Inspiring Journey of Raju Wagh: From Village Dreams to UPSC Success

Raju Wagh's Remarkable Transformation
Raju Wagh, who grew up in a small village in Nashik, Maharashtra, has an inspiring story that takes him from aspiring truck driver to becoming a CRPF officer and achieving an impressive All India Rank of 817 in the UPSC 2024 examination. In an exclusive interview, he shares insights about his upbringing, career shifts, experiences in Bastar, and the importance of belief, perseverance, and support systems.
Early Life and Education
Raju's educational journey began in his village, where he attended a Zila Parishad school from grades 1 to 4. He then moved to a nearby town for further schooling until the 8th grade. After successfully passing the Navodaya Vidyalaya entrance exam, he completed his schooling there. Following his 12th grade, he took the JEE Mains and secured a spot at NIT Nagpur.
Upon graduating with an engineering degree, Raju was hired by Coal India Limited as an Assistant Manager, where he worked for about four to five years. His interest in civil services was piqued after learning about the UPSC exams, leading him to attempt his first interview in 2018, though he was not selected. He also tried for the Indian Forest Services but did not qualify.
Life-Changing Experience in Bastar
Raju cleared the CRPF examination and was assigned to Bastar, where he underwent training in Gurugram. His time in Bastar was transformative, exposing him to the stark realities of Naxalism and the struggles of tribal communities. He led operations with a team of 150 personnel, witnessing firsthand the disconnect between these communities and mainstream India.
The conditions he encountered were shocking, with many tribal women lacking basic clothing. This motivated Raju and his team to provide assistance, fostering trust over two years by engaging with the locals and celebrating their culture.
Childhood Aspirations and Influences
Initially, Raju dreamed of becoming a truck driver, influenced by his humble beginnings. His mother was a homemaker, and his father worked as a primary school teacher in a tribal village. However, his perspective shifted dramatically after joining Navodaya Vidyalaya, where he interacted with high-achieving peers, inspiring him to pursue engineering.
Although he aimed for IIT, he ultimately enrolled in NIT, which broadened his horizons and helped him overcome shyness through cultural exchanges. His experience at Coal India felt monotonous, but witnessing a local doctor succeed in the UPSC motivated him to pursue civil services.
Challenges and Support Systems
Raju faced numerous challenges during his six attempts at the UPSC exam, especially while balancing a job. After marrying in 2023, he resumed his preparation to support his wife, who was also an aspirant. Despite her setbacks, Raju succeeded in qualifying for the interview.
His family, particularly his sister and wife, provided unwavering support throughout his journey, encouraging him during moments of doubt.
Overcoming Adversity
Raju experienced many harrowing moments, including witnessing the death of a comrade during an operation. Such experiences reinforced the emotional toll of his work, yet he learned to compartmentalize his feelings to maintain focus.
His role in the CRPF also allowed him to contribute to education and health initiatives in Bastar, highlighting the need for development in these areas to address the root causes of local issues.
Vision for the Future
If given the opportunity to serve in Bastar or similar regions, Raju aims to prioritize health and education, recognizing their critical role in community development. He believes that understanding and integrating with local cultures is essential for effective governance.
Raju's mantra for UPSC preparation is consistency, emphasizing that even a few hours of daily study can lead to success. He relied on online resources and created concise notes for revision, which proved invaluable during his preparation.
Final Thoughts and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Raju anticipates being assigned to the Indian Revenue Services but remains determined to continue his pursuit of civil services. On his days off, he enjoys yoga, meditation, and spending time in nature, reflecting his love for peace and tranquility.
In a heartfelt message to future UPSC aspirants, Raju encourages them to embrace failures as part of the journey, remain consistent, and learn from their mistakes to achieve their goals.