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
nmdc resized
Result: NMDC Reports 5% Growth in Q4 Net Profit, Driven by Higher Iron Ore and Pellets Sales - Full Details Inside
jharkhand logo-resized
Jharkhand: 48 IPS Officers, Including SSP-SP of 14 Districts, Transferred; Ajeet Kumar Appointed SP City Ranchi - See Full Details Inside
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders MDL
Defence PSU MDL Lays Keel for First of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard
Jeevika Bihar
Bihar: Jeevika Rolls Out Mahila Samvad Initiative to Enhance Rural Women’s Participation in Governance
IAS Officers Indian Administrative Services IAS logo
6 IAS Officers, Including Naveen S L, Relieved from Delhi Administration for Posting in Jammu & Kashmir
Screenshot 2025-05-27 203951
Karnataka IAS Officers’ Association Condemns BJP MLC N Ravikumar’s Remarks Against IAS Fouzia Taranum - Know the Matter
Vandana Rao IAS
Who is IAS Vandana Rao, Newly Appointed DC & DM of West Delhi? Know All About Her
India logo
IRS Jitendra Kumar Sonkar and Senior Bureaucrat Minakshi Verma Repatriated Prematurely To Home Cadres
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
Modernising Governance: A Digital Transformation in Gangtok
IMG-20250523-WA0036
Abhishek Singh's SECRET: Vipassana, Anthropology & Smart Answer Writing | Video Interview 
Madhav Agarwal UPSC
From Gwalior to the Top 20: What Drove Finance Pro Madhav Agarwal to Crack UPSC CSE 2024 with AIR 16? | Exclusive
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Anjali Sondhiya UPSC IFS (1)
Engaged in 10th, 8 Years of Preparation, How This IFS Topper Cracked the UPSC: Anjali Sondhiya’s Journey - A Lesson For Every Girl
Anjali Sondhiya defied early engagement and societal pressure to crack UPSC’s IFS exam-2024 with AIR...
Kanika Anabh IFS Topper 2024
Kanika Anabh: How This JNU Graduate Beat the Odds to Become India’s Forest Service-2024 Topper
Kanika Anabh from Ranchi overcame three UPSC failures with disciplined study and smart strategies to...
IMG-20250523-WA0036
Abhishek Singh's SECRET: Vipassana, Anthropology & Smart Answer Writing | Video Interview 
Abhishek Singh, UPSC CSE 2024 Rank 78, shares his journey: from IIT Hyderabad to civil services. He discusses...
Social Media
UPSC Latest IAS IPS IFS
UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Tomorrow: ICLS Officer Altap Shaikh Shares Last-Minute Motivation for Aspirants
His five-post thread offers encouragement, practical advice, and emotional support - not just for those...
Anupam Sharma IFS
#BoycottTurkey: IFS Officer Anupam Sharma Sparks Nationalist Call to Action
IFS Sharma urged citizens to avoid Turkish agricultural imports
Vikram Misri IFS
United Front Against "Nameless" Trolls! After IAS, IPS, & IFoS Officers, Nation's Top Diplomats Rally in Support of Foreign Secy Vikram Misri
The trolling, coming from “nameless, faceless” sources, has sparked widespread condemnation, especially...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
nmdc resized
Result: NMDC Reports 5% Growth in Q4 Net Profit, Driven by Higher Iron Ore and Pellets Sales - Full Details Inside
jharkhand logo-resized
Jharkhand: 48 IPS Officers, Including SSP-SP of 14 Districts, Transferred; Ajeet Kumar Appointed SP City Ranchi - See Full Details Inside
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
IMG-20250523-WA0036
Madhav Agarwal UPSC
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT