Invisible helping hand breaks its own record, guide 86 UPSC aspirants to CAPF glory

Time of India

8 hours ago

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Lucknow: In the gruelling
UPSC preparation
landscape, Rakesh Nikhaj, a 2012-batch CISF Deputy Commandant, is rewriting success stories for aspirants. His brainchild, the Invisible Helping Hand, a voluntary initiative, has catapulted 86 candidates into Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Grade A civil services in 2024, shattering last year's record of 53.
From mock interviews to mentorship, this campaign is a lifeline for those stumbling at the UPSC personality test, a hurdle many fail to clear.
This year, Nikhaj was joined by Devendra Kumar, director in the Cabinet Secretariat, academicians such as Amit Akshay, exam mentors, and past UPSC toppers like Arpita Gupta, Geophysicist, creating a powerhouse of guidance. Operating via Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram, the initiative reached 262 of the 1514 CAPF interviewees nationwide, offering free virtual mock interviews that mirror the real deal at UPSC's Dholpur House, Delhi.
"We replicate everything except the physical setting," Nikhaj says, squeezing evening hours from his demanding job to provide instant feedback. "It's about serving society beyond duty," added Nikhaj, who is currently posted in Srinagar for a temporary assignment at central jail.
Among the success stories is Akash Kumar, from Kankaria, a remote hamlet in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district. An IIT Bombay economics graduate, Akash became his village's first commissioned officer, securing AIR 6 in his debut CAPF attempt.
Fourth in his family to don a uniform, he credits Nikhaj's initiative for his triumph. "Rakesh Sir's mock interviews boosted my confidence drastically," Akash says. "His focus on marginalized rural students gave me credible guidance I couldn't find elsewhere.
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Similarly, Shyam Yadav from Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, clinched AIR 2 while training as a lekhpal in up's revenue department. After failing interviews for Combined Defence Services five times and Air Force exams thrice, Shyam found salvation in Invisible Helping Hand's 2023 workshops.
"The panel of interviewers of Invisible Helping Hand shared insights that transformed my approach," he says. Though work kept him from 2024 mocks, prior feedback was pivotal.
"I prioritized first-timers for mocks this year," Shyam adds, reflecting the initiative's ethos of selflessness.
The numbers speak volumes: of the 262 aspirants mentored, 86 cleared CAPF. Nikhaj's team, balancing official duties, conducts virtual sessions for more than 130 hours via zoom calls with precision, offering tailored critiques to polish candidates for D-day.
"It's about building confidence and clarity," Nikhaj explains, his voice brimming with purpose.
Rupali Singh, a graduate of BSc physical science with computer science from Miranda house, Delhi University who secured 365 rank in her third attempt said, "Invisible Helping Hand is a life changing initiative. The mock interview helped to understand my potential. The selflessness of this campaign reflects in every panellist who is involved in guiding the aspirants."
Mangaldip Pal of Sadigachhi, a border area village in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, who secured 313 rank said, "To be very honest, Invisible Helping Hand was more confident about my selection than I was. I come from a humble family and had cleared written exams of CDS, AFCAT, and Coast Guard Assistant Commandant multiple times. However, I never cleared the interview, but the campaign of Rakesh Nikhaj's sir helped me for CAPF.
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According to UPSC, a total number of 459 candidates have been recommended for appointment after CAPF 2024 examination.