From Professor to the IRS: The Unwavering Journey of Vimlok Tiwari
An inspiring story of courage, conviction, and compassion
In the quiet district of Deoria in Gorakhpur, a young boy once sat in his classroom, captivated by the guest lecturers who often visited his school. Their words didn’t just educate—they ignited a fire in his heart. That boy was Vimlok Tiwari, who secured Rank 554 in UPSC 2024, earning a coveted place in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) as Assistant Commissioner.
But his journey to this moment was anything but conventional.
Turning Away from the Expected Path
Born into an orthodox family and naturally gifted in Mathematics and Science, Vimlok was expected to follow the standard route: engineering. He secured admission to an NIT but soon realized that engineering was not his calling. This realization, though difficult, became the turning point of his life.
Instead of succumbing to the then-prevailing societal expectations, he chose to pursue his true interests and completed his Bachelor’s in Political Science from Allahabad University.
His decision was met with doubts. “The society pressurized my father and consequently created an insecurity for me when I chose not to go for BTech,” he recalls. Yet, with quiet determination, Vimlok moved forward, guided by his inner conviction.
Scholar, Teacher, and Perennial Student
After his graduation, Vimlok embarked on a distinguished academic journey. He pursued his M.Phil. and PhD from the University of Delhi. Later, he made the difficult choice to dedicate himself to the Civil Services Examination. This decision wasn’t a retreat—it was a leap toward his dream.
Parallel to his UPSC preparation, Vimlok served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Miranda House and Bharati College, University of Delhi, for a total of four years. His primary area of interest lies in foreign policy and international relations.
He presented several research papers at national and international forums and published extensively in his field. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Foreign Policy from the University of Delhi. Despite his achievements, Vimlok sees himself as a student; someone who is constantly learning and evolving.
The Poet Bureaucrat
Vimlok’s personality isn’t confined to academia or bureaucracy. In 2025, he published his first poetry book, which went on to become a bestseller, showcasing his creative depth. Writing is his passion and serves as a medium through which he expresses his thoughts and experiences. He is now working on two novels scheduled for release in 2026, seamlessly blending intellect with imagination.
Giving Back to Society
True to his belief in service beyond self, Vimlok founded ‘Dhairya’, a student-centric civil society at Bharati College. Under his mentorship, the society has flourished, launching the Dhairya Magazine, now in its second year of publication. Even after his selection, he continues to mentor students—guiding them not just academically, but emotionally and philosophically.
His ideals are inspired by Swami Vivekananda and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, both visionaries who combined intellect with humility and service.
The UPSC Journey: Faith Over Plan B
Vimlok began his UPSC preparation in 2018, giving his first attempt in 2019. Before this, he had cleared the CAPF written and physical tests, but when the medical test coincided with the UPSC prelims, he chose his Plan A over Plan B. “It all depends on your firm belief in Plan A,” he says with calm conviction.
Even while teaching at Miranda House, he balanced his preparation and research, relying on maturity and self-awareness to navigate dilemmas.
On Failure, Anxiety & Inner Peace
In his interview, Vimlok shared profound insights that resonate deeply with today’s youth:
1. On failure and luck: “One needs to maintain a hierarchy in their life’s priorities. For me, nothing holds more importance than my peace of mind and self-satisfaction.”
2. On social media pressure: “We compare our not-the-best moments with the best moments of others. Instead, remind yourself of your best moment of the day.”
3. On motivation in a fast-paced world: “Sometimes life is not about living, it’s just about surviving. Trust in your caliber to pick yourself up once the phase passes.”
He believes that success is a state of mind, not a material achievement. “If success were defined in materialistic terms, like beauty and money, there would not be any issues in the personal lives of, say, Deepika Padukone or Bill Gates,” he notes. He further emphasizes that true satisfaction is knowing how our social fellows can benefit from our actions. Through his initiative ‘Feed to Need’ during the pandemic, he helped migrant students, underscoring the value of social solidarity.
A Role Model for Aspirants
Vimlok Tiwari’s story is more than that of a civil services rank holder—it is the journey of a teacher, poet, dreamer, and changemaker. In his words, “I see myself as a student ; someone who is constantly learning and evolving. Writing is my passion and serves as a medium through which I express my thoughts and experiences.”
From Deoria to Delhi, from classrooms to conferences, from poetry to policy—his path reflects the power of self-belief, compassion, and perseverance.
For every young mind standing at the crossroads of uncertainty, his life is a testament to one enduring truth: Plan A can work—when pursued with conviction, courage, and clarity.
