Mangaluru : The National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, announces that Himanshu Thapliyal, an alumnus of the 2023 batch from the MTech program in Nanotechnology, has secured All India Rank (AIR) 1 in the UPSC Engineering Services Examination.

Himanshu Thapliyal, born in Uttarakhand and raised in Lucknow, began his academic journey with a JEE rank of 5,83,000. His determination and hard work led him to achieve AIR 1 in Engineering Services. He pursued a BTech in Electronics and Communication at NPSEI, Pithoragarh and, with dedication, cracked GATE to join his dream MTech program at NIT Karnataka in Nanotechnology (2021–2023).

Himanshu shared his aspirations to join the Indian Telecom Services, stating, “With this rank, I can finally achieve that goal. My focus now is on understanding the system and identifying the boundaries within which I can operate. Once I have a clear grasp of these, I aim to give back to society in any way I can.”

Reflecting on his journey, Himanshu said, “Initially, it was very difficult for me to decide what I truly wanted to do in life. The whole idea of getting into NITK was to gain exposure, meet diverse friends, and figure out my path. NITK not only provided me with an excellent platform to learn and grow, but it also shaped my mindset, helping me make the right decisions. I feel grateful that I chose the right college at the right time in my life.”

He also offered advice to UPSC aspirants: “Your time at NITK is incredibly valuable, so make the most of it and enjoy every moment. Balancing your studies with UPSC preparation is crucial. Don’t miss out on the events and activities—maintain a balance and stay disciplined in everything you do.”

Himanshu gratefully acknowledged the solid support of his parents, Mrs. Lakshmi and Mr. Shambhu, his teachers, Mrs. Tripti and Mr. Gururaj, and his friends. He emphasized, “This achievement is as much theirs as it is mine, and I am forever grateful.”

He is especially grateful to the faculty members of the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering NITK, particularly Prof. S. Anandhan, and to his friends Kshitij, Debershi, Sanket, Ali, Tauqeer, Harshul, Pawan, Prince, Dhyumanth, Aditya, and Netravati for their constant encouragement and support. “Their encouragement and companionship provided me with the perspective and relaxation I needed,” Himanshu remarked.

Prof. B. Ravi, NITK Director proudly congratulated Himanshu Thapliyal on his outstanding achievement and wishes him continued success in his future endeavours.