New Delhi, March 10 — An engineering graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) who left his job at a startup has secured All India Rank (AIR) 102 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026, achieving success after preparing from home in Bihar.
The candidate, originally from Bihar, decided to quit his professional role in the startup sector to focus entirely on civil services preparation. After returning to his hometown, he began studying independently with a disciplined schedule, eventually clearing one of India’s toughest competitive examinations.
Journey From Engineering To Civil Services
After completing his engineering degree from IIT, the candidate initially pursued a career in the startup ecosystem. However, he later decided to shift his focus toward public service and began preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination.
According to reports, he relied largely on self-study at home, using standard reference books, previous years’ question papers and online learning resources. His preparation strategy focused on conceptual clarity and consistent revision.
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted annually to recruit officers for prestigious services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
Discipline And Structured Preparation
During preparation, the candidate followed a structured daily routine and prioritized understanding the syllabus rather than relying only on coaching institutes. Observers note that an increasing number of aspirants are successfully clearing the exam through a combination of self-study and digital learning resources.
UPSC preparation typically involves three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview). Candidates often spend several years preparing due to the vast syllabus covering subjects such as history, polity, economics, and international relations.
Inspiration For Aspirants
Education experts say stories like this continue to motivate thousands of UPSC aspirants across India, especially students from smaller towns and rural backgrounds.
The success also highlights how candidates can pursue civil services preparation outside major metropolitan coaching hubs by maintaining discipline and using accessible study materials.
With AIR 102, the candidate is expected to secure a position in one of the top civil services depending on final service allocation.
The UPSC results every year bring forward stories of perseverance, and this achievement adds another example of determination leading to success in one of India’s most competitive examinations.
