Sarthak Agrawal is a distinguished officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), celebrated for securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 17 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2020 on his very first attempt. A former researcher at the World Bank and an alumnus of Oxford University, Agrawal’s journey from a CBSE Class 12 topper to a civil servant is a testament to his academic excellence, strategic preparation, and unwavering determination.
Early Life and Family Background
Sarthak Agrawal was born in Old Delhi, India, into a family that valued education and intellectual growth. While specific details about his parents and siblings are not widely publicized, it is known that his family moved to Gurugram, Haryana, during his early years, providing him with access to better educational opportunities. His upbringing in a supportive environment fostered a strong academic foundation and a curiosity about the world, which would later shape his career choices.
Agrawal’s academic journey began at Delhi Public School (DPS), Vasant Kunj, one of the premier schools in the Delhi NCR region. From an early age, he displayed exceptional intelligence and a disciplined approach to his studies, traits that would propel him to the top of his class and eventually the nation.
Educational Excellence
Schooling: CBSE Class 12 Topper
Sarthak Agrawal’s academic brilliance became evident in 2014 when he topped the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 12 examinations with an extraordinary 99.6% aggregate in the Science stream. This achievement made him the national CBSE topper for that year, earning him widespread recognition and setting the stage for his future accomplishments. His success in school was a result of consistent effort, a deep understanding of concepts, and a passion for learning, rather than rote memorization.
Undergraduate Studies: Shri Ram College of Commerce
Following his stellar performance in school, Agrawal pursued a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), University of Delhi, from 2014 to 2017. SRCC, one of India’s most prestigious institutions for economics and commerce, provided him with a rigorous academic environment and exposure to economic theories and policies. During his time at SRCC, he developed a keen interest in economics, which would later influence his choice of optional subject for the UPSC examination.
Postgraduate Studies: Oxford University
Agrawal’s pursuit of academic excellence took him to the University of Oxford, where he completed an MPhil in Economics from 2017 to 2019. At Mansfield College, Oxford, he was a recipient of the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarship, a testament to his academic merit and potential. His research at Oxford focused on development economics, a field that aligned with his aspiration to contribute to India’s socio-economic progress. His time at Oxford honed his analytical skills and deepened his understanding of global economic issues, preparing him for his future roles in research and administration.
Professional Career Before IAS
Researcher at the World Bank
After completing his MPhil, Sarthak Agrawal joined the World Bank in Washington, D.C., as a researcher in the Poverty and Equity Global Unit. His work focused on analyzing poverty trends, designing equitable policies, and addressing economic disparities in developing countries. This role provided him with practical insights into global development challenges and reinforced his desire to serve India directly through the civil services.
Economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies
Before joining the World Bank, Agrawal worked as an economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) in London, a leading research institute focused on public policy and taxation. At IFS, he contributed to projects aimed at improving tax policy and administration in developing countries, further sharpening his expertise in economic policy and governance.
Internships and Research Contributions
During his academic years, Agrawal interned at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and the Office of the Principal Economic Adviser to the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. His empirical paper on bilateral investment treaties won the Best Paper Award at a World Bank-sponsored conference of South Asian economics researchers, highlighting his early contributions to economic research.
Additionally, Agrawal volunteered with Enactus, an international nonprofit, for 18 months, working on sustainable development projects to improve the livelihoods of marginalized communities in India, including women manual scavengers, traditional puppeteers, and impoverished dairy farmers.
UPSC Journey: Cracking CSE 2020 with AIR 17
Sarthak Agrawal’s decision to pursue the UPSC Civil Services Examination came during his time at the World Bank, when the COVID-19 pandemic and work-from-home arrangements provided him with an opportunity to prepare. Remarkably, he cracked the exam in his first attempt with just 5-6 months of preparation, securing AIR 17 in the UPSC CSE 2020 results announced on September 24, 2021.
Preparation Strategy
Agrawal’s preparation strategy was unconventional yet highly effective, tailored to his limited time and prior academic background. Key elements of his approach included:
- Self-Study Over Coaching: Unlike many aspirants, Agrawal did not enroll in coaching classes. Instead, he relied on online resources, government websites, and freely available study materials from reliable portals such as PRS Legislative Research, IndiaSpend, and Down to Earth.
