A Journey of Transformation: From Failing 10th Grade to Success as an IRS Officer Ishwar Lal Gurjar

May 9, 2024

3 Minutes

Introduction

Ishwar Lal Gurjar, an individual from the modest village of Bhambra in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district, embarked on an extraordinary journey marked by both setbacks and remarkable triumphs. His resilience and unwavering determination serve as a testament to the fact that even those who encounter failures can achieve their dreams with unwavering effort.

Childhood and Education

Gurjar grew up in a humble family, residing with his grandparents. His childhood was characterized by the simplicity of village life, where activities such as bathing in ponds and tending to livestock provided solace. However, his educational opportunities were limited. Nevertheless, he persevered, becoming the first person in his family to complete 10th grade and later graduate from college.

Failing 10th Grade

A significant setback occurred in June 2011 when Gurjar failed his 10th-grade supplementary exams in mathematics and science. This setback shattered his dreams of continuing his education. However, with the unwavering support of his teachers and family, he resolved to persevere.

Re-taking 10th Grade

Emboldened by renewed determination, Gurjar re enrolled in 10th grade. Despite encountering challenges due to his weak foundation, he persevered. He formed valuable friendships with classmates who assisted him in improving his writing and language abilities.

Becoming a Primary Teacher

Upon successfully completing 12th grade, Gurjar secured a position as a primary teacher in his village. This role provided him with stability and allowed him to further his education. He pursued a Diploma in Elementary Education (D. El. Ed) from Jaipur, qualifying him for teaching up to third grade.

Aspiring for Government Service

Inspired by an accomplished IAS officer from his village, Gurjar set his sights on a career in government service. He diligently attempted various recruitment exams, including those for Forest Guard, Jail Prahari, Constable, and Patwari, but to no avail. Undeterred, he remained steadfast in his pursuit.

Getting Selected as a Third-Grade Teacher

In 2018, Gurjar achieved a significant milestone by passing the Rajasthan Eligibility Examination for Teachers (REET), qualifying him for a third-grade teaching position in Rajasthan. This accomplishment brought immense joy to both Gurjar and his family. While he found fulfillment in this role, his aspirations extended beyond the classroom.

Mahendra Pal Ji’s Inspiration

A pivotal encounter with Mahendra Pal Ji, an IAS officer from a neighboring village, transformed Gurjar’s perspective. Pal Ji encouraged him to pursue the esteemed Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, debunking the myths he held about its insurmountable difficulty.

Preparing for the UPSC

Simultaneously juggling his responsibilities as a primary teacher, Gurjar embarked on his UPSC preparations. Despite facing financial constraints and lacking prior experience, he remained unwavering in his efforts.

Clearing UPSC Prelims

In 2020, Gurjar achieved a historic milestone by clearing the UPSC Prelims exam. He dedicated himself to intense study for the Mains exam, ultimately completing it with confidence.

Interview and Final Selection

Gurjar’s hard work culminated in an invitation to the UPSC interview in 2021. Despite giving an impressive performance, he narrowly missed the final selection. However, he vowed to remain steadfast in his pursuit.

Ups and Downs on the Path

Gurjar cleared the UPSC Prelims again in 2022, but once more, he was unable to qualify for the interview. This setback was undoubtedly disheartening, but he refused to succumb to despair. He participated in the Rajasthan Police Sub Inspector and RS exams as well, while maintaining his unwavering focus on the UPSC.

Final Triumph

In May 2023, Gurjar received the news he had been eagerly awaiting. He had been selected for the IRS (Income Tax) service in the UPSC exam. Concurrently, he secured the 22nd rank in the Rajasthan RS recruitment and was appointed as an SDM in the Rajasthan Police Sub Inspector exam.

Conclusion

Gurjar’s journey from a 10th-grade failure to an IRS officer is an inspiring testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and the unwavering support of others. It underscores the fact that with the right mindset and relentless effort, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. Gurjar’s story serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals to believe in themselves and pursue their goals with unwavering passion.

Additional Reflections

• Gurjar recognizes the setback in 10th grade as a defining moment that ignited his ambition to work harder and overcome his weaknesses.
• The constant encouragement and guidance from family, friends, and mentors played a crucial role in his success.
• Gurjar believes that the UPSC exam is not an insurmountable challenge and can be successfully navigated with hard work and a positive attitude.
• He strongly encourages others to embrace their failures as valuable opportunities for growth and to never abandon their dreams.