https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

From Cycle Repair Shop to UPSC Rank 998: UP’s Iqabal Ahmad’s Inspiring Journey Against All Odds

Iqbal Ahmad, son of a handyman from Sant Kabir Nagar, secured 998th rank in UPSC 2024, fulfilling his grandfather’s dream through perseverance, family support, and unwavering dedication despite financial hardships.
Indian Masterminds Stories

In a small village tucked away in Uttar Pradesh’s Sant Kabir Nagar district, celebrations erupted as news broke that Iqabal Ahmad had secured the 998th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024. For the people of Nandaur, especially the residents of Mehdawal village, this wasn’t just a personal victory – it was a moment of collective pride, a testament to the power of dreams, resilience, and hard work.

Rooted in Humility, Driven by Ambition

Iqabal Ahmad’s journey began in modest surroundings. The youngest of five siblings, he grew up watching his father, Maqbool Ahmed Ansari, toil day and night – first as a bicycle puncture repairman and later as a handyman – to keep the family afloat. The household had limited means, but it was rich in values and dreams.

He completed his early schooling in the village, followed by intermediate studies at an inter college in Nandaur in Sant Kabir Nagar. He later moved to Gorakhpur for his graduation – a move that marked the first major step toward his dream.

A Dream Across Generations

Iqabal’s aspiration to become a civil servant was not born in isolation. It was deeply rooted in a dream passed down from his grandfather. “It was my father’s wish to see one of us serve the country as a civil servant,” said Maqbool, holding back tears of pride. “He couldn’t do it because of poverty. Neither could I. But Iqbal has fulfilled that dream for all of us.”

Delhi: The City of Dreams and Struggles

After completing his graduation, Iqabal moved to Delhi to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. There, he secured a job in the Labour Department while continuing his studies. Working and studying simultaneously was no easy feat, but Iqbal remained determined. His eyes were set on something greater – a role in serving the nation.”

Before cracking the UPSC, Iqbal had already cleared the UPPSC exam and was appointed as a Labour Enforcement Officer in Basti district. Balancing a demanding government job with UPSC preparation called for discipline, sacrifice, and endless hours of study.

He scored a total of 733 marks – 143 in the interview and 590 in the mains written exam.

Family: The Backbone of His Success

Iqabal’s story is not just one of personal perseverance – it’s also a story of collective support. His elder brother stepped in to support the family financially by starting a painting and construction business. This helped lift some of the economic burden, allowing Iqbal the stability to focus on his studies.

His mother, Kasidun Nis, proudly shared, “We have raised Iqbal through many hardships. Today, when I see him succeed, I pray that more children in difficult situations find the strength to chase their dreams.”

An Entire Village Celebrates

When news of Iqabal’s achievement reached Nandaur, the entire town burst into celebration. Neighbors and well-wishers poured into the family’s home, bringing sweets and congratulations. “Iqbal has brought pride not just to our family, but to our entire district,” said one local resident. The sense of shared joy underscored just how meaningful his success was to the community.

A Beacon for Future Generations

Iqabal’s story is more than just an individual triumph – it is a source of inspiration for countless others. He has proven that financial hardship, limited resources, and social constraints cannot stop a determined mind. His journey stands as a shining example for every young person in rural India who dares to dream beyond their circumstances.

Even as he prepares for his new responsibilities as a civil servant, Iqbal remains deeply rooted in gratitude and humility. He credits his family, mentors, and community for helping him reach where he is today.

Legacy of Hope

Iqabal’s story is not just about making it to the UPSC merit list. It’s about breaking barriers, challenging norms, and rewriting destinies. His journey from repairing bicycle tyres to serving the nation stands as a bold reminder: success belongs to those who refuse to give up.

As children in Nandaur look up to him with admiration, and parents tell his story to inspire their own, Iqbal has unknowingly lit a torch for an entire generation. A torch of possibility, courage, and change.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Hindustan Shipyard Limited HSL
Hindustan Shipyard (HSL) Celebrates 85th Foundation Day with MSME Conclave to Boost Vendor Collaboration
RCIL RAILTel
RailTel Secures LOI for ₹43.99 Cr Mizo Fibre Grid Project from Zenics; Eyes Strong Revenue Growth in FY25 - Details Inside
Former Finance Secy Dr Vijay Kelkar’s Vision
Empowering Local Governance for India’s Economic Growth: Former Finance Secy Dr Vijay Kelkar’s Vision – Know More!
PSUs
PSUs Power MSME Growth: ₹93,568 Cr Procured in 7 Years, Marking 255% Surge & Boosting India’s Start-up Ecosystem
Chhattisgarh CM
Chhattisgarh: CM Launches ‘Sarthak’ & ‘Rakshak’ Campaigns to Protect 1.2 Crore Children’s Rights
Former IAS Amit Prakash
Former IAS Officer Amit Prakash Arrested in Jharkhand Liquor Scam
Puroshattam Chavan
Purushottam Chavan Accused of Rs 7.42 Crore Scam; IPS Wife Under Scrutiny
Madhya Pradesh MP Urban Department
Major Overhaul in MP Urban Department: Top Bhopal Officials Among 23 Transferred - Check Order Here
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IRAS Ananth Rupanagudi
IRAS Ananth Rupanagudi’s 27-Year Odyssey with Indian Railways | Exclusive Interview
Monika Singh
The Civil Servant Who Finds Peace in Poetry
Monika Singh
Monika Singh’s Life Beyond the Bureaucracy | Video Interview 
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Ravinder Nandal IDES
IDES Ravinder Nandal's Story of Self-Made Success
Balancing fatherhood, full-time jobs, and six UPSC attempts, Ravinder Nandal’s story is one of perseverance,...
Shailendra Choudhary UPSC
Daily Routine, Optional, Essays & More | Shailendra Choudhary Breaks It Down
Shailendra Choudhary, AIR 362 in UPSC 2024, shares how focused preparation, self-made strategies, and...
Divyanshu Pal Nagar IFS
5 Years, 5 Mains, 4 Interviews: How Divyanshu Pal Nagar Stumbled in CSE, Triumphed in IFS - A Lesson for Every Aspirant
Divyanshu Pal Nagar’s inspiring five-year UPSC journey shows how perseverance, disciplined self-study,...
Social Media
Screenshot 2025-06-13 194001
Wild Elephant Disrupts Riverside Picnic, Sparks Debate on Human Encroachment; IFS Parveen Kumar Shares the Video - Watch Here!
Mr. Kaswan used the viral video, which has garnered over 1.5 lakh views, to highlight the risks of human...
Tiger jump Sundarban
Stunning Viral Video Shows Royal Bengal Tiger Making Spectacular 30-Foot Leap Across River in Sunderbans - See It Here
Retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Susanta Nanda shared the clip online, which quickly went...
shubham kumar ias marriage
IAS Topper Weds BPSC Topper: Shubham Kumar Marries IRS Officer Priyangi Mehta in Patna; Wedding Video Goes Viral
Topper Couple Alert: Shubham Kumar, Priyangi Mehta’s Wedding Grabs Spotlight in Bihar
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Hindustan Shipyard Limited HSL
Hindustan Shipyard (HSL) Celebrates 85th Foundation Day with MSME Conclave to Boost Vendor Collaboration
RCIL RAILTel
RailTel Secures LOI for ₹43.99 Cr Mizo Fibre Grid Project from Zenics; Eyes Strong Revenue Growth in FY25 - Details Inside
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IRAS Ananth Rupanagudi
Monika Singh
Monika Singh
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT