A new book recounts how 21-year-old Satyam Gandhi cleared the UPSC examinations on the first try

The burden of Satyam Gandhi’s father borrowing money to finance his expenses at an exorbitant interest rate from a local moneylender, Battukdev, haunted Satyam persistently. Fuelled by this financial challenge, he resolved to expedite his journey to scale Mount UPSC in the final year of his graduation. Starting his serious preparations in April 2019 for the CSE Prelims-2020, he enrolled in a popular coaching academy in Karol Bagh. However, the daily commute from Lajpat Nagar consumed precious time, prompting Satyam to bid farewell to his modest barsati.

His search for accommodation culminated in a small room in Regar Pura. This minuscule 10-ft by 5-ft space in a four-storeyed building, barely accommodated a single bed, a small study table and a chair. With no almirah, Satyam resorted to stacking his books on the floor and bed. Apart from the comparatively lower rent, the room’s greatest advantage lay in its proximity to his coaching centre.

Due to the precarious financial situation of his family, Satyam had capped his monthly budget at Rs 12,000, including the room rent of Rs 8000. It severely constrained his food budget, compelling him to opt for a modest tiffin service of two daily meals at Rs 65 per meal....

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