A Police Officer's Passionate Journey: Unlocking Success for Jharkhand's JPSC Aspirants
A Teacher's Heart, A Police Officer's Duty
In the heart of Jharkhand, a remarkable story unfolds, where a dedicated police officer, DSP Vikas Chandra Srivastava, has become a beacon of hope for aspiring civil servants. His journey, from a humble library in Deoghar to a statewide movement, is an inspiring tale of dedication and mentorship.
The Birth of DSP Ki Paathshala
It all began with a simple idea during Srivastava's posting in Deoghar. Behind his residence, a 24/7 public library became his sanctuary, a place where he not only studied but also began his journey as an educator. "Whenever I had time, I would teach. It was an organic process, and I enjoyed it," he recalls.
As his passion grew, so did his desire to teach more systematically. He started using visual aids and maps to simplify general studies, and what started as informal teaching soon evolved into a structured endeavor.
From Libraries to Digital Classrooms
The transition to online teaching was a natural progression for Srivastava. In July 2021, he launched the DSP Ki Paathshala channel, but his teaching journey had already begun much earlier, wherever his police duties took him. Today, the channel boasts over 1,000 videos and a thriving community of 1.65 lakh subscribers.
"It's not just about building a brand; it's about continuing a passion that started in childhood," he says, reflecting on his father's influence as a science teacher.
A Childhood Influenced by Teaching
Vikas Chandra Srivastava's roots are in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. His father, a science teacher, instilled in him a love for education and a desire to give back. Srivastava often witnessed his father teaching children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with books and clothes when needed.
"Teaching has always been my passion, not just a hobby. Even when my father was unwell, I would teach Class 10 students," he shares.
After completing his schooling at DAV in Hazaribagh and graduating from Nizam College in Hyderabad, Srivastava pursued his dream of becoming a civil servant. He prepared diligently in Delhi and, although selection didn't happen immediately, he returned to Hazaribagh with a mission.
Balancing Police Duties and Teaching
Currently posted in Ranchi as Senior Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Investigation Training School, Srivastava oversees advanced investigation training for police personnel. His job is demanding and unpredictable, yet he finds time for his teaching passion.
"Police work is 24/7, but when you're passionate, time finds a way. It's not right to say, 'I'm too busy.' You make time for what matters," he asserts.
Most of his classes are conducted online at night, and he relies on his Telegram group of over 44,000 JPSC aspirants to suggest topics. "What should I teach today?" he asks, and the responses are instant.
There are also spontaneous moments during his police duties. "I often visit remote villages and schools, and I take 10 minutes to teach the children about proper study techniques. It's a way to give back and also improve the public's perception of police officers," he explains.
Mentorship Beyond Academics
While Srivastava's online classes focus on JPSC prelims and mains, he believes mentorship is equally important. "Many students suffer from anxiety. They call me, sometimes in tears, feeling they can't make it. I make it a point to speak to them personally and offer guidance," he shares.
For interview preparation, he organizes offline sessions in Ranchi, with the help of friends who offer their offices as venues. Senior bureaucrats and officers volunteer their time, conducting mock interviews for aspiring civil servants.
"This initiative is fee-free. It's my way of paying back to society. If society has given you something, you should return the favor," he says.
Success Stories and Impact
Over the years, DSP Ki Paathshala has produced remarkable results in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) exams. In one final result, out of 342 successful candidates, over 140 were associated with Srivastava's classes. Many visited him after the results, expressing their gratitude.
One story that remains close to his heart is that of Babita Pahadiya, from the Pahadiya tribe in the Santhal region. She became the first officer from her community, and in her interview, she credited DSP Ki Paathshala for her success, showcasing the flowcharts and mind maps she had studied.
"Seeing her notes, I felt a sense of pride. It's a testament to the impact we're having," he says.
A Message of Motivation and Service
DSP Vikas Srivastava's advice to competitive exam aspirants is straightforward and inspiring. "Consider yourself fortunate. Many children study in far worse conditions. Stay motivated and never give up," he encourages.
He also has a message for his fellow officers and professionals: "It's not enough to just do your job. Apart from your salary, what are you doing for society? Even small efforts can make a big difference. Stand up and inspire, wherever and whenever you can."
A Community-Driven Platform
DSP Ki Paathshala is more than just a YouTube channel. It's a community-driven platform focused on accessible education for Jharkhand aspirants. Srivastava sees his uniform and the classroom as interconnected worlds, both representing public service in their own ways.
As he continues his dual role, training police personnel by day and mentoring civil service aspirants by night, his core philosophy remains: give back, always.
For thousands of students across Jharkhand, his idea has become a reality, unlocking doors to success and a brighter future.
