From Cricket Captain to Civil Servant: IDES Saquib Alam's UPSC Story

March 22, 2024

4 Minutes

Introduction

Mohammed Saquib Alam’s journey to success is a tale of unwavering determination and resilience. Born and raised in Lucknow, he was a bright student from a young age, excelling in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. His school achievements as a topper in his board examinations led to his recognition in the town, with hoardings displaying his success.

Engineering and Initial Career

Saquib pursued his graduation in Mechanical Engineering from Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi. His college years were marked by accomplishments in sports and academics. He was the cricket champion, captain of the football team, and the placement coordinator. After his graduation, he worked at Mahindra and Mahindra, enjoying his role in Automobile Engineering. However, a conversation with his mother ignited a spark within him to explore the possibility of a career in civil services.

The UPSC Journey Begins

Saquib’s initial attempts at the UPSC Civil Services Examination were not serious due to his job commitments. However, after failing twice, he decided to dedicate himself to the preparation. Despite financial constraints and the need for job stability, his father encouraged him to quit his job and focus on the exam.

Overcoming Health Challenges

In 2017, his preparation was interrupted by a health condition called Slip Disc that required complete bed rest. This setback did not deter him; instead, he used this time to reflect and strategize. His efforts paid off when he was selected for Jamia RCM in 2018, although he couldn’t clear the prelims that year.

Learning from Failures

The following years were a rollercoaster of emotions for Saquib. He cleared his prelims on his fourth attempt but faced personal challenges that affected his mains preparation. Despite these setbacks, he remained steadfast, learning from his failures and adapting his strategies. He focused more on the demands of the syllabus, realizing the importance of static knowledge over current affairs.

His journey was not just his own but that of his entire family. They provided him with an environment conducive to studying and ensured he had the emotional support needed to cope with the pressures of the exam. His brother played a crucial role in helping him manage stress by taking him out for movies and dinners.

Navigating Personal Challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic brought another set of challenges for Saquib. His father’s health deteriorated, and he had to juggle between hospital visits and exam preparation. Despite the mental strain, he continued to appear for the exams, although he couldn’t perform to his best in the mains.

During these tough times, he found solace in the words of Kahlil Gibran, which helped him gain a new perspective on failure “Defeat, my Defeat, my solitude and my aloofness;/You are dearer to me than a thousand triumphs,/ And sweeter to my heart than all world-glory.” He realized that befriending one’s failures is a key to success. This introspection led him to identify gaps in his preparation, particularly his lack of focus on the previous year’s question papers.

The Final Stretch

With renewed focus, Saquib prepared meticulously for his next attempt. He realized the importance of practical analysis while reading newspapers and applied this knowledge to his preparation. His strategy paid off as he scored 793 in the mains. Despite being unsure of his selection, he secured a backup job with his previous company, Mahindra.

The Triumph

After months of waiting, the results were announced, and Saquib’s dream of becoming a civil servant came true. He secured an All India Rank of 279 in UPSC CSE 2021 and was posted in the Indian Defence State Service (IDES) as the Chief Administrative Officer.

Lessons Learned

Saquib’s journey teaches us the importance of perseverance, learning from failures, and the support of family in achieving one’s dreams. He advises aspirants to be forward-looking, introspect daily, and set achievable targets. His story is a testament to the fact that with determination and the right approach, any obstacle can be overcome.

Conclusion

Mohammed Saquib Alam’s journey from an engineer to a civil servant is a source of inspiration for many. His story highlights the power of resilience, the importance of family support, and the need to learn from failures. For those aspiring to join the civil services, Saquib’s journey serves as a reminder that with perseverance and a positive attitude, success is within reach.

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