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Pankaj Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, once mocked for failing, cleared seven state civil service exams without coaching while working and raising a family
At 30, Pankaj Yadav, an electrical engineer by profession, cleared seven state civil service examinations, all without coaching. (Representational Image)
In a small town of Uttar Pradesh, a boy once ridiculed by his teacher for failing three subjects has today emerged as an inspiration to lakhs of civil services aspirants. At 30, Pankaj Yadav, an electrical engineer by profession, cleared seven state civil service examinations, all without coaching, while managing a full-time private job and family responsibilities.
What began as a moment of humiliation in a classroom turned into a life-changing motivation. Pankaj recalls the day his teacher mocked him before his classmates, saying, “If you can ever score 60%, you can achieve anything in life.” The words, meant to belittle him, became his turning point.
Determined to prove his worth, Pankaj requested his father for some time off from the family’s jaggery shop to focus solely on studies. His father promised a cricket kit if he achieved 60%.
In the dimly lit storeroom of the shop, where the floor was sticky with melted jaggery, Pankaj created his own study corner – a sack for a mat, a small table, and relentless determination. When the results were declared, Pankaj not only scored 60% but topped his school, surpassing even those with private tutors.
That moment instilled a lifelong belief in him, that perseverance can overcome any disadvantage of background or circumstance.
Years later, Pankaj completed his engineering degree and secured a well-paying corporate job. He married and became a father, seemingly settling into a comfortable life. But at 30, a sense of unfulfillment began to gnaw at him. Inspired by the civil service fever in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Pankaj decided to take the plunge into government exam preparation.
Friends questioned his decision, “Why risk your career at 30?”, but Pankaj was undeterred. He balanced his demanding job during the day, spent time with his son and family in the evening, and studied deep into the night.
His first UPSC attempt ended in failure. Yet, rather than succumbing to disappointment, Pankaj doubled his efforts. Without enrolling in coaching institutes or relying on mock tests, he disciplined himself, cut off from social media, and designed his own strategy for success.
His persistence bore fruit and over time, he cleared seven state PCS (Provincial Civil Service) examinations, a rare feat achieved through sheer determination and self-study.
Speaking to local media, Pankaj said, “If you have passion and purpose, neither age nor circumstances can stop you. Hard work, discipline, and focus are the only ingredients of success.”
Today, Pankaj’s journey stands as a shining example for those who believe it’s too late to chase their dreams. A working professional, a father, and a self-made achiever, he has proven that no ambition is beyond reach if one has the courage to begin again.
Uttar Pradesh, India, India
October 06, 2025, 19:45 IST
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