Divyanshu Nigam, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, is a name synonymous with perseverance, dedication, and an inspiring success story. Securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 44 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2020, Divyanshu has emerged as a beacon of hope for aspirants across India. Hailing from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, his journey to becoming an IAS officer is marked by personal tragedy, academic excellence, and an unwavering commitment to public service.
Early Life and Background
Divyanshu Nigam was born and raised in Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, a region known for producing numerous civil servants who have shaped India’s bureaucracy. His father, SK Nigam, was a respected Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, whose influence played a pivotal role in shaping Divyanshu’s career aspirations. Growing up in a family with a legacy of public service, Divyanshu was exposed to the values of discipline, integrity, and societal responsibility from an early age.
His early education took place in prestigious institutions. He completed his 10th-grade education at St. Mary’s School in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, where he demonstrated academic promise. For his 12th-grade studies, he attended Delhi Public School (DPS) in Kalyanpur, Kanpur, excelling in his board examinations. These foundational years laid the groundwork for his future academic and professional achievements, instilling in him a strong work ethic and a passion for learning.
Academic Journey: From BITS Pilani to UPSC
After completing his schooling, Divyanshu aimed to pursue engineering, a common ambition among India’s brightest students. He attempted the IIT JEE examination but fell short of securing admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology. Undeterred, he enrolled at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Goa Campus, one of India’s premier engineering institutions. There, he pursued a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Chemical Engineering, graduating with a solid technical foundation and a broadened perspective on problem-solving and innovation.
While at BITS Pilani, Divyanshu’s interests began to shift. Inspired by his father’s career in the civil services and encouraged by his cousin, an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, he contemplated a path beyond the corporate world. His father, SK Nigam, urged him to prioritize UPSC preparation over a conventional engineering job, believing that Divyanshu’s intellect and determination were suited for a career in public administration. This advice proved to be a turning point, prompting Divyanshu to embark on his UPSC journey during his final year at BITS Pilani.
UPSC Journey: Overcoming Challenges
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is widely regarded as one of the toughest competitive exams in the world, testing candidates on a vast syllabus and requiring exceptional mental fortitude. Divyanshu Nigam’s path to becoming an IAS officer was not without its hurdles, reflecting the resilience that defines his character.
First Attempt (2018): A Learning Experience
In his first attempt in 2018, Divyanshu faced disappointment. Despite his efforts, he could not clear the preliminary stage, a common setback for many first-time aspirants. Rather than being discouraged, he treated this failure as a learning opportunity, analyzing his weaknesses and refining his preparation strategy.
Second Attempt (2019): Close but Not Enough
His second attempt in 2019 showed significant improvement. Divyanshu cleared the UPSC Prelims and performed well in the Mains examination. However, he narrowly missed the final cut-off, falling short of qualifying for the interview stage. This near-success fueled his determination to succeed in his next attempt, reinforcing his belief in persistence and hard work.
Third Attempt (2020): Triumph Amidst Tragedy
Divyanshu’s third attempt in 2020 was a defining moment in his life, both professionally and personally. As he prepared for the UPSC CSE 2020 interview, tragedy struck. In June 2020, his father, SK Nigam, succumbed to COVID-19 after a battle with the illness at SGPGI Hospital in Lucknow. The loss was devastating, especially as Divyanshu had viewed his father as his idol and primary motivator. Despite this emotional setback, he chose to channel his grief into strength, determined to honor his father’s legacy by achieving his IAS dream.
Two months later, in August 2020, Divyanshu appeared for the UPSC interview with renewed resolve. His composure, clarity of thought, and dedication shone through, impressing the panel. When the results were declared on September 24, 2021, Divyanshu Nigam secured an All India Rank of 44, earning his place in the Indian Administrative Service. His success story, marked by overcoming personal loss and repeated attempts, became an inspiration for UPSC aspirants nationwide.
Training and Career as an IAS Officer
Following his selection, Divyanshu Nigam joined the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie as an IAS officer trainee in 2021. LBSNAA is the premier training institute for India’s civil servants, where officers undergo rigorous training in administration, policy-making, and public service ethics. Divyanshu’s LinkedIn profile reflects his enthusiasm for this phase, describing himself as a “newbie” eager to build connections and learn from experienced professionals.
As of March 2025, Divyanshu is likely in the early stages of his career, serving in a district-level posting or contributing to administrative roles assigned to young IAS officers. His technical background in chemical engineering, combined with his interest in economics, public education, and technology, positions him to make meaningful contributions to governance and development initiatives.
