Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 22: In a stirring tale of perseverance and grit, Shivam Singh, the son of a small-scale stationery vendor from Rae Bareli, has done the country proud by securing the 73rd rank in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2025.
Hailing from Pakra village in the Dalmau development block, Shivam’s journey from a humble background to the elite Indian Administrative Service (IAS) has become a beacon of hope for millions of aspirants across the nation.
Academic brilliance and steady climb
Shivam’s academic foundation was laid in Rae Bareli, followed by a BTech from Lucknow and an MTech from a prestigious IIT in 2019. While his elder brother moved into the corporate sector, Shivam felt a calling toward public service.
His journey to the top was a lesson in incremental success. In 2021, he secured the 38th rank in the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) exam and was appointed as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). Despite the demanding responsibilities of an SDM, he kept his sights on the IAS. In his first UPSC attempt in 2023, he secured the 878th rank—a feat that earned him a spot as a Customs and GST Officer, where he is currently undergoing training in Palasamundram, Andhra Pradesh. However, unsatisfied with anything less than the IAS, he redoubled his efforts to break into the top 100 this year.
A father’s pride
For his father, Ram Naresh Singh, who runs a modest stationery kiosk outside Vikas Bhavan, the victory is a culmination of years of silent struggle. "Shivam never complained about our circumstances," his father shared emotionally. "He always maintained that he would achieve something big. Today, he has fulfilled that promise."
While his mother manages the household, the family has always prioritised education over material comforts. Shivam’s story is being hailed as a "living example" of how dedication can bridge the gap created by a lack of resources.
Inspiration for the youth
As news of his 73rd rank spread, a wave of celebration swept through Rae Bareli. Shivam’s achievement is particularly significant today, as the UPSC examination continues to be one of the most competitive tests globally. His transition from a provincial service officer (SDM) to a national-level administrator (IAS) underscores the importance of continuous learning and ambition.
The district administration and local leaders have congratulated the family, noting that Shivam’s success is not just a personal milestone but a matter of immense pride for the entire state of Uttar Pradesh.