Mock VSP UPSC: Can You Success Without Being a Topper?
Do you believe that only toppers can take and succeed in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE)? Meet Junaid Ahmed, an IAS officer who challenged this notion. Junaid, despite coming from a middle-class background and scoring 60 percent in his 10th and 12th class board exams, has demonstrated that success is achievable with dedication and hard work.
A Journey from Average to IAS Officer
Junaid Ahmed, a resident of Nagina in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, successfully cleared the UPSC CSE 2018 with an All India Rank (AIR) of 3, further achieving AIR 352 in 2017. His academic journey was not extraordinary, as he also scored around 60 percent in his graduation from Sharda University, completing his Electronic Engineering. His father is a lawyer, while his mother is a homemaker.
The Power of Persistence
Despite his average academic background, Junaid dedicated 7 consecutive years to his UPSC preparation. He gave three attempts before finally qualifying in his fourth attempt, securing the 315th rank and the Inland Revenue Services (IRS) position. His determination did not wane; instead, it fueled his ambition to become an IAS officer. In his fifth attempt, he achieved the remarkable AIR 3 rank, fulfilling his goal of becoming an IAS officer.
Lessons from Junaid Ahmed
Junaid Ahmed believes that there is no alternative to hard work. According to him, one should not be demotivated by failures and should continue on the path to achieving their dreams. He emphasizes that failures are stepping stones to success and should be learned from to achieve one's goals.
In his experience, Junaid has realized that marks are important for eligibility criteria but not the only factor in determining success. He states, 'If you have a keen desire and a passion for cracking the UPSC, irrespective of your background, you can achieve success. Kisi cheez ko tum puri siddt se cahoge to sari kaynat use tumse milane me lag jati hai'—which translates to, 'If you desire something wholeheartedly, the full energy is drawn towards its attainment.'
Examples of Success
Like Junaid, numerous candidates have gone on to clear the UPSC exam with similar average backgrounds. For instance, consider the journey of Sandeep Maheshwari, who, like Junaid, has defied the notion that only toppers can succeed in the UPSC CSE.
Conclusion
The stories of Junaid Ahmed, Sandeep Maheshwari, and countless others like them demonstrate that desire, hard work, and determination are key factors in achieving success in the UPSC exam. No quota or reservation is given to toppers; the exam is open to anyone with the keen desire to succeed.
Do you have a story to share about your own prep journey or someone you know who cleared the UPSC despite having an average background? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Keywords: UPSC, Topper, Success, Hard Work, Average Student