In an era dominated by social media distractions, Ankush Kumar, a native of Nirmand in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, achieved what many aspire to — success in the prestigious Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HAS) exam on his very first attempt.
Ankush secured the 18th rank, fulfilling his father’s long-cherished dream. The 25-year-old’s journey is an inspiring lesson for aspirants.
Shunned social media for three years
Ankush stayed away from social media for three years, dedicating himself to rigorous preparation.
“I knew focus was key. Social media only diverted my attention, so I decided to stay off it completely,” he shared. His disciplined routine involved daily study sessions and writing notes to reinforce learning.
Ankush’s academic background reflects his dedication. He completed his primary education in Manikaran and finished high school at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Kullu, in 2016.
He then cleared the JEE exam and pursued a BTech in Computer Science from NIT-Hamirpur.
Was employed with Reliance before Covid
After his graduation, he worked as an engineer with Reliance Digital. The turning point in Ankush’s life came during the COVID-19 pandemic. He left his job and returned home to Kullu, where he decided to prepare for the HAS exam.
His father, Ashok Kumar, a supervisor in the Health Department, and his homemaker mother, Kusumlata, supported him unconditionally.
Ankush’s success story is a testament to perseverance and focus. He emphasises that avoiding distractions, particularly social media, was instrumental in his achievement.
For future aspirants, Ankush’s journey offers a clear takeaway: discipline, time management and minimising distractions can lead to success. His story underscores the importance of prioritising goals over temporary pleasures, making him a role model for those aiming to crack competitive exams like HAS.