Everyone has a story, but some stories inspire millions. Junaid Ahmed’s journey from an average student to an IAS officer is a testament to resilience, tenacity, and undying spirit.
A Rocky Start:
Embarking on one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive exams in India, Junaid encountered numerous obstacles. He faced the harsh sting of failure, not once, but four times in the UPSC examinations. Yet, with unwavering determination, he emerged triumphant in his fifth attempt.
Roots and Early Life:
Hailing from the Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh, Junaid’s beginnings were humble. Born into a middle-class family, with his father, Javed Hussain, practicing law and his mother, Ayesha Raza, managing the household, Junaid’s early academic records were modest, scoring around 60% in both his 10th and 12th grades.
Engineering Dreams and UPSC Aspirations:
Pursuing higher education, Junaid enrolled in Sharda University, Noida for engineering, where he secured 65% upon graduation. It was after this phase that Junaid set his sights on the UPSC examination, dedicating himself entirely to the cause.
Embarking on the UPSC Journey:
2013 marked the commencement of Junaid’s preparation journey. To understand the vast and complex nature of the UPSC exam, he meticulously researched related information, gleaning insights from various sources.
Balancing Work and Play:
Junaid’s preparation strategy was intensive. He committed 8-9 hours daily to studies, but to ensure mental well-being and to avoid burnout, he interspersed his routine with movies, sports, and visits to the gym. This balanced approach, however, did not yield success immediately, as Junaid faced setbacks in his first three UPSC attempts.
Partial Triumph and Unyielding Ambition:
The fourth attempt bore fruit as Junaid secured the 352nd rank. Yet, this placement designated him for the Indian Revenue Department. Junaid’s vision was clear—he aspired to be a part of the Indian Administrative Service. Undeterred, he decided to walk the challenging path again.
Dream Fulfilled:
In the wake of relentless effort and a fire that refused to dim, Junaid’s fifth UPSC attempt in 2018 witnessed a monumental success. He not only cleared the exam but clinched the third position on the All-India list. Today, Junaid Ahmed proudly serves as an IAS officer.
Junaid’s story is an inspiration for countless aspirants, teaching them that with persistence and dedication, even the seemingly impossible becomes possible.