In the annals of human history, stories of indomitable perseverance often stand out as shining examples of what can be achieved with unwavering determination. D Bala Nagendran’s remarkable journey from adversity to triumph is one such inspiring tale. Blind from birth, Bala’s relentless pursuit of his dream to become an IAS officer led him through eight heart-wrenching setbacks before he finally emerged victorious in the UPSC Civil Services Examination of 2019, securing the 659th rank.

The Early Aspirations of D Bala Nagendran:

Born in Tamil Nadu, D Bala Nagendran’s life story is a testament to the power of dreams and perseverance. From a young age, Bala had an unwavering desire to become a collector, despite being blind. His sheer determination to achieve this goal, even when faced with physical limitations, was truly remarkable.

The Eight-Year Battle:

Bala’s journey to becoming an IAS officer was no cakewalk. He faced the UPSC examination eight consecutive times without tasting success. Most would have given up after such relentless failures, but Bala’s resolve only grew stronger with each setback. He knew that the road to success was paved with determination and unwavering dedication.

Educational Background:

Bala’s educational journey laid the foundation for his pursuit of the IAS dream. He attended Little Flower Convent and Rama Krishna Mission School in Chennai before earning a B.Com degree from Loyola College, Chennai. His academic excellence was evident from a young age.

Family Support:

In the face of adversity, Bala found unwavering support from his family. His father, a retired Indian Army personnel turned taxi driver, and his mother, a dedicated homemaker, stood by his side throughout his arduous journey.

Early Signs of Brilliance:

Bala’s brilliance in academics was evident from his school days. His teachers recognized his potential and inspired him to aspire for the IAS. This early encouragement ignited the fire within him.

The Beginning of His UPSC Journey:

After completing his B.Com degree in 2011, Bala began his preparation for the UPSC examination. Despite initial failures, he refused to let go of his dream.

Overcoming Initial Failures:

Bala’s first four attempts at the UPSC examination ended in disappointment. However, these failures did not deter him; instead, they fueled his determination to improve and succeed.

A Glimpse of Success:

In 2016, after four consecutive failures, Bala finally passed the UPSC examination, securing the 927th rank. While he had earned a spot in Group-A services, his unwavering dream of becoming an IAS officer prompted him to decline the offer.

Continuing the Pursuit:

Undeterred by his initial setbacks, Bala resumed his preparation for the UPSC examination in 2017. Unfortunately, he missed success by a mere 1 mark, further strengthening his resolve to persevere.

Nine Years of Tenacity:

Reflecting on his eight failures, Bala emphasized that he never lacked self-confidence. With every setback, he diligently worked on his weaknesses, continuously improving his skills and knowledge.

D Bala Nagendran
IASD Bala Nagendran

The Ultimate Triumph:

Finally, in the UPSC Civil Services Examination of 2019, after nine years of relentless effort, D Bala Nagendran secured the 659th rank. His unwavering determination and persistence had paid off, allowing him to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming an IAS officer.


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