Vineet Kumar, born into a middle-class family in Karnal, Haryana, has always driven himself with a desire for more than just financial success — he wanted respect and the chance to make a difference. By 26, he’s not only navigated some of India’s toughest exams like the JEE for IIT, the CAT for IIMs, and the GATE for public sector jobs but he’s also conquered the UPSC engineering service exam (ESE) 2021, securing an All India Rank 1.

What to know: Vineet’s journey began with a solid foundation in consistent study and planning, skills he honed while preparing for the IIT-JEE. This discipline helped him secure a spot at IIT Delhi, where he pursued mechanical engineering, setting the stage for his future successes. Despite lucrative opportunities following his graduation, including a stint as a business analyst at Rivigo, Vineet’s passion for mechanical engineering guided his career decisions.

Choosing to work where he could utilize his technical expertise, he joined ONGC as an assistant executive engineer through the GATE exam, instead of pursuing an MBA after cracking the CAT exam with a 99.93 percentile. His work at ONGC wasn’t just a job; it was a step towards nation-building, fulfilling his desire to contribute positively to society.

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However, his ultimate challenge was the UPSC ESE. Despite facing a setback in his first attempt, scoring 791 against a cutoff of 800, Vineet didn’t let failure deter him. He analyzed his weaknesses, doubled down on his preparation by focusing on fundamentals and engaged in rigorous mock testing to familiarize himself with the exam environment. His perseverance paid off spectacularly in 2021 when he topped the exam.

Fast forward: Today, as an Assistant Executive Engineer for the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Vineet is not just fulfilling his professional aspirations but also his dream of serving the public and contributing to India’s growth. His story is not just one of academic and professional achievement but is a nod to the power of resilience, being purpose-driven, and the fruits of meticulous planning.

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