Atul Sharma completed his PGDFM in development management from IIFM Bhopal in 2018. He has a professional background that includes two years as a manager at MP Rajya Van Vikas Nigam, followed by roles as District Youth Officer in NYKS, MoYAS, GoI in Ballia (UP), Kinnaur (HP) and Bilaspur (HP). Atul is known for his consistency and dedication, he will soon be joining the Reserve Bank of India as a Manager, showcasing his commitment to a successful career.
Twitter: @atuliifm
Instagram: @atulsh23
Linkedin: Atul Sharma
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM to this role?
A. I chose not to appear for private companies during the campus placement and thus, ended up at MP Rajya Van Vikas Nigam Ltd. I worked there for 2 years as Manager – CSR. Subsequently, I cracked NYKS-DYO (Disrict Youth Officer) exam and joined as the District Youth Officer at Ballia (UP) in 2020. Being an officer in an autonomous organization of GoI, I dedicated myself for youth empowerment. I had the opportunity to implement GoI initiatives, including those focused on personality development for school dropouts, skill development initiatives, financial inclusion initiatives & many other mega events like Tribal Youth Exchange Programme, National Youth Festival.
Q. Tell us about RBI grade B exam?
A. RBI Grade B officer exam offers one of the top positions in the banking industry with the Banker to Government and Banks. More than 2 lakh students apply each year for merely 150-250 posts. It is one of the toughest exam in India and require meticulous planning.
This exam is all about consistency, dedication & self-belief. I have been consistent & dedicated from childhood but IIFM provided me with the third quality, self-belief.
RBI exam happens in three phases. The phase 1 of RBI exam has Quants, Reasoning, English & General Awareness, and phase 2 exam covers subjects such as Economics & Social Issues, Finance & Management, and English in objective as well as descriptive format. Third phase is an interview by the RBI Sevices Board.
After this exam, the role as a central banker shall be to take the trust & confidence of citizens in the central bank to another level. There are various aspects right from regulations & supervision, banker to banks, banker to govt to financial inclusion and customer education. I am looking forward to giving my 200 per cent in the RBI.
Further If anyone wants to know about the exam in detail, they may follow my telegram channel @we_learn_here .
Q. Tell us about your journey of the reaching the pinnacle of AIR 1 in RBI grade B exam?
A. It has been a rollercoaster ride. I joined MPRVVN to have time for preparation. Initially fascinated by UPSC & RBI but within 1-2 months, I found reasons not to pursue UPSC. I decided to prepare whole-heartedly for the RBI Gr B. I was among top 10 scorers in Phase 2 of the 2019 exam but was awarded only 15 marks out of 50 in the interview, a heart shattering moment as I expected around 30-35. I missed the final selection by 0.5 and was waitlisted which never got cleared. In 2020, the exam was not conducted due to the pandemic. I couldn’t prepare in 2021 due to COVID-19 and faced major health issues in 2021 & 2022. It was the reason for not appearing for the exam. But as I recovered in 2023, I decided to give it one last shot as my final attempt as per age eligibility. Pushed by my wife Shweta Sharma (PFM 2018-20), I tried my best & was able to crack the exam, and that too with AIR 01.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. The key learnings are somewhat philosophical:
a. One should not let go off things easily. It is better to give your best till the end. We never know when our hard work will pay off.
b. IIFM, as an institute has inculcated a few things in my personality & attitude. That attitude helped me in staying positive through the bad phase.
c. I got appreciation letters from the District Magistrates in Ballia as well as Kinnaur for my good work in Namami Gange Project and Youth empowerment initiatives.
Q. What is the most satisfying part of your current role?
A. Working with the youth and for the youth is the most satisfying part of my current role and the level of autonomy one gets as a district-level officer is also gratifying.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. Whatever I have learned at IIFM, I have tried to keep those values at the top of the priority list during my professional career. A never compromising attitude helps one stay true to his/her moral values. Also, a few subjects like OB, Finance, Macroeconomics, Research methodology and SP really helped me in my previous and current roles as well as during my preparation for the RBI Gr B exam.
Q. Who (or what) are the biggest influences or drivers in your careers. What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles?
A. If you want to prepare for any government sector exams, your PG subjects shall help you for sure. It is very important to understand the basics of all the subjects being taught at IIFM. Alongside, one should enjoy the life at IIFM. Try to live it to the fullest. Various events and competitions generate a sense of self-belief and an attitude of never giving up in you.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. Being the topper and SAAC president at the same time was something which kept me moving during my IIFM days. The guts & glory event, the lecture of CSR sir, the fruitful discussions with Ujjal sir, the cricket matches and the hostel life – these have been some of my favorite memories.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution (courses, faculty, library, friends, and alumni. Anything else!!) or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. I was a shy person who lacked confidence and was not that comfortable in English before I joined IIFM. I tried everything that came my way at IIFM. The level of confidence that I carry as an individual, as well as a professional, is the major takeaway from IIFM. Also, the faculty and friends helped me in improving my personality as well as my professional approach. I still remember the first day of my presentation when I was fumbling all around and here I am now, a much-improved version of myself.
Q. What is your typical day at the office?
A. The major portion of my day is occupied by creating opportunities for the youth and youth clubs, ranging from the areas of sports, entrepreneurship, vocational training, and personality development to extra-curricular activities. The remaining time goes into filling various reports and paperwork.
Q. And how about weekends, Hobbies, Family and anything else you want to add.
A. I am a lazy person and weekends bring out the best of laziness in me. I wake up at 11 or 12 and spend my time like a snail on weekends. As my wife is also an IIFMite, we end up talking about IIFM many a times. I like to play cricket, read novels and watch movies.
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors.
A. Movie – Interstellar & Swades
Novel – 1984 by George Orwell
I also like reading Hindu Mythology.
Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitments towards its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, students?
A. In every possible capacity, I shall be available to contribute to IIFM and IIFM’ites.