Nagpur’s Sameer Khode: Journey to Becoming Maharashtra Topper in UPSC Civil Services Exam 2023

Civil Services Exam 2023 | UPSC Maharashtra topper: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the results of the Civil Services Examination on April 17, 2024. Among the achievers, Sameer Prakash Khode emerged as the top scorer from Maharashtra, securing an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 42. Let’s delve into his journey, aspirations, and the challenges he overcame to achieve this remarkable feat.

Maharashtra’s Representation in UPSC

In the vast pool of candidates, Maharashtra accounted for 8.6%, reflecting the state’s active participation in the prestigious UPSC exams.

Sameer Khode’s Achievement

Sameer Khode’s stellar performance positioned him as Maharashtra’s shining star in the UPSC Civil Services Exam of 2023. His outstanding AIR 42 is a testament to his dedication and perseverance.

Background and Education

Hailing from Nagpur, Maharashtra, Sameer Khode pursued Chemical Engineering at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) and furthered his academic journey with an MBA from IIM Lucknow. His educational background laid a robust foundation for his future endeavors.

Professional Journey

Before embarking on his civil services journey, Khode contributed his skills to the corporate sector for seven years. His stint at the Indian Railway Service in Raipur showcased his commitment to public service.

Khode’s Motivation and Preparation

In an interview with The Free Press Journal, Khode revealed his initial aspiration to become an IAS officer, driven by the desire to make a significant societal impact. Despite challenges, including multiple attempts, Khode remained steadfast in his pursuit. He credited his younger brother and close friend, Shubham Bhaisare, an IAS officer, for their unwavering support and motivation.

Preparation Strategy

Khode emphasized consistency, focus, and adherence to the syllabus as pillars of his preparation strategy. His meticulous approach included staying abreast of current affairs, which proved instrumental in his success.

UPSC CSE 2023 Highlights (UPSC Maharashtra topper)

The UPSC CSE 2023 witnessed notable achievements, with Aditya Srivastava securing AIR 1, followed by Animesh Pradhan at AIR 2, and Donuru Ananya Reddy at AIR 3. Out of 5,92,141 candidates, only 2,855 qualified for the interview stage, showcasing the exam’s rigorous selection process.

Sameer Khode’s journey from Nagpur to securing AIR 42 in the UPSC Civil Services Exam is a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to public service. His success story serves as an inspiration for aspirants across the nation.

1. How many attempts did Sameer Khode make before securing AIR 42?
   • Sameer Khode attempted the UPSC exam five times before achieving his remarkable success.
2. What role did education play in Sameer Khode’s journey?
   • Sameer Khode’s academic background in Chemical Engineering and MBA provided him with a strong foundation for his civil services preparation.
3. Who supported Sameer Khode during his preparation journey?
   • Sameer Khode credited his younger brother and close friend, Shubham Bhaisare, for their unwavering support and motivation.
4. What was Sameer Khode’s motivation to pursue civil services?
   • Sameer Khode aspired to become an IAS officer to make a broader societal impact through public service.
5. How did Sameer Khode approach his UPSC preparation?
   • Sameer Khode focused on consistency, adherence to the syllabus, and staying updated on current affairs as key aspects of his preparation strategy.