Done Birdev Siddappa UPSC AIR 551 (2024): Journey, Background & Strategy
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 results brought inspiring stories to the forefront. Among them is Done Birdev Siddappa, who secured All India Rank (AIR) 551, proving that consistent effort and determination can turn dreams into reality.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Done Birdev Siddappa UPSC AIR 551
- Early Life & Background
- Career Shift to UPSC
- UPSC Attempts & Journey
- Preparation Strategy
- Key Takeaways
- Top UPSC Courses by TopperTeachers
- Quick Facts (FAQ)
Early Life and Background
- Hometown: Yamage village, Maharashtra
- Community: Kuruba shepherding community
- Education: Studied in a Marathi-medium school, earned a B.Tech degree from Amage, Maharashtra
- Family Inspiration: His elder brother serves as a Naik in the Indian Army, motivating Birdev to serve the nation.
Birdev often balanced his studies with family duties, even grazing sheep in Nanavadi, Karnataka, while preparing for the exam—a true symbol of perseverance.
Career Shift to UPSC
Before focusing on civil services, Done Birdev worked at India Post. However, his passion for public service pushed him to resign in 2021 to prepare full time for UPSC.
This bold decision set the stage for his eventual success.
UPSC Journey and Attempts
- First Attempt (2022): Missed qualifying by 30 marks
- Second Attempt (2023): Narrowly missed by 3 marks
- Third Attempt (2024): Secured AIR 551
His story highlights how persistence and learning from mistakes can transform setbacks into milestones.
UPSC Result 2024-2025
Preparation Strategy That Worked
- Self-Study First: Relied primarily on self-guided learning and NCERT basics.
- Error Analysis: Reviewed previous attempts to identify gaps in answer writing and time management.
- Consistent Revision: Focused on regular revision to strengthen weak areas.
- Balanced Routine: Managed physical work like shepherding alongside daily study schedules, showing exceptional discipline.
This approach underscores that hard work, consistency, and smart strategy matter more than expensive coaching.
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- Never quit after setbacks—each attempt can teach valuable lessons.
- Discipline and self-belief are critical, even with limited resources.
- Adapt and refine your strategy after every failure.
Done Birdev’s journey inspires countless UPSC aspirants, especially those from rural or underrepresented backgrounds.
Top UPSC Courses By- TopperTeachers
Understanding the UPSC Civil Services Examination
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is India’s most prestigious and challenging competitive exam. It recruits officers for key positions such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other central services.
Exam Structure
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims):
- Objective-type paper with two tests: General Studies and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test).
- Serves as a screening stage; marks are not counted for final ranking.
- Main Examination (Mains):
- Nine descriptive papers, including an essay, four General Studies papers, two optional subject papers, and two qualifying language papers.
- Tests analytical ability, subject knowledge, and written communication.
- Personality Test (Interview):
- Conducted by a UPSC board to assess a candidate’s personality, decision-making skills, and suitability for administrative roles.
Eligibility and Attempts
- Age Limit: Generally 21 to 32 years (relaxation for reserved categories).
- Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Number of Attempts:
- General: 6
- OBC: 9
- SC/ST: Unlimited until age limit.
The exam demands a mix of knowledge, strategy, and perseverance—qualities Birdev demonstrated throughout his journey.
Preparation Strategy That Worked for Birdev
- Self-Study First: Relied primarily on self-guided learning and NCERT basics.
- Error Analysis: Reviewed previous attempts to identify gaps in answer writing and time management.
- Consistent Revision: Focused on regular revision to strengthen weak areas.
- Balanced Routine: Managed physical work like shepherding alongside daily study schedules, showing exceptional discipline.
This approach underscores that hard work, consistency, and smart strategy matter more than expensive coaching.
Quick Facts (FAQ)
Q1. Who is Done Birdev Siddappa?
UPSC CSE 2024 AIR 551 topper from Maharashtra’s Kuruba shepherding community.
Q2. How many attempts did he give?
Three attempts: missed twice before clearing in 2024.
Q3. What is his educational background?
Graduated with a B.Tech degree.
Q4. Where is he from?
Yamage village, Maharashtra.
Q5. Who topped UPSC 2024?
Shakti Dubey secured AIR 1.