Karnataka Village Youth Secures All India First Rank in IFS Examination

Basavaraj Kempwad, a 25 year old from Savadi village in Athani taluk of Karnataka, has secured the All India First Rank in the prestigious Indian Forest Service examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.

The results were announced on Friday, bringing pride to his village and the state.

Basavaraj completed his early schooling at a private school in Savadi village from Classes 1 to 5. He later continued his education at the Morarji Desai Residential School in Raibag taluk until Class 10. For his pre university studies, he attended college in Yallatti village of Jamkhandi taluk in Bagalkot district.

He later pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry at Sirsi in Uttara Kannada district, which strengthened his interest in environmental conservation and forest protection.

After completing his graduation, Basavaraj moved to Bengaluru to prepare for the highly competitive IFS examination. Coming from an agricultural family, he said his passion for protecting forests motivated him to choose Forestry as a career path.

Speaking about his preparation journey, Basavaraj said he cleared the examination without joining any coaching institute. He spent nearly two years studying independently while staying in a rented room in Bengaluru.

“I studied in the library every day from morning till midnight. This result is the reward for two years of hard work and discipline,” he said.

This was his second attempt at the examination. He was unable to clear the preliminary stage during his first attempt but used the experience to improve his preparation strategy.

Basavaraj said he carefully analysed his previous mistakes and adopted a more systematic approach in his studies, which eventually helped him secure the top national rank.

He expressed his desire to serve the country through forest conservation and environmental protection after completing his training. He also said he hopes to use his knowledge for the welfare of society and the preservation of natural resources.

Basavaraj credited his achievement to the encouragement and guidance of his parents, teachers, and friends throughout his educational journey.

He also shared that becoming an IAS officer had always been his dream. His elder brother, Siddu Kempwad, is currently serving in the Mysuru City Armed Reserve Police.