC Mains examination.
Self-Study and Online Resources
Apart from attending coaching classes, Kanishak extensively used online resources and self-study techniques. His preparation strategy was known for its emphasis on organized time management and a systematic approach to covering the syllabus. He frequently referred to government publications, online lecture series, and current affairs sources to stay updated.
Tips from Kanishak Kataria’s UPSC Preparation
Based on his preparation journey, here are a few tips inspired by Kanishak Kataria’s approach:
- Choose an Optional Subject Strategically: Kanishak selected mathematics as his optional subject, leveraging his engineering background to excel in the UPSC Mains examination. Choosing a subject that aligns with one’s strengths can be advantageous.
- Prioritize Answer Writing: Kanishak emphasized practicing answer writing regularly. Structured, concise, and well-articulated answers are essential to score well in the Mains.
- Balance Coaching and Self-Study: Kanishak’s preparation involved a mix of self-study and coaching. He believes that coaching can be valuable, but self-study is crucial for in-depth understanding.
- Stay Consistent with Current Affairs: Kanishak followed current affairs daily and supplemented his knowledge by reading government reports, economic surveys, and online resources.
- Take Mock Tests Seriously: Practicing with mock tests was a significant part of Kanishak’s preparation. He took these tests under exam conditions to improve his time management and question interpretation skills.
Final Words on Kanishak Kataria’s Journey
Kanishak Kataria’s story continues to inspire countless aspirants across India, especially those from technical backgrounds considering civil services. His journey exemplifies dedication, discipline, and strategic thinking. From his time at IIT-Bombay to his decision to serve the nation, every step in Kanishak’s life has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a desire to make a meaningful impact.
For future UPSC aspirants, Kanishak Kataria’s success story offers valuable insights and inspiration, proving that with the right combination of hard work, strategy, and self-belief, it is possible to achieve remarkable success in one of India’s most challenging examinations.
