Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 2: Life often takes unexpected turns, and few journeys illustrate this better than that of Madhav Agarwal from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Once aspiring to become a chartered accountant, Madhav went on to earn one of India’s most prestigious positions — an IAS officer with an All India Rank of 16 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024.
Madhav’s story is one of grit, perseverance, and unrelenting determination. Coming from a business family, he initially pursued commerce, completing his BBA and CA before deciding to attempt the UPSC exams to fulfill his father’s dream of seeing him become a civil servant.
His path, however, was anything but easy. Madhav faced multiple setbacks in his early attempts. He failed to clear the prelims in his first attempt, reached the mains in his second, and the interview stage in his third. In his fourth attempt in 2023, he cracked the exam with an All India Rank of 211, earning a place in the Indian Police Service (IPS). Yet, he continued to aim higher.
Even during his IPS training in Hyderabad, Madhav dedicated hours each night to preparation, balancing his duties and studies with unwavering focus. His persistence paid off in 2024, when he secured AIR 16, fulfilling his lifelong ambition of joining the Indian Administrative Service.
Madhav’s disciplined approach and resilience have been evident since childhood. Known for his academic brilliance, he studied at Little Angels School in Gwalior and Daly College in Indore before moving to Mumbai for higher studies. Along the way, he also completed CFA and CS courses. His success, he says, is the result of consistency, self-belief, and a calm mind — something he maintained through meditation during stressful times.
Reflecting on his journey, Madhav describes UPSC as ‘a 100-meter race, but a 5-kilometer run’, emphasizing the importance of patience and steady effort. He credits his parents, particularly his father Rakesh Agarwal and mother Seema Agarwal, for their unwavering support.
Now, as an IAS officer, Madhav aspires to dedicate his career to serving the underprivileged and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s growth. His journey from a CA aspirant to an IAS topper stands as a testament to perseverance — proving that every setback can become a stepping stone to success.