In a nation where lakhs aspire and only a few persevere till the finish line, the story of Sanagavarapu Sai Bhargava, who secured AIR 798 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, resonates as a profound tale of resilience, quiet strength, and undying purpose.
This is not just a story of a rank, but of a son, a student, a seeker, and above all, a believer in the power of patience and perseverance.
Humble Beginnings: From Ongole to Visakhapatnam
Born in Ongole, a modest town in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, Sai Bhargava’s early life was rooted in simplicity. His parents, Sanagavarapu Prasada Rao and Sanagavarapu Sobha Rani, brought him into a world where opportunities were limited, but love and values were abundant.
His father, with limited formal education, made the difficult choice to migrate to Visakhapatnam in search of economic opportunities. While he is no more today, his sacrifice laid the foundation for Bhargava’s educational journey. His mother, despite her early discontinued education, remained a pillar of strength, encouraging her son’s academic pursuit and gently nudging him towards the dream of the Civil Services.
“My mother has always been a great supporter towards education and motivated me to take up Civils since my childhood,” says Bhargava, a line that carries both gratitude and reverence.
Academic Excellence: A Civil Engineer from IIT Madras
Sai Bhargava’s journey through education is a glowing arc of merit:
- 10th Grade: Secured a 9.5 CGPA from DAV Public School, Visakhapatnam.
- 12th Grade: Achieved a stunning 98.6% in Intermediate from Narayana Junior College, Vizag.
- Graduation: Completed B.Tech in Civil Engineering from the prestigious IIT Madras in 2020 with a CGPA of 9.24/10.
It was at IIT Madras that Bhargava began sowing the seeds of self-discipline and service. He was actively involved in meaningful projects—working on low-cost housing using GFRG technology and contributing to mental wellness initiatives as a SAATHI mentor.
The UPSC Journey: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is often described as one of the toughest exams in the world, and Bhargava’s journey through it reflects this intensity.
He gave four attempts—each laced with emotional turbulence, including the loss of his father, financial instability, and the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the crushing setbacks, he carried on. No selection in the first two attempts, an interview call but no final selection in the third—but the spark never dimmed.
“Setbacks have been part of my UPSC preparation… but my mother and friends were always there to restore my confidence.”
What makes Bhargava’s journey truly stand out is that he never let failure define him. Each attempt was a lesson, not a verdict.
In his 2024 attempt, he finally cleared the exam with a strong score:
- Interview Marks: 170/275
- Optional Subject: Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) – 258 marks.
🧘♂️ Vipassana and the Inner Compass
Preparation for UPSC is as much a mental game as it is intellectual. For Bhargava, Vipassana meditation became his anchor.
He immersed himself in the study and practice of Vipassana—a technique of self-observation and mental purification. This, combined with his habit of listening to insightful podcasts during evening walks, helped him stay centered and curious, even during periods of burnout.
His love for meditation and philosophical inquiry was not just a coping mechanism but a way of life that nurtured his emotional intelligence—something that surely resonated with the UPSC board during his interview.
Anchored by Purpose, Lifted by People
Throughout his preparation, Bhargava found strength in the unlikeliest of places—conversations with friends, late-night doubts clarified over phone calls, or simply the reassuring presence of his mother.
His support system wasn’t made of expensive coaching institutes or elaborate test series (though he likely used some)—it was made of people who believed in him when he found it hard to believe in himself.
“My journey is a testament to the fact that passionate individuals with a purpose, where perseverance and patience are cultivated, will reach their goals surely.”
This line sums up Bhargava’s philosophy—purpose, perseverance, and patience.
Looking Ahead: Dreams Beyond the Rank
With IAS as his first preference among services and Andhra Pradesh as his home cadre choice, Bhargava has a clear vision of service: to give back to the community that raised him, and to work on infrastructure and equity in regions like his own.
Given his background in civil engineering and his grassroots connection to rural and semi-urban Andhra Pradesh, one can anticipate that his work will involve rural development, sustainable infrastructure, and inclusive education.
His values, built over years of quiet struggle, are likely to shape him into a compassionate and grounded administrator.
The La Excellence Chapter: Student to Mentor
One of the turning points in Bhargava’s journey was his association with La Excellence, Hyderabad. He was part of the Core Batch, a cohort known for its rigorous training and close mentorship under seasoned faculty.
La Excellence not only helped him sharpen his GS and essay writing skills, but also gave him a community of like-minded aspirants and mentors.
Today, the story has come full circle.
Now that Bhargava has cracked the exam, he continues to be part of the La Excellence ecosystem—this time as a mentor. He currently guides Mains writing students, sharing not just techniques but also the mindset needed to endure the emotional rollercoaster of preparation.
His guidance is deeply personal—he knows what failure feels like, and what it takes to rise again.
A Message to Aspirants
Sai Bhargava’s story carries profound lessons for every UPSC aspirant and dreamer:
- You don’t need a perfect background to succeed.
- You will fail—maybe once, maybe thrice—but if you keep going, your effort will not betray you.
- Mindfulness is as important as answer writing.
- The exam may test your knowledge, but life will test your resilience—and resilience is what the exam finally rewards.
Final Words
From Ongole’s dusty lanes to IIT Madras’ academic corridors, from the loss of a father to the halls of UPSC Bhavan, Sanagavarapu Sai Bhargava’s journey is an odyssey of the spirit.
He didn’t just clear UPSC—he lived through it, matured through it, and now stands ready to serve with the empathy of someone who has struggled, and the vision of someone who has triumphed.
As he now walks into LBSNAA and beyond, India gains not just an officer, but a sensitive leader, deeply aware of his roots and quietly ambitious for a better tomorrow.
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