Divyanshu Jha: UPSC Rank 9, Strategy, and Journey
Can an IIT Delhi graduate, naturally gifted at technical subjects, fail the UPSC in his first attempt? For Divyanshu Jha, the answer was a humbling “yes.” Despite his elite academic background, he failed to even reach the interview stage during his first try.
This initial setback, however, became the foundation for one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the 2013 exam cycle, where he secured All India Rank 9.
Who Is Divyanshu Jha?
Divyanshu Jha is a 2014-batch IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre. Originally from Bihar, he is an engineer by training who successfully transitioned into the humanities to conquer the Civil Services Examination. Known for his analytical mind and grounded approach, he has served in various pivotal roles in Jharkhand, making a significant impact on local administration and technology integration in governance.
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Divyanshu Jha |
| UPSC Rank | AIR 9 |
| Exam Year | 2013 |
| Service | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) |
| Cadre | Jharkhand |
| Education | B.Tech, IIT Delhi |
Divyanshu Jha UPSC Marksheet and Score Details
Divyanshu’s performance in the 2013 Mains was characterized by high scores in his optional subject and consistent performance across all four General Studies papers. His jump in marks from the first attempt to the second was largely credited to his improved articulation and strategic choice of subject.
| Paper | Marks (Approx/Reported) |
| General Studies I | Top Tier |
| General Studies II | High |
| General Studies III | High |
| General Studies IV (Ethics) | Exceptional |
| Optional (Geography) | 250+ |
| Personality Test | 180+ |
| Total Rank | All India Rank 9 |
Educational Background and Early Life
Divyanshu Jha grew up in an environment that valued education and public service. He moved to Delhi to pursue his B.Tech at IIT Delhi, one of the premier engineering institutes in the country. While his technical foundation was strong, he realized early on that the UPSC required a different kind of intellectual agility.
His time at IIT Delhi helped him develop a structured approach to problem-solving. This “engineering mindset” allowed him to break down the massive UPSC syllabus into manageable modules. He didn’t just study; he “engineered” his preparation.
How Many Attempts Did Divyanshu Jha Take?
Divyanshu Jha cleared the UPSC in his second attempt. His journey is a classic example of why the first failure is often a necessary stepping stone.
In his first attempt, he chose Physics as his optional. Despite his engineering background, he found the Physics syllabus in UPSC to be extremely vast and difficult to master alongside General Studies. He failed to make it to the interview list. Instead of being discouraged, he spent a month analyzing his mistakes. He realized that while he loved Physics, it wasn’t the most “scoring” choice for him. This led to the bold decision to change his optional entirely for his second attempt.
Divyanshu Jha Optional Subject: The Strategic Shift to Geography
Divyanshu’s switch from Physics to Geography is a widely discussed case study among aspirants. He chose Geography because of its semi-scientific nature, which appealed to his logical mind, and its significant overlap with General Studies Paper 1.
- Mapping Success: He focused heavily on diagrams and maps. He believed that in Geography, a well-drawn map is worth a hundred words.
- Logical Linking: He connected physical geography concepts (like geomorphology) with human geography (like settlement patterns).
- Resources: He relied on standard texts like Savindra Singh and G.C. Leong but supplemented them with extensive atlas work.
UPSC Preparation Strategy of Divyanshu Jha
Divyanshu’s strategy was based on “Integrated Preparation.” He did not see Prelims and Mains as separate stages but as a continuous spectrum of knowledge.
- Note Making: He prepared crisp notes for every topic. His goal was to have a 2-page summary for every 20-page chapter.
- Current Affairs: He used newspapers to add a “dynamic” layer to his “static” textbook knowledge.
- MCQ Practice: For the Prelims stage, he emphasized high-volume practice. Using tools like MCQ Practice for Prelims on AnswerWriting.com can help aspirants replicate this focus on accuracy and speed.
- Revision: He followed a 1-day, 1-week, 1-month revision cycle to ensure information was locked into his long-term memory.
Books and Resources Recommended by Divyanshu Jha
Divyanshu preferred a “limited resources, maximum revision” approach.
| Subject | Resource |
| Polity | M. Laxmikanth |
| Economy | Ramesh Singh / Economic Survey |
| Modern History | Spectrum (Rajiv Ahir) |
| Geography | NCERTs (Class 11 & 12) and Savindra Singh |
| Environment | Shankar IAS Academy Notes |
Mains Answer Writing Approach
This was the area where Divyanshu made the most significant changes between his attempts. In his first attempt, his answers were too “academic.” In his second, they were “administrative.”
- Visual Aids: He incorporated flowcharts, tables, and maps into his GS and Optional answers.
- Structuring: He strictly followed the Introduction-Body-Conclusion format.
- Keyword Focus: He made sure to highlight key terms to make the examiner’s job easier.
To refine this skill, getting objective feedback is essential. Many toppers recommend using the Answer Evaluator on AnswerWriting.com to get detailed feedback on structure and UPSC scoring parameters. This helps in transforming a raw draft into a high-scoring Mains answer.
Interview (Personality Test) Experience
Having missed the interview stage in his first attempt, Divyanshu was determined to make his second one count. He focused on his DAF (Detailed Application Form), preparing for questions on his IIT background, his shift to Geography, and the socio-economic issues of Jharkhand and Bihar. His interview was noted for his calm demeanor and balanced views on controversial topics.
Service and Cadre Allotted to Divyanshu Jha
Securing Rank 9 ensured that Divyanshu Jha was allotted the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). He was assigned to his home cadre of Jharkhand. As an officer, he has been recognized for his work as the Deputy Commissioner in various districts and his role as the CEO of the Jharkhand Space Applications Centre (JSAC), where he leveraged his technical roots for administrative efficiency.
Key Lessons Every UPSC Aspirant Can Take from Divyanshu Jha
- Don’t Fear Course Correction: If an optional isn’t working for you, be brave enough to change it. Your degree does not dictate your optional choice; your interest and scoring potential do.
- Visuals are Vital: Use diagrams and maps to break the monotony of long text. It shows clarity of thought.
- Analyze Your Failures: Divyanshu didn’t just work harder in his second attempt; he worked smarter by identifying exactly why the first one failed.
- Balance is Key: High marks in one paper won’t save you. You need a consistent performance across GS, Essay, and Optional.
FAQs About Divyanshu Jha
What was Divyanshu Jha’s UPSC rank?
He secured All India Rank (AIR) 9 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2013.
Which optional subject did Divyanshu Jha choose?
He chose Geography as his optional subject after switching from Physics.
How many attempts did he take?
He cleared the exam in his second attempt.
Which cadre does Divyanshu Jha belong to?
He is an IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre.
What is his educational background?
He is an alumnus of IIT Delhi, where he completed his B.Tech.