SAMYAK JAIN UPSC 2021-22 Rank-7

Samyak Jain is a visually impaired candidate who secured an All India Rank (AIR) 7 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2021. Hailing from Delhi, Samyak completed his schooling in Mumbai due to his father’s transferable job. Initially, he pursued engineering, but his visual impairment forced him to drop out. He then shifted his academic focus, completing a BA in English Honours from Delhi University and later earning a Post-Graduate Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. He also completed an MA in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi.

Quick Information Table:

Samyak began his education in Delhi and later moved to Mumbai. Despite facing significant challenges due to his visual impairment, he pursued his higher education in prestigious institutions. After completing his undergraduate degree from Delhi University, he further honed his skills with a journalism diploma and a master’s in international relations from JNU. This academic background inspired his decision to opt for Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as his optional subject in the UPSC exam.

Samyak Jain hails from Delhi and is born and brought up in the national capital itself. His family background is deeply connected to the aviation industry, as both his parents are employed with Air India. His father holds a position within the company, contributing to the smooth operation of flights, while his mother also plays a pivotal role in the airline's operations. Their dedication to their respective roles has instilled a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility in Samyak. Samyak Jain comes from a supportive family where his mother played an instrumental role in his preparation. She helped him access study materials by converting printed materials into digital formats, ensuring he could overcome the challenges posed by his disability. His parents, especially his mother, were his constant support throughout his UPSC journey.

Samyak’s journey towards the civil services was driven by his desire to serve society and work on issues that affect marginalized sections. His background in international relations and journalism shaped his understanding of global and national affairs, further motivating him to pursue a career in public service. Despite facing challenges due to his visual impairment, he demonstrated resilience and perseverance. Samyak viewed civil services as a platform where he could contribute meaningfully to society and help bridge the gap between government and the people.

Samyak’s visual impairment posed significant challenges in his academic and competitive pursuits. Initially, he struggled to access study materials, which were not readily available in digital formats. His preparation was further complicated by the physical difficulty of reading traditional books, but his mother played a crucial role by helping him convert them into digital versions. Samyak also relied on text-to-speech software and other assistive technologies to aid his preparation. His disability required him to have a writer during his UPSC exam, and his mother supported him by taking on this role.