This petrol pump worker's son cracked UPSC in first attempt
When results of the coveted Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations were declared back in April, 759 candidates were recommended by the Commission for appointment to various services like IAS, IPS, IFS, etc. Among them was a young Indore-resident, Pradeep Singh (AIR 93), who, at just 22, cleared the exam in his first attempt, despite facing hardships. Here's his story.
Singh's family moved to Indore in hopes of better employment
Singh's family finds its humble roots in Gopalganj, Bihar. His father, Manoj Singh, moved to Indore in 1991 in search of better employment, The Better India reported. Singh, born in 1996, also moved to Indore after spending a few years in Gopalganj. He later attained a B.Com (Hons) degree from International Institute of Professional Studies, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya.
'Father, elder brother asked me to concentrate on studies'
"I wanted to get a private job like my elder brother after I completed my graduation in Commerce, but my father and elder brother asked me to concentrate on my studies. They sent me to Delhi for the preparation of UPSC," Singh told Hindustan Times.
Despite financial constraints, Singh's father encouraged him to study
Singh's family, however, wasn't doing so well financially. His father tried starting several small businesses but failed and the debt kept piling. Speaking about his father, who works as a petrol pump serviceman, Singh told TBI, "He never let the stress affect us. He never compromised on our education. He even sold our home in Indore to fund my coaching for UPSC."
Always wanted to educate my children, says Singh's father
"I always wanted to educate my children so they can do well in life. Pradeep told me he wanted to take the UPSC exam, but I was short of money, so I sold my house. It has been a tough journey," Singh's father told ANI.
Singh studied 14 hours a day for a year
Singh was already a bright student, who won in several debates, quizzes, and extempore events. However, for UPSC, he studied 14 hours/day to go the extra mile. "The schedule was set. Get up, shower and eat, all the rest of my time was spent studying," he told TBI. "I limited going out for films or hanging out with friends to a bare minimum."
'I treated my first attempt like my last'
"My father sacrificed a lot and I knew not everyone gets the opportunity that I had. So I treated my first attempt like it was my last attempt. I had to give it my best shot and prove myself," he told TBI.
Singh was inspired by his parents' admiration of IAS officers
Although Singh said nobody in his family has even cleared the UPSC preliminary examinations, the way his parents spoke highly of IAS aspirants who cracked the exams to serve the nation inspired him to give them that same joy. He also said that it was his late grandfather's dying wish to see him and his elder brother educate themselves and be successful.
'My parents were crying and laughing all at once'
Speaking about his parents' reaction, Singh told TBI, "They did not sleep for three days, because the celebrations were in full swing." He added, "My parents were crying and laughing all at once. The joy on their faces was unmatched. My hard work paid off."
Here's what Singh plans to do next
Singh said that once he gets posted to a district, he would work on four key areas: law and order, women empowerment, health, and education. "I believe all of these fields are intertwined and dependent on each other for a better society," he told the publication. He also said that he draws inspiration from civil servant Parikipandla Narahari.
'Coaching contributes 8-10% to results. 90% is hard-work'
To other IAS aspirants, Singh advised that they shouldn't rely on coaching alone. "Coaching will contribute about 8-10% to the results. But 90% depends on your hard work," he told TBI. He maintained that aspirants shouldn't pursue UPSC under family/peer pressure, and it should be their own decision. "Your motivation will come from within and at no point will you regret it," he added.
