Tea Stall to IAS: Himanshu Gupta Cracked UPSC without Coaching

The trajectory in the life of IAS officer Himanshu Gupta, resembles the storyline of a Bollywood hit from modest origins to the esteemed position he holds. Born in Sitarganj, Uttarakhand’s Udhamsingh district, Himanshu grew up in a small town within Bareilly district. His father, once a laborer but later running a tea stall, faced challenges to sustain the family’s livelihood.

Despite the significant distance to his school, requiring a 70-kilometer round trip each day, Himanshu remained dedicated to his education. Upon returning home, he assisted his father at the tea stall. Financial struggles marked his upbringing, prompting him to augment the family’s income by offering tuition classes.

Despite these obstacles, Himanshu successfully completed his Class 10 and 12 education and earned admission to Hindu College, Delhi University. To contribute to his family’s financial stability, he assumed a role as a research scholar at a government college.

However, his ultimate aspiration remained to join the esteemed Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Driven by determination and without relying on expensive coaching, Himanshu embarked on intensive self-study. After three attempts, his persistence bore fruit when he secured AIR-139, attaining the prestigious position of an IAS officer.

Presently, Himanshu Gupta holds the position of the newly appointed Secretary of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), showcasing his unyielding spirit and steadfast commitment.