The UPSC CSE 2025 results are out and a total of 958 candidates have been recommended for appointment. Among them, Sattwik Satyakam Devta from Odisha achieved an outstanding All India Rank 100, inspiring UPSC aspirants across Odisha, Bihar and West Bengal. His journey is a story of hard work, perseverance and smart preparation.
Engineering to UPSC CSE: Sattwik Satyakam Devta’s Profile
| Category | Details |
| Place of Birth | Kendujhar, Odisha |
| Education | B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha |
| Number of UPSC Attempts | 5 |
| Optional Subject | Sociology |
| UPSC Exam Medium | English (all papers & Interview) |
| UPSC Exam Centre | Patna |
| Hobbies | Continental cuisine, watching historical and conflict documentaries |
| Guidance | Guidance and Interview by APTI PLUS Academy, Odisha |
| Journey Highlight | AIR 100 achieved through disciplined planning, perseverance and strategic preparation. |
Sattwik’s Early Life: A Curious Child with a Passion for Problem-Solving
Born on 6th January 1997 in Jalakalanga, Kendujhar, Odisha, Sattwik grew up in a supportive family. His father, Goswami Golam Devta (retired Inspector General) and mother, Sabita Mohapatra (retired Headmistress), encouraged him to think critically and explore ideas. Even as a student, he loved experimenting with mechanical models and analysing problems logically.
How academic consistency fuelled his UPSC ambitions
Sattwik’s academic record reflects consistency and excellence:
- 10th Grade: Stewart School, Cuttack – 96.28%
- 12th Grade: Ravenshaw Junior College, Cuttack – 84.83%
- Graduation: B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Bhubaneswar
Further his engineering background helped him develop analytical and problem-solving skills, which were crucial for UPSC Prelims and Mains.
A working professional who cleared UPSC
Before achieving success in UPSC CSE 2025, Sattwik Satyakam Devta worked as an Assistant Manager at the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Patna, earning a monthly remuneration of whopping ₹1,26,427 in a permanent role since February 2023.
However, his true dream was always to serve the nation in the most impactful way through the civil services. His journey reflects that even full-time working professionals can clear India’s toughest exam. All you need is zeal, strategic planning and consistent hard work.
UPSC CSE Journey: Turning Challenges into Success
Sattwik Satyakam Devta began his UPSC preparation in 2018 while balancing his engineering career and later professional role at NABARD. His journey was marked by challenges including tough competition, balancing work and study and learning from multiple setbacks. Despite these hurdles, he remained disciplined, focused and persistent.
He attempted UPSC five times, refining his strategy after each attempt:
- Followed structured study schedules, consistent answer-writing practice and rigorous mock tests.
- Gradually improved time management, conceptual clarity and analytical skills.
- Maintained calm, focus and resilience, crucial for Prelims, Mains and the Interview.
Through perseverance, strategic planning and consistent hard work, Sattwik finally cleared UPSC CSE 2025.
Optional subject strategy of our UPSC topper: Sociology
Even with an engineering degree, Sattwik chose Sociology as his optional.
His choice was guided by genuine interest and strategic overlap with General Studies (GS) Papers I, II and IV, as well as the Essay paper. This optional helped him develop critical reasoning skills, present well-structured answers and enhance his overall Mains score.
He also made use of various Sociology notes which covered the optional syllabus comprehensively.
Interview Preparation: Expert Guidance from APTI PLUS
For the UPSC Interview, Sattwik received personalized guidance from APTI PLUS Academy, Bhubaneshwar, including:
- Detailed DAF analysis.
- Mock interviews simulating the UPSC panel.
- Strategies to communicate ideas clearly and confidently.
This guidance boosted his confidence and helped him approach the interview with clarity and composure, securing AIR 100.
Personality and Hobbies: Balance, Creativity and Perspective
Sattwik Satyakam Devta believes that hobbies are key to UPSC success.
- Continental Cuisine: Cooking sharpens creativity, patience and planning. It teaches discipline, time management and releases stress-relieving hormones, boosting focus during long study hours.
- Historical Documentaries: Watching documentaries builds analytical skills and perspective. For example, a Gandhi documentary provides insight into modern Indian history, helping relate concepts across GS papers and the Essay, while encouraging continuous reading and curiosity.
Lessons from Sattwik Satyakam Devta’s UPSC CSE Journey
- Working professionals can top UPSC CSE: Sattwik’s journey shows that full-time professionals can achieve top ranks with discipline, zeal and smart strategies.
- Persistence Pays: Despite so many attempts his consistent effort and learning from setbacks led to success.
- Smart work matters: Balancing a full-time job with UPSC preparation requires structured schedules, focused study and strategic revision.
- Hobbies boost preparation: Sattwik’s journey shows that only studying without developing one’s personality is not enough.
- Optional choice adds edge: Choosing the right optional is a blend of factors..- your interest, availability of comprehensive notes and guidance, past score trends and overlap with GS subjects..but above all, genuine interest remains the most crucial factor for success.
From Odisha to UPSC CSE AIR 100: Inspiration for Aspirants
Sattwik Satyakam Devta’s journey proves that smart planning, dedication and expert guidance from the best IAS coaching in Bhubaneshwar can help UPSC aspirants from Odisha, Bihar and across India achieve top ranks. His story is a motivating example for UPSC CSE 2026, 2027 and 2028 aspirants.
