Preparing for Civil Services Examinations like UPSC, WBCS, OPSC or other state-level exams is often described as one of the toughest journeys. The vast syllabus, fierce competition and uncertain results can make this path seem daunting. Aspirants often feel disheartened after a failed attempt questioning their ability to succeed.
However, failure is not the end; it is a stepping stone to greatness. Some of the most celebrated bureaucrats in India—who have shaped policies, uplifted communities and brought about meaningful change—once stood where you are today. They faced rejections, overcame challenges and turned their setbacks into life-changing success stories.
These stories remind us that perseverance, hard work and learning from mistakes are the keys to overcoming obstacles.
Mohammed Husain's journey from the slums of Mumbai to clearing the UPSC exam is truly inspiring. Despite facing challenges like limited space and distractions at home he didn't let anything stop him. Instead, he worked hard, even tutoring others while preparing for the exam. His determination paid off when he secured the 570th rank in his fifth attempt.
Husain's story teaches us that no matter where we come from or what obstacles we face with dedication and perseverance we can achieve our goals. He proves that hard work and helping others along the way can lead to success. Let his story motivate us to never give up on our dreams and to always strive for excellence no matter the circumstances.
Pujya Priyadarshini's path to success in the UPSC exams is a testament to resilience demonstrating how every triumph is born from overcoming significant challenges.
Her UPSC journey began in 2013 facing initial setbacks. Undeterred, she took a three-year hiatus before resuming her efforts in 2016 only to fall short at the interview stage.
Despite narrowly missing success in the 2017 preliminary examination Pujya found herself on the verge of giving up on her UPSC aspirations. It was the unwavering encouragement of her family that reignited her determination for another attempt.
Pujya's perseverance bore fruit when she achieved remarkable success in 2018 securing All India Rank 11.
By following these lessons from Pujya Priyadarshini's journey, aspirants can stay motivated, resilient and focused on their path to UPSC success.
Ira Singhal's story is a testament to resilience. Though she cleared the exam multiple times she was initially denied a post due to her physical disability. She fought a long legal battle proving her determination to serve the country. In 2014, she secured AIR 1, breaking stereotypes and inspiring millions.
Lesson: Stand firm against external obstacles and fight for your dreams.
Jayaganesh is a beacon of perseverance and determination. He was born in a small village in Tamil Nadu. He came from a humble background and faced numerous challenges on his journey to success. He worked as a hotel waiter to make ends meet. He never gave up on his dream of becoming a civil servant.
His journey wasn’t easy—it took him seven attempts to crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination. After failing in his first six attempts, many might have given up. But not Jayaganesh! He turned every failure into a stepping stone, learning from his mistakes and coming back stronger each time. On his seventh attempt, his hard work and dedication finally paid off, and he achieved his dream of serving the nation as he secured AIR 156.
Vijay Wardhan, now an IAS officer, faced 35 failures before achieving success. Despite facing disappointments in various competitive exams such as State Public Services, SSC CGL and CDS, he never gave up.
His determination and optimism kept him going believing that failure is not the opposite of success but a part of it. He finally succeeded in 2018, securing an All-India Rank of 104 and becoming an IPS officer.
However, his dream was to become an IAS officer. With each failure, he learned valuable lessons that eventually led him to realize his dream in 2021. His journey proves that perseverance and resilience are key to achieving one’s goals.
The destination is achieved by those who have life in their dreams, wings are not needed, but courage to fly. The success of Suraj Tiwari, who cracked the UPSC exam in his first attempt, is just like that. Despite losing both legs, one hand, and three fingers of the other hand in an accident, this son of Mainpuri did not give up and passed the UPSC exam in 2017 and made a new history.
Suraj Tiwari, a resident of Kurawali Kasba in Mainpuri district of Uttar Pradesh, is the son of a tailor named Tiwari. Suraj, who became disabled due to a train accident, secured 917th rank in the UPSC exam.
Suraj used to work in a private job in Delhi, but the accident in 2017 changed his life. They were traveling when someone pushed them off a moving train. Suraj survived the accident, but lost both legs and three fingers of one hand. After this accident, Suraj Tiwari remained admitted in AIIMS hospital for nine months.
Even after becoming disabled, Suraj Tiwari never considered his disability and poverty as his weakness. He continued to strive for success honestly, and today success is kissing his steps.
Govind Jaiswal’s journey is an extraordinary example of grit. Coming from a financially weak background (a rickshaw puller’s son) he faced ridicule for aspiring to become an IAS officer. Despite these odds he cracked the exam in his first attempt. His father sold his property to fund his education.
Lesson: Economic hardships cannot stop you if you have the determination to succeed.
Surabhi Gautam struggled with the English language and poor academic performance during her school years. However she overcame these challenges through consistent efforts and a belief in self-improvement. Her hard work paid off when she cleared UPSC with an impressive rank.
Lesson: Overcome your weaknesses through continuous learning and self-belief.
Rukmani Riar secured AIR 2 in 2011. She failed during her academic journey when she couldn’t clear her school exams in Class 6. The experience was deeply disheartening but instead of letting it define her she used it as a motivation to succeed. Her meticulous planning and determination made her one of the top rankers in the Civil Services Exam.
Lesson: Early failures do not determine your future; resilience and hard work do.
AS officer Anu Kumari used to work with a private company and was getting a good salary when she decided to quit the job and pursue her dream of becoming an IAS officer.
After marriage, IAS officer Anu Kumari took transfer to Gurgaon. Few days after marriage, she left her job and started preparing for UPSC exam. So many people suggested she drop this idea of appearing for UPSC but she didn’t listen to anyone as it was her dream to become an IAS officer.
For about two years when Anu Kumari was preparing for UPSC exam she stayed away from her son.
Anu Kumari broke down when she failed in her first attempt to crack UPSC exam but she didn’t give up. In her second attempt, she secured All India Rank 2 and fulfilled her dream of becoming an IAS officer in 2017.
Anudeep Durishetty's journey to becoming an IAS officer was far from smooth. He faced multiple failures. Despite working as a full-time employee at Google, he managed to balance work and studies. His failures taught him the importance of strategy, time management and practice. Anudeep got All India Rank 01 in UPSC CSE 2017 and this was his 5th attempt. Before this he had appeared for UPSC CSE four times.
Lesson: Never give up, and adapt your preparation strategy after every failure.
Persistence Matters: Failure is only the end if you stop trying. These bureaucrats kept pushing despite setbacks.
Learn from Failures: Instead of being discouraged, analyze what went wrong and make improvements.
Stay Disciplined: Success in the UPSC exam demands consistent efforts and a focused routine.
Resilience Against Odds: Whether it’s physical disability, financial hardships or self-doubt, resilience can help you overcome all challenges.
Create a Study Plan: Focus on achievable daily and weekly goals.
Mock Tests and Feedback: Regular practice tests and honest feedback can help identify weak areas.
Health and Well-being: Stay physically and mentally fit. Practice meditation, eat healthily and get enough sleep.
Stay Inspired: Keep these stories in mind to motivate yourself during tough times.
Failures are an inevitable part of any journey, especially one as challenging as the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Instead of being disheartened see each setback as an opportunity to grow.
Remember, the journey to success is not a sprint; it’s a marathon.
If these extraordinary bureaucrats could overcome their challenges, so can you! Take inspiration from their stories and make your dream of serving the nation a reality.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
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