Success stories often carry the shine of medals and glamour of rank, but very rarely do they reveal the sweat and scars underneath. In this article by TheHinduzone.com, we will discuss the Journey of IAS Junaid Ahmad From Average Student to IAS Topper. One such real and raw story is that of IAS Junaid Ahmad, a name today standing as a beacon of perseverance and inspiration for millions of UPSC aspirants. His journey is not just about becoming an IAS officer; it is about breaking stereotypes, facing repeated failures, and redefining the term “topper.”
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Beginning From Bijnor
Junaid Ahmad hails from Nagina, a small town in the Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh. Coming from a middle-class family, his father is a lawyer and his mother is a housewife. Right from the beginning, Junaid simply didn’t fit into the mould of the “brilliant student.” Contrary to the classical stereotype of civil service aspirants, who it is always the ones who sail through all academic tests, Junaid was an average student at school. He scored hardly 60% in his 10th and 12th standard board examinations-the percentage that would be considered rather dismal by most in India’s stiff competitive education system.
What distinguishes him from others even more is that he looked at those numbers, never as a full stop but merely as a comma in his story.
The Academic Path
Junaid did a B.Tech. in Electronics and Communication from Sharda University, Noida, immediately after school. In engineering, again, his scoring was just 65%, accentuating the tag of an “average student.” There was, however, a huge fire behind this average performance that wanted to do something extraordinary.
The whole idea of appearing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination started during college. It was not just a career; it was a vision to make an impact, serve the country, and maybe even prove something to himself.
Dream with Many Exhausting Turns
His dream officially began after college when he joined the Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) at Jamia Millia Islamia to prepare for the UPSC. Famous for training aspirants from backwards and minority backgrounds, RCA moulded the life of Junaid into one of plan and discipline. He went on to prepare very seriously, studying 8 to 9 hours per day.
The UPSC is as much a test of endurance as of brain. His first three attempts had brought him nothing but failure and despair. For many, one or two failed attempts can shatter their hopes. For an average man by societal standards, three failures could have precipitated disaster for Junaid. However, he never surrendered. Failure had never dragged him down; rather, he had to rise above and learn from it. Junaid understood where he had gone wrong, rectified his preparation, and above all, kept his spirit alight.
4th Attempt and IRS Post
In his 4th attempt, Junaid finally tasted success. He secured an All India Rank of 352. For any aspirant, it would have been the silver lining: a hot government job, a good salary, and a respectable title. But, it was never that panacea for Junaid. He had always wanted to be an IAS, in the thick of governance, policy-making, and public service. So, he rejected the opportunity and took a courageous stand: he would go for it one more time, this time preparing while undergoing IRS training.
Smart Study Over Long Hours
What stood out with Junaid’s preparation during his final attempt was the nature of his studying rather than its duration. Gone were the long 8- to 10-hour study sessions. Exam training almost did not afford him any time.
So he worked it out. He would study for just about 4 hours a day, but in a very intense way. There was never a minute lost to chance. All topics were studied with a clear purpose. In those past failures, he had learned to prioritise, to study smartly, and to stay clear-headed. He exchanged quantity for quality. It was no longer about how many books he had read but how well he had grasped the syllabus and how well he had applied its content. And this strategy would go on to change the course of his life.
Victory in the 5th Attempt: AIR 3
Junaid Ahmad appeared for the fifth time for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2018, and garnered Rank 3 at the All India level this time. From being a student with just 60% in school to placing among the top three in the country’s most difficult examination, the transformation of Junaid had come full circle.
That achievement went beyond the personal glory attached to it; it sent out a powerful message to every “average” student who had ever been told they weren’t good enough. Those marks don’t define capability. That intelligence isn’t everything-discipline, persistence, and a never-give-up attitude are just as important, not more.
Current Posting and Responsibilities
Currently, IAS Junaid Ahmad is headquartered at Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh. As a civil servant, he is working on developmental activities with the administration and governance as well. But beyond the scope of his working duties, his presence is symbolic-a statement that success should never be the preserve of a few but must be an option for all.
Inspiration and thoughts flow out freely from his counsel to UPSC aspirants. His interviews encapsulate powerful encouragement, promoting the values of consistency, believing in oneself, and self-discipline.
Key Takeaways from IAS Junaid Ahmad’s Journey
Let’s distil the essence of Junaid’s journey into a few practical takeaways for aspirants and dreamers alike:
- Academic Background is Not Everything
Junaid only scored 60 per cent in school and 65 per cent in his college examinations. He later went on to top the IAS examination. UPSC never judges you according to your past; it judges you according to your present effort and clarity. - Failures Are Stepping Stones
Three attempts down, he became the base of his final triumph. To him, each failure was a piece of feedback. - A Little Smart Work Can Take You a Long Way
For his fifth time, he would study intensely for just 4 hours a day while also training for the IRS. Concentrating on the right things and being strategic is more important than putting in long hours without thinking. - Coaching May Help, But It Does Not Guarantee Success
Junaid did derive some benefit from the environment at RCA Jamia, but ultimately, it was his internal drive that made the difference. Coaching is a tool, not a guarantee. - Mental Strength is Paramount.
What powered Junaid’s journey was mental strength: keep going when things weren’t working; hold on to hope when few had any.
A Message to All Aspirants
- IAS Junaid Ahmad’s journey falsifies all these myths:
- You have to be at the top of the school to be an IAS officer.
- You have to clear the UPSC syllabus as a first-timer to be successful.
- You require a reputable English-medium schooling, with a fairly famous college degree.
What you need is utterly relentless dedication, being a willing learner from your mistakes, and a purpose-driven mindset. His story is especially important in a time when students face immense pressure to perform academically from a young age. Many feel disheartened if they don’t score above 90% or get into an IIT or IIM. Junaid’s life is proof that success doesn’t always follow a linear or conventional path.
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Conclusion
Junaid Ahmad, one of the most respected IAS officers in the country, has etched his inspirational legacy: From being labelled an “average student” to the top. The story of Junaid Ahmad reminds you that your present state need not be your final destination. He showed that backgrounds, board percentages, and early failures do not define a person. Only we can put upon ourselves the limitations.
So, when you feel like giving up, think of Junaid. Think of the small-town boy who faced failure thrice upfront, studied smartly, and yet made it to the very top. Let his journey be a fuel to bring you back to the race. If he can do it, you can too.
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