UPSC Success Story: How a 25-yr-old Bus Driver’s Son Bagged AIR 296

With UPSC CSE Mains 2023 around the corner, here is a success story that ought to inspire graduates taking or preparing to take the exam. 25-year-old Moin Ahmed, the son of a bus driver in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh made his entire region elated when the news of his clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2022 was announced. He secured AIR- 296th in his fourth attempt.

While socially at a disadvantage, with this family not able to support him as much as he wished, Moin Ahmed did not whine or complain about the condition he was in. Instead, he devised a way to get things done that eventually led to the fruition of his long struggle.

The Inspirational Story Of Moin Ahmed

The 25-year-old abandoned his childhood dream of playing cricket and focused on UPSC preparation, cracking the exam on his fourth attempt.

According to Moin, when he was in his B.Sc. and saw the challenges around him, he considered joining civil services.

His dream started to unfold in a very humble way when in 2016, he started his cyber cafe in order to generate some money to support his studies. In 2018, he collected coaching fees from the cyber cafe itself. In 2019, he went to Delhi and started his studies.

When his money ran out, he took a loan of INR 2.5 lakh. Despite facing objections from his father and skepticism from relatives who labelled it as career suicide, Moin received unwavering support from his determined mother.

Image credit: Online source

Moin`s father Wali Hasan, who does not own any land worked as a bus driver for UP Roadways and was exclusively responsible for bringing bread and butter for the family. His mother Tasleem works as a homemaker and he is the youngest of five siblings. Moin’s elder brother works in a private company in Delhi.

Indispensable Traits Needed To Crack UPSC CSE

Time management, consistency and proper guidance along with an indomitable spirit of not giving up when met with failures are the virtues that are needed to be imbibed while preparing for UPSC CSE. Once the dream is realized, his/her story becomes an inspiration to many others who take the exam or are preparing to take the exam. Selfless dedication, commitment, and perseverance are the indispensable traits required for making this dream a reality.

He persevered with unyielding determination, and his efforts paid off. In the Civil Services Examination, Moin chose Political Science and International Relations as his main subjects.

He spent 7 to 8 quality hours every day on his studies while not forgetting to spend quality time with his friends and fellow aspirants to make the best use of his available time.

Way Forward For The Young Hero

Now that he has achieved his dream, he desires to assist UPSC aspirants, especially in rural areas. With easy accessibility to the internet, he plans to launch a YouTube channel for children from rural backgrounds so that relevant information about USPC CSE can reach them on time.

Image credit: Aaj Tak

For those aspirants preparing or thinking of this dream job, the story of Moin Ahmed ought to serve as a motivational boost to all, irrespective of the condition and the situation you`re in.

Moin Ahmed is one such story that illustrates that nothing is indeed impossible for a person that has made up his mind to achieve whatever that world has to offer. His story is an inspiring example that demonstrates how determination and perseverance can overcome obstacles. It serves as a motivational boost, proving that nothing is impossible when one sets their mind to achieving their goals.

Kaihrii Thomas

Associate Content Writer

Instinctively, I fall for nature, music, humour, reading, writing, listening, travelling, observing, learning, unlearning, friendship, exercise, etc., all these from the cradle to the grave- that's ME! It's my irrefutable belief in the uniqueness of all. I'll vehemently defend your right to be your best while I expect the same from you!