In a country where lakhs of aspirants chase the dream of cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination, stories of resilience and sacrifice often shine brighter than success alone. 

One such inspiring journey is that of IPS officer Archit Chandak, who walked away from a lucrative ₹35 lakh job offer abroad to dedicate his life to public service.

Born and raised in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Chandak’s brilliance was evident early on. In 2012, he topped the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) in his city, paving his way into IIT Delhi, where he pursued a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering.

But even as he thrived in academics, Chandak knew his destiny lay beyond corporate corridors.

During an internship, a Japanese firm recognized his talent and offered him an impressive annual package of ₹35 lakh. For many, such an offer would have been life-changing. 

But for Chandak, it was a distraction from his bigger dream—serving the nation through the Indian civil services.

After his graduation, he turned down the offer and devoted himself to preparing for the UPSC exam. 

His determination bore fruit in 2018, when he cracked the exam in his very first attempt, securing All India Rank 184 and earning a place in the Indian Police Service (IPS).

Chandak’s career began as Station House Officer (SHO) at Bazarpeth Police Station in Bhusaval, where his commitment quickly won the trust of the local community. 

He later returned to his hometown as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Nagpur, where he continues to uphold law and order with distinction.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chandak is also known for his discipline outside the uniform. 

A fitness enthusiast, he has completed the 42 km Mumbai Marathon and is a passionate chess player with a FIDE rating of 1820. His personal life mirrors his professional drive—he is married to his UPSC batchmate, IAS officer Saumya Sharma.

Chandak’s story is not just about clearing an exam; it is about choosing purpose over privilege, and service over self-interest. For thousands of UPSC aspirants, he stands as a living reminder that the true measure of success lies not in what you earn, but in what you give back.