Cracked UPSC with AI: How a small-town boy used technology to become IAS officer with AIR 19

IAS Vibhor Bhardwaj

What if you had a personal tutor available 24/7, one that could conduct mock interviews anytime you wanted? For most UPSC aspirants, this sounds like a dream. But for IAS Vibhor Bhardwaj, it became a reality thanks to Artificial Intelligence (AI).

His story proves that in the modern age, clearing one of the world's toughest exams isn't just about hard work, it's about working smart with the tools available to you.

Vibhor Bhardwaj is not from a big city. He comes from Uttarawali, a small village in Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh. After completing his MSc in Physics from Delhi University, he set his sights on the UPSC Civil Services Exam. Like many, he relied on a strong foundation of self-study and online coaching.

He chose Physics as his optional subject and created a powerful strategy. He covered the entire UPSC Mains syllabus in just seven months by focusing on previous years' question papers, daily current affairs, and regular mock tests.

But his real secret weapon was how he used technology. While everyone studies from books and online videos, Vibhor took a bold step forward. He started using AI tools, like Google's Gemini, to supercharge his preparation, especially for the personality test (the interview).

He used the AI chatbot to conduct realistic mock interviews. The AI would ask him a wide range of questions, just like a real interview panel. After each session, he could analyze his answers. This helped him identify where he was weak and which topics needed more work.

Unlike a coaching class with fixed timings, his AI "teacher" was available anytime he needed to practice. This innovative method gave him a unique edge. He entered his actual UPSC interview not with fear, but with the confidence of someone who had already faced hundreds of questions.

His smart strategy paid off brilliantly. In his first attempt in 2022, he secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 743. While this was a great achievement, he was determined to become an IAS officer.

He persisted, refining his methods and leaning even more on his AI-powered preparation. In his next attempt in 2024, he achieved an incredible AIR 19, finally realizing his dream of joining the Indian Administrative Service.

Vibhor's story is an inspiration, reminding us that the future of UPSC preparation is here. It's a blend of traditional dedication and modern innovation. If a village boy from Bulandshahr can use AI to become an IAS officer, so can you. All it takes is the courage to embrace a new way of learning.