- No Extensive Note-Making: Given his time constraints, he avoided making detailed notes, opting instead to read and re-read materials to build a strong conceptual understanding. He emphasized cognitive mapping—connecting new information with prior knowledge—to retain key concepts.
- Focus on Current Affairs: For the Preliminary examination, Agrawal prioritized reading newspapers over static books, ensuring he stayed updated on national and international developments. He consumed articles and op-eds voraciously, reflecting on their implications and connecting them to broader themes.
- Answer Writing for Mains: For the Mains examination, he focused on improving his answer-writing skills, practicing structured and concise responses. His background in economics aided his preparation for the optional subject, which he chose as Economics.
- Mock Interviews: To prepare for the Personality Test, Agrawal participated in several mock interviews, refining his communication skills and learning how to present himself confidently before the UPSC panel.
Optional Subject: Economics
Agrawal’s choice of Economics as his optional subject was a strategic one, leveraging his academic and professional expertise. His deep understanding of economic theories, policies, and their practical applications gave him an edge in both the Mains and Interview stages.
Key to Success
Agrawal attributes his success to his passion for learning, disciplined time management, and a genuine interest in India’s socio-economic issues. He advises aspirants to focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning and to tailor their preparation strategies to their strengths and schedules.
Life as an IAS Officer
After clearing the UPSC CSE 2020, Sarthak Agrawal was allocated to the Uttar Pradesh cadre of the Indian Administrative Service. He currently serves as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Prayagraj district, where he coordinates development activities and oversees government functions for a population exceeding 1 million. His work focuses on rural development, poverty alleviation, and improving administrative efficiency, reflecting his academic and professional background in development economics.
One notable initiative under his leadership was the effort to monitor SARS-CoV-2 in sewage treatment plants in Prayagraj during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing his innovative approach to public health and governance.
Personal Traits and Philosophy
Sarthak Agrawal is known for his humility, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to public service. His journey reflects a blend of academic rigor and practical application, driven by a desire to contribute to India’s development. In interviews, he has emphasized the importance of evolving one’s worldview, noting that his experiences have made him more mature and balanced compared to his school days.
Agrawal’s philosophy centers on using education and research to address real-world challenges. His decision to leave a prestigious job at the World Bank to join the IAS underscores his dedication to serving India directly and making a tangible impact on the lives of its citizens.
Impact and Legacy
Sarthak Agrawal’s story is an inspiration for UPSC aspirants, particularly those balancing professional commitments with exam preparation. His ability to crack one of India’s toughest exams in a short time without formal coaching highlights the power of self-discipline, strategic planning, and leveraging prior knowledge. As an IAS officer, he continues to contribute to India’s development, focusing on grassroots governance and socio-economic upliftment.
Top FAQs About Sarthak Agrawal
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Sarthak Agrawal, optimized for SEO:
1. Who is Sarthak Agrawal?
Sarthak Agrawal is an IAS officer who secured AIR 17 in the UPSC CSE 2020 in his first attempt. He is a former World Bank researcher and Oxford University alumnus.
2. Where is Sarthak Agrawal from?
He was born in Old Delhi and later moved to Gurugram, Haryana. He currently serves in the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
3. What is Sarthak Agrawal’s educational background?
He topped CBSE Class 12 in 2014, graduated with a BA (Honours) in Economics from SRCC, and earned an MPhil in Economics from Oxford University.
4. How did Sarthak Agrawal prepare for UPSC?
He prepared for UPSC in 5-6 months without coaching, relying on online resources, newspapers, and self-study. He chose Economics as his optional subject.
5. What was Sarthak Agrawal’s rank in UPSC?
He secured All India Rank 17 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2020.
6. Where did Sarthak Agrawal work before becoming an IAS officer?
He worked as a researcher at the World Bank and an economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies in London.
7. What is Sarthak Agrawal’s current posting?
He serves as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Prayagraj district in Uttar Pradesh.
8. Did Sarthak Agrawal take coaching for UPSC?
No, he did not enroll in any coaching classes and relied on self-study and online resources.
Conclusion
Sarthak Agrawal’s journey from a CBSE topper to an IAS officer is a remarkable tale of academic excellence, strategic preparation, and a commitment to public service. His ability to balance a demanding career at the World Bank with UPSC preparation and secure a top rank in his first attempt makes him a role model for aspirants. As he continues his work in the IAS, Agrawal’s contributions to governance and development are poised to leave a lasting impact on India.
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