Ujjwal Dalakoti Rank 8 UKPSC 2024: Deputy Collector
The UKPSC Result 2024 crowned a ten-year journey of grit. Ujjwal Dalakoti Rank 8 UKPSC 2024 secured the post of Deputy Collector. Before this, he had already cleared Forest Ranger, Lower PCS and UKPSC 2021 exams.
He shared his rich experience in a detailed success talk with SAMVEG IAS. Therefore, here are the most valuable lessons from his story.
Major Highlights of Ujjwal Dalakoti’s Interview with Samveg IAS
Background: From Dalakot to Pantnagar
Ujjwal’s roots lie in Dalakot village near Jageshwar in Almora. He did his schooling in Nainital and Class 12 in Haldwani. Then, he completed his B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from G.B. Pant University (2012–16).
According to him, engineering helped a lot. It sharpened his analytical and logical skills. Also, it trained him to cover a large syllabus quickly.
A Journey Full of Turning Points
Ujjwal began UPSC preparation in 2016. He gave four attempts and faced two UPSC interviews till 2020. However, success did not come.
For four years, he had no job. Still, his mother kept encouraging him. “At least you are studying. God will give you something someday,” she would say. Similarly, his brother and friends stood firmly by him.
Next, he prepared for the ACF exam with forestry as optional. Sadly, he missed the cut-off by just seven marks. Soon after, he secured Rank 2 in the Forest Ranger exam, his first big success. Later, he cleared Lower PCS and became Assistant Commissioner through UKPSC 2021. Finally, the 2024 cycle made him Deputy Collector.
Uttarakhand Sources for English Medium Aspirants
- Pariksha Vani: He translated the useful parts into English.
- Ajay Rawat: Since the book is long and complex, he studied only specific portions.
- Friends’ notes: Also, a friend shared a crisp summary of Ajay Rawat’s book.
Essay Strategy of Ujjwal Dalakoti Rank 8 UKPSC 2024
First, he spent two to three minutes choosing a topic he could write on at length. Then, he noted points for and against the topic on the rough page. Next, he added examples and a PESTLE angle.
For example, in an economy essay, he discussed the hill–plain income gap in Uttarakhand. He then linked it to tourism, logistics, infrastructure bottlenecks, the Char Dham project and new rail projects.
GS 2 and Ethics
In GS 2, he divided each question into parts and highlighted key terms. Moreover, he added diagrams and ended with SDGs, governance models or case studies. Whenever possible, he chose Uttarakhand examples, like traditional water systems such as chaal-khaal, dhara and naula.
In Ethics, his UPSC philosophy optional gave him a natural edge.
Answer Writing Tips
- Introduction: Link it to current news or an Uttarakhand event, such as a disaster and its rescue effort.
- Body: Add positives and negatives, flowcharts, case studies and maps. For instance, draw a small Uttarakhand map to show minerals or industries.
- Local case studies: Mention examples like Fruitage from the Bhimtal–Nainital region or Namak Wali from Pauri. Thus, the examiner sees that you know your roots.
- Time crunch: If ten minutes remain for two questions, use diagrams and case studies to fill space quickly.
Studying During Ranger Training
Forest training was very hectic, with long morning runs. Still, Ujjwal Dalakoti Rank 8 UKPSC 2024 studied from the back bench whenever possible. During training itself, he finished Uttarakhand topics, the Economic Survey, the Budget and UPPCS PYQs. Later, he focused on Hindi, which was his weak area.
His Interview Experience
His interview was mixed. The board asked about deficit financing, the budget and fake invoicing in GST. They also asked about Uttarakhand’s UCC and live-in relationships. Additionally, some questions were out of the box, such as factual questions on cricket, his hobby. Honestly, he said “no” several times.
Therefore, he advises aspirants to prepare their hobbies well. Also, study Uttarakhand’s schemes, temples, personalities and hill-centric development.
His Success Mantra
For Ujjwal Dalakoti Rank 8 UKPSC 2024, hard work and consistency are the mantra. Moreover, identify your weak areas and make composite notes for them, as he did for GS 3 economy. Also, join peer groups. His Ranger batchmates regularly checked his answers.
Finally, do not cut yourself off from society completely. Otherwise, it can affect your communication in the interview.
Association with SAMVEG IAS
Ujjwal connected with SAMVEG IAS during his ACF interview. After he missed ACF narrowly, Samveg Sir motivated him to move on and focus ahead. Later, Sir also guided him for the Ranger and PCS 2021 interviews.
In 2024, his busy schedule did not allow him to join the interview programme. Still, he spoke with Sir before the interview. “Sir keeps messaging to check on your preparation. It feels like someone always wants you to reach the right place,” he says. Truly, the journey of Ujjwal Dalakoti Rank 8 UKPSC 2024 proves that setbacks only prepare you for bigger wins.
Watch his entire interaction with Samveg IAS:
