Doctor Becomes Diplomat With UPSC Rank 35 on Try 3

Most doctors who graduate from top medical schools spend their lives treating patients, but Dr. Shreyak Garg had a different dream. The son of a professor from Sonipat, Haryana, he traded his white coat for a chance to serve India through diplomacy.

After completing his MBBS from the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences in Maharashtra, Garg immediately took the UPSC Civil Services exam. His first attempt in 2022 failed, but it taught him the exam pattern and exposed his weak spots.

He tried again in 2023 with a revised strategy and cleared the preliminary exam. But disappointment struck when he couldn't pass the Mains, falling just short of his goal.

The third time proved the charm. In 2024, Garg chose Medical Science as his optional subject and focused intensely on improving his answer writing skills. When results came out, he had secured an impressive All India Rank of 35.

That rank could have easily made him an IAS officer, one of the most coveted positions in India's civil service. Instead, Garg surprised many by choosing the Indian Foreign Service.

Why This Inspires

Garg's decision to become a diplomat rather than a district collector shows how success isn't always about picking the most prestigious option. He wanted to enhance India's reputation on international platforms, choosing purpose over prestige.

His journey also proves that failure can be a teacher. Each setback taught him something new about the exam, about himself, and about what it takes to succeed at one of India's toughest competitive tests.

Medical students across India face immense pressure to follow traditional career paths after investing years in their education. Garg showed that it's never too late to pivot toward your true calling, even if that means starting from scratch in a completely different field.

His story resonates especially with students who feel trapped by their initial choices. With determination and the right strategy, career changes are possible even in highly competitive fields.

Three attempts, two failures, and one impressive comeback later, Dr. Shreyak Garg is now ready to represent India to the world.