Vikas Divyakirti is a well-known educator, author, and former civil servant from India. He is most famous for founding and leading Drishti IAS, one of the most reputed coaching institutes for UPSC civil services exam preparation. His journey from a dedicated student to an inspiring teacher makes him a significant figure in India’s educational landscape. This article provides a detailed look into his life, career, achievements, and contributions to society.
Early Life and Education
Vikas Divyakirti was born on December 26, 1973, in Bhiwani, Haryana. His early schooling was in Hindi medium at Saraswati Shishu Mandir. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in academics.
He pursued higher education at Delhi University. Initially, he studied Commerce (Honours) at Zakir Husain Delhi College. Later, he switched to History for his Bachelor of Arts degree. He scored well and continued his studies in Hindi Literature, earning a Master of Arts (MA), MPhil, and PhD from Delhi University. Apart from these, he also completed his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil), demonstrating his deep interest in learning across multiple disciplines.
Career as Civil Servant and Educator
Vikas Divyakirti started his professional journey as an assistant professor at Delhi University. He taught at colleges like Pannalal Girdharlal Dayanand Anglo Vedic College and Maharaja Agrasen College. He appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination multiple times and cleared it in 1996 on his first attempt, with an All India Rank (AIR) of 384.
He was inducted into the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and served briefly as a section officer at the Department of Official Language in the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, just a year into his government job, he decided to resign and pursue his passion for teaching.
In 1999, Vikas Divyakirti established Drishti IAS, a coaching institute to prepare students for the UPSC exams. Starting with a small batch, the institute grew rapidly into a leading institution, known for its innovative teaching methods and success in producing top-ranked civil servants.
Contributions and Achievements
Vikas Divyakirti is highly regarded for simplifying complex subjects and making them accessible for students. His teaching style is student-friendly, focusing on conceptual clarity and practical understanding of topics such as history, politics, and current affairs. His notes, books, and online content have become essential resources for UPSC aspirants.
YouTube Channel and Online Presence
In November 2022, he launched his YouTube channel, which has garnered over 3.9 million subscribers. Through his channel, he provides free education on various subjects, current affairs, and motivational content. His videos are popular for their clarity, simplicity, and relevance.
Literary Works and Media Presence
Apart from teaching, Vikas Divyakirti has authored books on Indian history, politics, and society. He is also known for his appearances in documentaries and movies, such as Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail, where he played himself and contributed to the script.
Personal Life
Vikas Divyakirti hails from a family with an academic background. His father was a Hindi literature professor, and his mother was a PGT teacher. He is married to Dr. Taruna Verma, and they have a son named Satwik Divyakirti.
Despite his success, Vikas remains a humble teacher committed to serving students and society. He emphasizes continuous learning and critical thinking in his teachings.
Legacy and Impact
Vikas Divyakirti’s journey from a student to a civil servant and then an educator inspires millions of aspirants. He has dedicated his life to helping young individuals achieve their dreams through quality education and motivational guidance. His work has made a significant impact on civil service preparation in India.
He continues to innovate in education through his YouTube channels and online content, promoting a culture of discourse and critical analysis among Indian youth. His story encourages perseverance, determination, and the importance of lifelong learning.
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