Dr. Vikas Divyakirti is one of the most unique and striking personalities in the field of education in India, particularly in the civil services sector. He is the founder of Drishti IAS and has not only changed the paradigm of coaching for UPSC examinations for Hindi medium students but has also inspired millions through his teaching, writing, and speeches. He has travelled from an ordinary background in Haryana to the position of a national education icon, and his story is one of persistent effort, creativity, and tireless zeal to provide knowledge to all.
Early Life and Family Background
Vikas Divyakirti was born on December 26, 1973 in Bhiwani, Haryana. His early education was at Halwasia Vidya Vihar School in Bhiwani. Moreover, Vikas completed his primary schooling at Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Bhiwani. He possessed a profound grasp of both Hindi and English, achieving academic excellence. With the boost from his class, Vikas developed a love for reading books, which helped expand his horizons and provided him with a unique way of imagining the world. Divyakirti was born into a family that deeply cherished education. His mother was well-educated, and his father was a professor of Hindi Literature, resulting in books and the Hindi language being deeply valued in his family.
Scholarly Accomplishments and Multidisciplinary Learning
The academic path of Dr. Divyakirti illustrates both diversity and distinction. He began his studies at Zakir Husain College, Delhi, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree. Over time, he developed a keen interest in the humanities, which prompted him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of Delhi. Eventually, he completed a Master’s degree in Hindi Literature from Hindu College, earning a first-class position and graduating in 1995. While doing his MA, he attempted the UGC NET JRF exam and received a research grant, which showcased his early scholarly promise.
His intellectual appetite is also reflected in the degrees he pursued later on, including an LLB from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, an M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Hindi literature, an MA in Sociology, and a Master’s degree in Hindi-English Translation. The acquisition of knowledge from several different disciplines enabled him to develop an interdisciplinary approach, which became an asset in his teaching and writing later in his career.
The Dream of UPSC and Achieving Civil Services
Dr. Divyakirti’s dreams were motivated by the desire to serve the nation. He was determined to take the prestigious UPSC Civil Services examination. He cleared the exam in 1996 on his first attempt with a rank of 384. His optional subject was sociology. After clearing the exam, he secured a job in the Central Secretariat Service and began his training at the Institute of Secretariat Training and Management. His first job was as a Section Officer in the Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Like all other candidates, Dr. Divyakirti was motivated by the security a government job offered. He was also motivated by the respect and admiration provided in this field. Over time, he began to realise that he had a keen interest in teaching and guiding others. After working for a year, he took the bold step of resigning from the civil services so that he could re-enter the field of education.
Moving into Teaching: The Rise of an Instructor
Getting his first job as an Assistant Professor at Delhi University gave Divyakirti the chance to teach both at the university as well as in several government colleges. He was one of the easiest teachers to understand and a very entertaining philosophy teacher. He interacted well with all his students, which helped him become one of the most liked and trusted professors for over a decade. His clarifying skills, coupled with a deep understanding, made philosophy approachable to the students.
His most transformative moment came when he was refused an appointment as a Hindi lecturer at the University of Delhi’s Shivaji College. Instead of being demoralised by what happened, he decided to do something remarkable. His journey towards redefining UPSC coaching in India began with a small amount of money taken from his friends.
Starting Drishti IAS: The New Age of UPSC Coaching
Dr. Divyakirti started Drishti IAS in Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi, in 1999 with a vision to make education accessible to everyone. Seated in a small group of 12-15 Hindi-medium students, he ensured that their education was tailored to their needs. To teach his pupils, he emphasised conceptual clarity, current affairs, and answer writing, and his classes were very lively, engaging, and participative. Unlike most educators of the time, he employed an interactive teaching style that invited discussions and questions.
Through word of mouth, Drishti IAS became increasingly popular amongst the students, which led to the rapid growth of the institute. The incorporation of a focus on Hindi-medium students created a significant gap in the marketplace, as there were limited places for students to prepare for the UPSC examinations. Most coaching centres had long ignored this market gap. The leadership of Dr. Divyakirti, in teaching, content curation, and guiding students, pioneered a holistic approach to preparing for civil services examinations.
Growth and Impact: A Local Initiative to a Nationwide Phenomenon
Dr. Divyakirti was quick to implement changes in the functioning of Drishti IAS, which led to the rapid expansion of the institute. From a single classroom, Drishti IAS now has branches in Delhi, Prayagraj, Jaipur, and several other cities. With the introduction of liberalisation in foreign education, the institute began offering bilingual courses in Hindi and English, thereby capturing a significant portion of the student population. Drishti IAS leveraged technology early on with a comprehensive digital setup, which included the release of their courses, a dedicated YouTube channel, and their current affairs magazine, “Drishti Current Affairs Today,” which has gained immense popularity amongst UPSC aspirants nationwide.
Dr. Divyakirti’s students have gone on to serve the country as civil servants in significant numbers, which is a testament to the institute’s reputation. Moreover, the institute’s alumni community has significantly changed the face of the country’s administration. The Drishti IAS YouTube channels have millions of subscribers. Strengthening the institute’s claim, its digital services have made teaching resources accessible to students in every nook and corner of India.
Teaching Philosophy and Style
Dr. Divyakirti’s teaching philosophy is characterised by clarity, critical analysis, and open dialogue. He believes that real learning goes beyond rote memorisation and involves the application of knowledge in various life scenarios. His lectures are vivid, with stories, analogies, and examples that relate to real life. He challenges every student to question their beliefs, think critically, and form reasonable views on social and political matters. His classes go beyond the syllabus, encompassing philosophy, ethics, and a myriad of life skills.
He is renowned for explaining complex concepts in straightforward terms that students from diverse backgrounds find easy to comprehend. His focus on Hindi medium students has been transformative for many aspirants who would have otherwise been sidelined in the fiercely competitive exam world.
Author, Speaker, and Content Creator
In addition to these classroom activities, Dr. Divyakirti is an active author and creator of educational materials. He has published and edited numerous books, study materials, and guides tailored for the UPSC and state civil services examinations, particularly in the fields of political science and international relations. His editorial work on “Drishti Current Affairs Today” is renowned for its clarity and thorough coverage.
He holds an esteemed position on YouTube, with lectures, motivational speeches, and guidance videos collectively amassing millions of views. He runs multiple Drishti channels, including Drishti IAS, Drishti IAS English, Drishti Judiciary, Drishti PCS, Drishti Teaching Exams, Drishti CUET Hindi, Drishti CUET English, and Drishti Welfare Foundation. His ability to connect digitally with students has revolutionised the field and made him a household name.
As an educator, he captivates audiences at seminars, webinars, and educational conferences with speeches on the UPSC exam, educational policy, and the contemporary agenda focused on empowering the youth. His distinct writing, along with well-thought-out opinions, has made valuable contributions to the education of Political Science and International Relations.
Personal Life and Interests
Dr. Vikas Divyakirti is married to Dr. Taruna Verma, who works with him at Drishti IAS and as an educator. Together, they have a son named Satwik Divyakirti. With a busy professional life, Dr. Divyakirti still manages to make time for his family and is known for his down-to-earth demeanour. A passionate reader and writer, he spends time studying philosophy, literature, history, and other social issues. He actively participates in debates and public discussions, always seeking to gain or share knowledge.
Recognition, Awards, and Influence
The achievements of Dr. DD Kirat have garnered public attention and earned him honours in the form of awards. He has received the Best Faculty Award from Drishti and a Young Achievers Award from the state of Bihar, Excellence in Teaching & Leadership Honours. Many coaching institutes and universities recommend his textbooks.
In 2023, he appeared in a cameo role as himself in the Hindi blockbuster 12th Fail, which chronicles the journey of an IPS officer. In addition, he has won the IIFA and Zee Cine Awards 2024 for best screenplay, along with several other accolades, such as a nomination for the Critics’ Choice Film Awards. After working on the film, he drew attention to the story of civil service aspirants and spoke about the value of believing in oneself.
He serves as a thought leader and speaker on education-related topics, including the UPSC, but also holds expertise in subjects such as the rest of the schooling systems, public affairs, youth, and language functions. He is regularly invited as a speaker to TV shows, forums, and educational panels.
Problems and Issues
Dr. Divyakirti’s biography is no exception. The expansion of Drishti IAS created new logistical and regulatory challenges, including compliance with safety norms and government regulations for coaching centres. Divyakirti has addressed such matters openly and with utmost concern for student welfare.
Doctor Divisikirti has been criticised for his inaction on several communal issues, including the coaching and examination pressures that these institutions impose on students. Divyakirti lectures on the negative impacts of overexposure to technology, constant guidance devoid of compassion, a lack of emotional intelligence, and the importance of a purpose-driven life, ethical upbringing, and overall wellness. He has voiced the need to change the value system and the examination system, as well as the importance of inculcating virtues in addition to excellence in academic endeavours.
Dr. Divyakirti is available on major social media platforms, including Twitter, and uses them to express his patriotic and educational views on current issues. His admirers appreciate his work for the coverage of the current problems, and his readers marvel at the clarity of his writing. He communicates with students often and answers their questions, passing out inspiration, which only enhances his reputation as a mentor.
Dr. Vikas Divyakirti’s digital footprint has been of utmost importance in eliminating geographical challenges by providing appropriate guidance and resources to children from far-flung areas. Specifically, the Drishti IAS YouTube channels have been a boon for students who wish to prepare for IAS but do not have the means to travel to big cities for classes.
Community Initiatives and Social Responsibility
Dr. Divyakirti has taken a step further than academics by assuming social responsibility. Through the Drishti Welfare Foundation, he is involved in various projects, including educational philanthropy, advocacy for social issues, and community development. The foundation conducts workshops and seminars and participates in outreach activities designed to help young adolescents develop their aspirations.
Dr. Divyakirti participates in promoting Hindi and other vernacular languages in competitive examinations. His work has helped advance a cause for inclusivity throughout Indian education.
Legacy and Future Vision
The Hallmark of Dr. Vikas Divyakirti’s legacy includes devotion to education, compassion toward students, and a society with greater inclusivity and thoughtfulness. He remains one of the leaders in shaping the approach to UPSC preparation in India, especially for Hindi-medium and rural students. His resolute empathy and innovative teaching style, coupled with a prioritisation of student welfare, fundamentally shift the coaching industry’s paradigm.
In the case of Drishti IAS, we anticipate its expansion through the establishment of additional regional branches, the adoption of innovative teaching methodologies, and the development of digital platforms. He is keen on transforming Indian society into one where open conversations are normalised – debates become the norm, as well as joint efforts to find solutions. He hopes to witness more public services being attended to by young Indians, especially from a wide variety of backgrounds, who possess not only knowledge but also integrity, empathy, and critical reasoning skills.
Essay Section
Crossing the border of Vikas Divyakirti’s home area, it is challenging to imagine how a single individual forms such a big aspiration and a vision far greater than oneself. The tale that resonates with every passionate individual revolves around India’s most revered mentor for UPSC exams. Because of him, millions of people today think these thoughts- dare to dream big, work hard, and serve the nation with immense integrity. He brought forth this progress through Drishti IAS, his educational books, recorded lectures, and, most importantly, his guidance, which continues to shape the Indian civil services from numerous angles.
For bending in a new chapter,
In the latter part of his tale, Dr. Divyakirti portrays a face that transforms dramatically for countless learners. To them, he is not only an instructor; he is also a mentor. This man is their coach. He inspires them and turns them into a sign of hope. As professional guidance widens the pathways for their life, Divyakirti paves the way for dreams they once deemed unreachable. The advancements he has brought to much of India’s schooling will shape things for years to come as he persistently strives to champion top-notch, learner-accessible facilities that empower students.
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Addresses and contact details for Drishti IAS:
Drishti IAS Main Office (Delhi)
Address:
Drishti The Vision Foundation
641, 1st Floor, Dr. Mukherjee Nagar,
Opposite Signature View Apartment,
New Delhi – 110009
Phone:
+91-87501-87501
Other Key Centres
Karol Bagh, Delhi:
21, Pusa Road, WEA,
Karol Bagh, Delhi – 110005
Noida:
1st & 2nd Floor, Ground Floor, Plot C-171/2,
A Block, Sector 15, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
Jaipur:
Harsh Tower 2, 45 45A, Tonk Road,
Jaipur, Rajasthan – 302015
Indore:
12, Main, AB Road, Bhawar Kuan,
Indore, Madhya Pradesh – 452007
Lucknow:
47/cc, Burlington Arcade Mall, Burlington Chauraha,
Vidhan Sabha Marg, Lucknow, UP – 226001
Prayagraj:
13/15, Tashkent Marg, Civil Lines,
Prayagraj, UP – 211001
For further details or course inquiries, you can call their main helpline at +91-87501-87501 (available every day from 8 AM to 8 PM).
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