UPSC Preparation Strategy: Tips from Divyanshu Nigam
Divyanshu Nigam has been generous in sharing his UPSC preparation insights, particularly through his Telegram channel “Divyanshu Nigam IAS Resources/Tips.” His advice, rooted in practical experience, has resonated with aspirants seeking actionable guidance. Here are some key elements of his strategy:
1. Focused Study Material
Divyanshu emphasizes sticking to a concise set of resources rather than overwhelming oneself with excessive material. For Post-Independence India, he recommends the NCERT Political Science Class 12 textbook, supplemented by targeted Google searches with “UPSC” as a suffix. He advises against joining numerous Telegram channels, warning aspirants about their marketing tactics and advocating for quality over quantity.
2. Newspaper Reading
He suggests reading two newspapers daily—The Times of India (TOI) and either The Indian Express (IE) or The Hindu (TH)—to stay updated on current affairs and improve comprehension skills, especially for the CSAT paper.
3. Sleep and Discipline
Divyanshu highlights the importance of discipline in managing sleep. He trained himself to sleep for 6-6.5 hours daily, relying on coffee to maintain focus during long study hours. He believes that trusting the process and maintaining consistency are critical to success.
4. CSAT Preparation
For candidates confident in mathematics and English—particularly those from engineering backgrounds like himself—he recommends solving the past 3-4 years’ CSAT papers. For others, he suggests R.S. Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude book and newspaper reading for comprehension practice.
5. Interview Preparation
Post-Mains, Divyanshu advises taking a week off to relax before shifting focus to the interview stage. He cautions against joining coaching or mocks before the Mains results and emphasizes researching one’s Detailed Application Form (DAF) and improving speaking skills.
His handwritten notes, including the Vision IAS GS Test Series, are widely sought after by aspirants and available for purchase online, reflecting his structured approach to preparation.
Personal Life: A Love Story That Inspires
Beyond his professional achievements, Divyanshu Nigam’s personal life has garnered attention, particularly his heartwarming love story. His romance began during his school days in tuition classes, blossoming into a relationship that endured the pressures of UPSC preparation. In 2023, photos of Divyanshu with his fiancée went viral on social media, showcasing a softer side of the dedicated officer. As of March 2025, he is reportedly preparing to embark on a new chapter of life with his partner, adding a relatable and human dimension to his public persona.
Legacy and Inspiration
Divyanshu Nigam’s journey—from a chemical engineering graduate to an IAS officer—embodies the spirit of resilience and determination. His ability to rise above personal loss, coupled with his willingness to guide others, has made him a role model for UPSC aspirants. His story underscores the importance of perseverance, strategic preparation, and emotional strength, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams against all odds.
As he continues his career in the IAS, Divyanshu is poised to leave a lasting impact on India’s administrative framework, driven by his passion for public service and a legacy inherited from his father. His biography serves as a testament to the power of hard work and the pursuit of excellence, making “Divyanshu Nigam IAS” a keyword synonymous with success and inspiration.
Top FAQs About Divyanshu Nigam IAS
- Who is Divyanshu Nigam IAS? Divyanshu Nigam is an IAS officer who secured AIR 44 in the UPSC CSE 2020. He hails from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and is known for his resilience after losing his father to COVID-19 before his UPSC interview.
- What is Divyanshu Nigam’s educational background? He completed his schooling at St. Mary’s School, Saharanpur, and DPS Kalyanpur, Kanpur. He holds a BE in Chemical Engineering from BITS Pilani, Goa Campus.
- How many attempts did Divyanshu Nigam take to clear UPSC? He cleared the UPSC CSE in his third attempt in 2020, having faced setbacks in 2018 and 2019.
- What happened to Divyanshu Nigam’s father? His father, SK Nigam, an IFS officer, passed away due to COVID-19 in June 2020, two months before Divyanshu’s UPSC interview.
- Where is Divyanshu Nigam posted now? As of March 2025, specific posting details are unavailable, but he is likely serving as an IAS officer in an initial district-level role following his training at LBSNAA.
- What are Divyanshu Nigam’s UPSC preparation tips? He recommends focused study material, reading two newspapers daily, maintaining a 6-6.5-hour sleep schedule, and avoiding unnecessary Telegram channels.
- Is Divyanshu Nigam married? As of 2023, he was engaged, with viral photos of him and his fiancée circulating online. His marital status as of March 2025 is not publicly confirmed.
- Where can I find Divyanshu Nigam’s notes? His handwritten notes, including Vision IAS GS Test Series, are available for purchase online, and he shares tips on his Telegram channel “Divyanshu Nigam IAS Resources/Tips.”
- What is Divyanshu Nigam’s rank in UPSC 2020? He secured All India Rank 44 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2020.
- Why is Divyanshu Nigam an inspiration? His journey of overcoming personal tragedy, persisting through multiple UPSC attempts, and sharing his insights with aspirants makes him a motivational figure.
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