Life has a way of testing us in unexpected ways, and few understand that better than IAS officer Ankurjeet Singh (2018 batch). His story is not just one of ambition or service but a profound journey of overcoming personal and professional challenges, all while maintaining a spirit that never lost sight of the goal—to serve and uplift society. For him, the path to becoming an IAS officer was marked not only by rigorous study but also by an extraordinary fight with a progressive loss of vision that began in childhood.
A Challenge Like No Other
It was a gradual process. The vision loss didn’t strike Mr. Singh all at once, but over time, a medical condition slowly robbed him of his eyesight. By the time he reached adulthood, his vision had deteriorated to the point where he was categorized as 100% blind. Yet, in the face of such adversity, he refused to let go of his dreams.
As he recalls, “Because it was gradual in nature, it didn’t bring any sudden trauma. It gave me time to adapt to the situation. That was a positive thing, rather than a negative.”
This gradual acceptance of his reality, combined with a strong support system from his parents, gave him the mental fortitude to push forward. His parents, both aware of the inevitable challenges that lay ahead, ensured he was prepared emotionally and practically. Ankurjeet credits their foresight for much of his strength. “They always encouraged me and were medically aware of my issue. They foresaw what would be required in the next few years and how to cope with it,” Mr. Singh shared with Indian Masterminds.
The Path to Civil Services
Growing up, Mr. Singh was drawn to the idea of serving his country, largely inspired by his parents’ work in government service. The seeds of this desire were further nurtured during his time at IIT Roorkee, where he pursued a degree in civil engineering. Surrounded by a circle of friends with similar aspirations, the goal of cracking the UPSC became clear.
“One reason for choosing UPSC was my parents, who were in government service. That’s how I got oriented towards administration,” he explains. His friend circle in college also played a significant role, with many preparing for the same path, further reinforcing his resolve.
However, preparing for one of the world’s toughest examinations without the aid of sight presented unique challenges. Initially, he relied on enlarging texts and using magnifiers. “But when things deteriorated, I shifted to technology—magnifiers, voice-over software, and audio books,” he says, detailing the evolution of his study methods.
Through three attempts, Mr. Singh maintained his determination. His unwavering focus, coupled with a disciplined approach to preparation, finally paid off when he cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in his third attempt with AIR 414.
Finding Strength in Support
Behind every success story lies a support system, and Mr. Singh’s journey is no different. His parents, aware of the medical realities of his condition, ensured he had the emotional and practical support he needed. Their early preparations and constant encouragement played a pivotal role in keeping him motivated during difficult times.
“My parents foresaw the situation and encouraged me. They always made sure I had the resources I needed to cope with my condition,” he reflects.
In addition to his family, his close friends were instrumental in his success. The group of four IITians who shared the same goal of cracking the UPSC became a crucial source of knowledge-sharing and motivation.
His strategy was simple yet effective—”Rather than covering a lot of material, limit your study to a few comprehensive sources and revise them again and again,” he advises.
Overcoming Challenges as a Civil Servant
Today, IAS Ankurjeet Singh serves as the Chief Administrator for both the Jalandhar and Amritsar Development Authorities, a role that requires dealing with an array of complex issues daily.
“It’s a very under-the-sky kind of job. One day you’re dealing with education; the next it’s health or agriculture. The diversity of the issues is challenging but also very interesting,” he explains.
Though his vision loss posed unique challenges, Mr. Singh has never allowed it to hinder his performance. Instead, he developed alternative methods of perceiving the world around him. He adapted by relying more on his hearing, discussions with colleagues, and other aids to gather the information necessary to make informed decisions.
A Life of Purpose
As a civil servant, Mr. Singh remains deeply committed to improving the lives of the citizens he serves. One initiative that stands out to him is the conversion of a government building into a library during his tenure as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). “Many students accessed the library, and many cleared government exams because of it. That’s something I remember very fondly,” he recalls with pride.
His message to aspiring civil servants is clear: approach the journey with clarity and practicality. “Don’t just be attracted to the glamour of the service. Make yourself aware of the challenges and issues that come with it. If you believe you can handle these challenges, then make an informed decision to take this path,” he advises.
IAS Ankurjeet Singh’s journey is one of quiet determination, adaptation, and a relentless pursuit of service. Despite the obstacles, he found ways to rise above his limitations, driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to serve.
