Belagavi: In a remarkable achievement for Karnataka, 25-year-old Basavaraj Kempwad from Savadi village in Athani taluk of Belagavi district has secured All India First Rank in the prestigious Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.
The UPSC announced the IFS examination results on Friday, bringing celebrations to Savadi village and surrounding regions as Basavaraj emerged as the national topper. Hailing from an ordinary farming family, Basavaraj’s achievement has become a source of pride for the entire state, especially rural students aspiring to crack competitive examinations.
Basavaraj completed his primary education from Classes 1 to 5 in a private school in his native Savadi village. He later studied at the Morarji Desai Residential School in Alagwadi village of Raibag taluk till Class 10. After completing SSLC, he pursued his Pre-University education in Yallatti village of Jamkhandi taluk in Bagalkot district.
Driven by his interest in nature and conservation, he later joined a forestry course in Sirsi of Uttara Kannada district, where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Forestry. After graduation, he moved to Bengaluru and began preparing seriously for the UPSC Indian Forest Service examination.
Speaking over the phone about his achievement, Basavaraj said his success was the result of sustained effort, discipline and self-belief.
“This achievement has been possible because of my continuous hard work and determination. Coming from a rural background and being a farmer’s son, reaching this stage gives me immense happiness and pride,” he said.
Unlike many aspirants, Basavaraj did not enrol in any expensive coaching institutes. Instead, he chose self-study and spent nearly two years preparing independently in Bengaluru.
“I did not join any coaching centre. I stayed in Bengaluru, rented a room and studied systematically in a library from 10 in the morning till midnight every day. I followed the guidance of seniors and focused on correcting my mistakes from the previous attempt,” he explained.
This was Basavaraj’s second attempt at the IFS examination. He could not clear the preliminary examination during his first attempt. However, instead of losing confidence, he carefully analysed his shortcomings and changed his preparation strategy.
“In my first attempt, I could not clear prelims. I understood where I went wrong and prepared in a more planned and disciplined manner this time,” he said.
Basavaraj said his upbringing in an agricultural family naturally developed his interest in forests, ecology and environmental conservation. This inspired him to study forestry and pursue a career in the Indian Forest Service.
“My aim is to work for forest conservation and serve society through the knowledge and training I have gained. Protecting forests and natural resources has always been my passion,” he said.
Though he had initially dreamt of becoming an IAS officer, Basavaraj said he was equally passionate about the Indian Forest Service because of his strong interest in environmental protection and sustainable development.
He also expressed gratitude towards his parents, teachers, friends and mentors who supported him throughout his educational journey.
“I am thankful to my parents, all my teachers from primary school to graduation, my friends and everyone who encouraged me during my preparation,” he added.
Meanwhile, celebrations broke out in Savadi village soon after the results were announced. Villagers, relatives and well-wishers gathered to congratulate Basavaraj’s family. Residents described him as a humble and hardworking student who remained focused on his studies despite financial and social challenges.
Villagers are now eagerly waiting for his return to the village in the coming days. His achievement has especially inspired students from rural and farming backgrounds across north Karnataka.
Basavaraj’s elder brother, Siddu Kempwad, is currently serving as a constable in the Mysuru City Armed Reserve Police. Along with Basavaraj securing the first rank, Anshuman Kumar secured the second rank in the IFS examination while Siddharth secured the third rank.
Interestingly, Belagavi district had already drawn attention in the recent UPSC Civil Services Examination results as well, with Rahul Patil securing 224th rank and Basavaraj Patil securing 739th rank.
Basavaraj Kempwad’s achievement is now being hailed as another example of how determination, disciplined preparation and consistent hard work can help students from rural India achieve national-level success without relying on expensive coaching systems.
