Basavaraj, a farmer’s son from Belagavi, Karnataka, conquered setbacks and financial hardships to secure All India Rank 1 in IFS through self-study, consistency, and determination, inspiring aspirants throughout India.

In the calm village of Savadi in Karnataka’s Belagavi district, life seldom extends beyond agricultural fields, nearby schools, and day-to-day survival. Yet occasionally, from such quiet surroundings, exceptional stories arise – stories that transform what people believe is achievable.

One such story belongs to Basavaraj Dhareppa Kempawad, a 25-year-old farmer’s son who has now secured All India Rank 1 in the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination-2025 conducted by UPSC.

His path was not shaped by privilege, coaching classes, or easy routes. It was shaped by setbacks, solitude, discipline, and unwavering confidence in himself. From studying in rural schools to spending 14-hour days in Bengaluru libraries, from failing in his first attempt to topping the nation in his second, his story reminds us that success is built in silence, not in comfort.

His Background: Connected to Farming, Driven by Ambition

Basavaraj belongs to a modest farming family in Savadi village, Athani taluk, Belagavi district, Karnataka. His father, Dhareppa Kempawad, works as a farmer, and the family has always lived a life deeply connected with agriculture and hard work. Financial resources were limited, but education always remained important.

He completed his education in Karnataka – early schooling in Savadi village, followed by secondary education at the Morarji Desai Residential School. He pursued PU at Yallatti and later completed his B.Sc. in Forestry from the College of Forestry, Sirsi, Uttara Kannada. His strong bond with nature and forests naturally influenced his decision to pursue the Indian Forest Service.

Journey So Far: From Initial Failure to AIR 1 Achievement

Basavaraj’s UPSC journey was not an overnight success—it was achieved gradually.

He appeared for the UPSC Indian Forest Service examination twice

In his first attempt in UPSC IFS-2024, he could not clear the prelims stage

Then, he carefully evaluated his mistakes and completely redesigned his strategy

In his second attempt, he secured All India Rank 1 in IFS, emerging as the topper among 148 candidates

That transformation from failure to national topper defines his story more than the rank itself. It demonstrates how reflection and perseverance can entirely change outcomes.

The Biggest Struggle: Stress, Isolation, and Quiet Battles

His success story carries immense emotional struggle behind it. Coming from a farming family, financial difficulties were always present. His father even had to lease farmland at times to support his education.

After shifting to Bengaluru for UPSC preparation, life became even tougher. He stayed alone in a rented room, prepared without coaching, and spent long hours in libraries. The hardest battle was not academic—it was emotional: coping with loneliness, fear after failure, and pressure to succeed with limited means.

His Preparation Strategy: Discipline Developed in Silence

Basavaraj’s preparation was simple yet highly disciplined. He depended entirely on self-study and followed a strict routine that shaped his achievement.

He prepared completely through self-study without joining any coaching institute, only took guidance from a few mentors

He studied nearly 14 hours daily (10 AM to midnight) in Bengaluru libraries

He concentrated on limited study materials with repeated revisions instead of multiple books

He kept his mobile phone switched off during study hours to maintain concentration

After failing in his first attempt, he identified mistakes and rebuilt his strategy methodically

He selected Forestry and Geology as optional subjects based on his academic background

His preparation was not about doing countless things—it was about doing the correct things repeatedly with consistency.

Interview Experience: Passion That Cannot Be Scripted

The UPSC interview for the Indian Forest Service tested personality, clarity, and passion more than academic knowledge. Basavaraj stood out because his responses came from genuine life experiences.

He shared a childhood memory of growing eucalyptus saplings even in small spaces at home, showing his natural bond with trees long before exam preparation. He was asked questions on forest conservation, biodiversity, tiger population in India, and environmental concerns.

Why he chose the Indian Forest Service over IAS

Forest conservation and environmental protection challenges

Biodiversity and wildlife management in India

Tiger population and ecological balance concerns

Local forest species and scientific understanding

His responses reflected sincerity and emotional connection rather than memorized content, which became his greatest strength.

The Result: All India Rank 1 in Indian Forest Service

Basavaraj Dhareppa Kempawad achieved All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination, standing first among candidates across India. From a small farming village in Belagavi to becoming the national topper, his journey has become a major inspiration for thousands of aspirants.

Message for Aspirants: What His Journey Inspires

His journey carries one clear message—success is not determined by background, but by consistency. Coaching, resources, or urban life are not deciding factors; discipline and everyday effort are.

He firmly believes that failure should be treated as feedback, rural background is not a weakness, and self-study with focus can outperform external guidance when pursued sincerely.

A Journey That Redefines What Is Achievable

The story of Basavaraj Dhareppa Kempawad is not just about topping an examination. It is about a boy from a farming village who faced failure, rebuilt himself quietly, and rose to become AIR 1 in the Indian Forest Service.

His journey proves one powerful truth – dreams are not restricted by where you come from, but by how determined you are to continue when life becomes difficult.