Daijiworld Media Network - Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh, Mar 28: In the world of UPSC, where perseverance often defines success, the journey of IAS officer Surya Pratap Singh and his wife Kalpana Rawat stands out as a deeply inspiring story of resilience, partnership, and unwavering belief. Their achievement is not just about cracking one of India’s toughest exams, but about turning setbacks into strength—together.
Surya Pratap Singh, a native of Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, secured an All India Rank of 258 in the 2021 Civil Services Examination. Currently serving as the deputy development commissioner (DDC) of Samastipur district in Bihar, he is known for his disciplined approach and administrative efficiency. Earlier, he served as sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) in Sasaram, earning recognition for his governance.
His journey, however, was not without challenges. Before joining the IAS, Surya had cleared the UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination and was selected for the Indian Air Force’s flying branch. But in 2017, a serious injury during training in Hyderabad forced him to discontinue, redirecting his path towards civil services.
While Surya found success relatively early, Kalpana Rawat’s journey was marked by repeated struggles. Originally from Jajjal village in Sonipat, Haryana, and raised in Najafgarh, Delhi, she displayed academic excellence from a young age. A political science (honours) graduate from Daulat Ram College, Delhi University, she was actively involved in extracurricular activities, including NSS, and even won a national-level creative writing award.
Yet, despite her strong foundation, the UPSC exam proved to be a formidable challenge. After facing failure four times, Kalpana found herself at the brink of giving up on her dream of becoming an IAS officer.
It was at this crucial turning point that Surya stepped in—not just as a husband, but as a mentor. Balancing his demanding administrative role, he dedicated his time and energy to guide Kalpana through her preparation. Their home transformed into a learning space, where late-night discussions, detailed notes, and rigorous answer-writing practice became part of their daily routine.
His guidance, combined with her determination, eventually led to a breakthrough. In her fifth attempt, Kalpana Rawat achieved an impressive All India Rank of 76 in the UPSC 2024 examination—surpassing even her husband’s rank.
With her training underway, Kalpana is now set to join the Indian Administrative Service, marking the culmination of years of persistence and hard work.
Today, the couple is often referred to as Bihar’s ‘power couple’—a testament not just to their professional accomplishments, but to the strength of their partnership. While details of how they first met remain private, it is believed their journey began during UPSC preparation, eventually evolving into a shared mission.
Their story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not always immediate, but with resilience, support, and belief, even the toughest dreams can be realised.