Pradeep Singh (UPSC 2019 Topper), Biography Education, DOB, Preparation Strategy

Pradeep Singh AIR 1 (UPSC 2019 Topper) achieved his dream of becoming an IAS officer after multiple attempts.  Know about his background, education, preparation strategy, and how he cracked UPSC from a farming family to become an IAS officer.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the toughest and most prestigious exams in India. Every year, almost ten lakh aspirants appear for this highly competitive exam, with dreams of becoming an IAS, IPS, or IRS officer. Cracking this exam requires dedication, hard work, and a smart strategy. Among the many aspirants, one name stood out in 2019—Pradeep Singh, who achieved All India Rank 1 in his fourth attempt.

Pradeep’s remarkable journey highlights the importance of determination and hard work. His story demonstrates that regardless of one’s humble beginnings, success is achievable with the right mindset and a well-structured preparation plan. In this blog, we will explore his life, background, UPSC experience, and valuable preparation tips to inspire and guide every UPSC aspirant.

About Pradeep Singh IAS

Pradeep Singh, a native of Tewri village in Sonipat district, Haryana, is a perfect example of determination. Born into a middle-class farming family, his father, Sukhbir Singh, is a farmer and former village Sarpanch, while his mother, Sheela Devi, is a homemaker.

Before topping the UPSC CSE 2019, Pradeep had already cleared the exam in his third attempt and was serving as an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer. However, his dream was to become an IAS officer, which kept him motivated for another attempt. His goal was deeply rooted in his desire to serve the underprivileged, especially farmers, and contribute meaningfully to the nation.

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Pradeep Singh (IAS) Date of Birth

While Pradeep Singh’s exact date of birth is not publicly disclosed, sources mention that he was 29 years old in 2019, suggesting he was likely born around 1990.

Pradeep Singh Personal Life

Pradeep’s life has always been closely connected to agriculture and village issues. His father’s work as a farmer and a village leader helped Pradeep understand rural problems from a young age. His elder brother, Ajit Singh, is a mechanical engineer working in the insurance sector. His younger sister, Manisha, holds a postgraduate degree in Mathematics.

In the early 2000s, the family moved from their village to Sonipat city to provide better educational opportunities for their children. This move played a major role in Pradeep’s academic and career success. Throughout his journey, his father’s support and motivation helped him overcome tough times. Pradeep belongs to the Jaat community, and his strong rural roots shaped his goals in civil services.

Pradeep Singh Educational Background

Pradeep started his education in a government school in his village, Tewri, and studied there till Class 7. After his family moved to Sonipat, he finished his schooling at Shambhu Dayal Modern School and passed Class 12 in 2008. He then studied Computer Science Engineering at DCRUST, Murthal, and completed his degree in 2012.

His journey from a small village school to an engineering college shows that with better education, hard work, and clear goals, big achievements are possible. Even though he had a technical background, he showed that engineering students can also clear UPSC if they follow the right strategy.

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Pradeep Singh Professional Background

After engineering, Pradeep cleared the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) exam and became an Income Tax officer in Delhi in 2015. He worked there for four years while preparing for the UPSC exam.

In 2018, during his third UPSC attempt, he secured Rank 260 and entered the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). However, he didn’t stop there. While undergoing IRS training at NACIN, Faridabad, he gave his fourth attempt, where he achieved Rank 1 in 2019.

His journey is a true example for working professionals, proving that it’s possible to balance a full-time job with UPSC preparation through time management, discipline, and focused effort.

Pradeep Singh – UPSC Rank & Preparation Strategy

In 2019, Pradeep Singh topped the UPSC exam with AIR 1. His success was built on a smart and structured strategy:

• Daily Study Targets: Pradeep set specific goals for each day, which helped him cover the syllabus systematically.
• Time Management: He utilized even small time slots—like breaks and commutes—for revision and current affairs.
• Answer Writing Practice: He dedicated time to writing answers, which helped him improve clarity and speed for the Mains exam.
• Current Affairs Preparation: He read newspapers like The Hindu and magazines like Yojana, and watched relevant YouTube videos to stay updated.
• Mock Tests & Revision: Regular mock tests helped him evaluate his preparation, and consistent revision reinforced his learning.
• Optional Subject (Public Administration): As a Computer Science graduate, he chose Public Administration for its relevance to civil services.
• Stage-Wise Strategy: He treated Prelims, Mains, and Interview as separate stages, preparing uniquely for each.

A major part of his preparation in the later stages was self-study, especially due to time constraints from his job. He believed that self-motivation was his biggest strength and always learned from his previous mistakes.

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Pradeep Singh’s UPSC Attempts

Pradeep’s journey shows the power of not giving up. He could not clear the Prelims in his first two tries, but he kept learning and improving. In his third attempt, he got selected for the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), which is a good post. Still, he gave one more try because his real dream was to become an IAS officer. His story teaches us to keep working hard and never stop chasing our goals.

Pradeep Singh’s UPSC Attempts
Attempt	Year	Result	Rank
1st	2016	Did not clear Prelims	–
2nd	2017	Did not clear Prelims	–
3rd	2018	Cleared, selected for IRS	Rank 260
4th	2019	Cleared, Topper	Rank 1

Pradeep Singh IAS Biography FAQs

1. Who is Pradeep Singh?

Pradeep Singh is the UPSC 2019 topper who secured All India Rank 1. He became an IAS officer in his fourth attempt after previously serving in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).

2. What is the background of Pradeep Singh?

Pradeep Singh comes from a middle-class farming family in Tewri village, Sonipat, Haryana. His father is a farmer and former Sarpanch, and his mother is a homemaker.

3. How many hours did Pradeep Singh study?

While exact hours varied, Pradeep focused on quality over quantity and studied for 6 to 8 hours daily. He used early mornings, breaks, and weekends efficiently due to his full-time job.

4. What is the age of Pradeep Singh IAS rank 1?

Pradeep Singh was 29 years old in 2019, the year he topped UPSC. This suggests he was born around 1990.