In a country where many aspirants are vying for a position in the top services, some success stories touch hearts and raise the hopes of many more. One such story is of A.Madhu’s from rural Karnataka, who turned his humble beginnings into success by securing All India Rank (AIR) 544 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024.
His is a tale of perseverance, unwavering spirit, and strength from within connected to his origins. It’s not about just passing an exam; it’s about breaking barriers and creating paths for others to follow.
Humble Beginnings: Madhu, A Son of the Soil
Born to N Ananda, a marginal farmer who earned Rs. 90,000 annually, and T C Susheelamma, a dedicated homemaker, Madhu grew up in the lush green paddy fields of Chikkaballapur, Karnataka. In spite of the poverty, his family was convinced about the value of education and industry over everything else.
Madhu’s education at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Chikkaballapur laid the foundation for his future. His early success was followed by getting an A2 grade with a CGPA of 8.6 in Class 10. He then moved to Vidya Jyoti PU College, Kolar, scoring a high 88.5% in his 12th.
An Agriculturalist at Heart
Choosing to stay rooted in his culture, Madhu did B.Sc. Agriculture from the esteemed College of Agriculture, GKVK, Bangalore. Besides earning a 7.7 CGPA, he was also engaged with projects like the Rural Agriculture Work Experience Programme (RAWEP), working hand in hand with farmers and being exposed to ground realities.
These experiences not only enhanced his practical abilities but instilled in him a sense of responsibility towards rural development and the well-being of farmers.
Outside Classrooms: A Personality of many Talents
Madhu never focused on studies alone. An ardent cricketer, he played for his college team, balancing both sports and studies. He is also particularly fond of listening to podcasts on contemporary affairs and was highly interested in success stories on agriculture and allied industries.
These hobbies kept him grounded and updated — qualities which are needed by an aspirant who wants to work in the civil services.
The UPSC Odyssey: A Test of Patience and Perseverance
Having started his UPSC journey in 2020, Madhu faced a lot of setbacks. His first one was unable to surpass the test. In 2021, did the same thing where he could not clear the Prelims. In 2022, third attempt Madhu gave his best effort. He cleared Mains and appeared for the Interview. But again failed.
This time in 2023, he decided to give his best. Post interview, he did not get much time for his prelims exam. So again he failed in prelims. He is in deep pain and thought about his future. He had two ways. One is to quit. The other is to rightfully claim what is his. That is the name in UPSC ranklist.
All others would have quit after repeated failures, but not Madhu. Each failure was a stepping stone for him. He honed his preparation, answer writing, and stayed disciplined. Inspired by his father’s determination in the face of farming challenges, he embraced the grind, attempt after attempt.
Finally, in 2024, his determination bore fruit as he achieved AIR 544.
His experience with La Excellence:
Madhu enrolled in our ‘Interview Guidance Programme’ guided by experienced Panelsits such as Dr. Rambabu sir and other serving and retired civil servants. The DAF and value additions sessions provided by these panelists aptly assisted Madhu in achieving a very good score of 182 Marks in UPSC Interview.
Motivational Lessons for Aspirants:
Madhu’s experience has priceless lessons for all UPSC aspirants:
“Each failure will teach you something books can’t. If you’re sincere to your effort and consistent, the outcome will finally catch up with you.”
His story is proof that the Civil Services Exam isn’t all about being brilliant — it’s all about persistence, self-reflection, and constant effort.
Vision for the Future:
As a future civil servant, Madhu envisages serving to transform agriculture, rural development, and improve the welfare of farmers. In his view, change only occurs when policy and people stay together and administrators work from below upwards.
He envisages that all farmers must gain benefits through schemes and no village left behind by progress.
Why His Story Matters?
In current India, where UPSC stories originate from metro cities and luxury institutions, Madhu’s success from a village background is motivating. It broadcasts a strong message to dozens of students in villages and small cities:
Your background does not dictate your destiny. Your hard work, resolve, and sheer diligence do.
Conclusion: The Voice of Rural Aspirations
A Madhu’s journey from Karnataka’s fields to the UPSC Civil Services merit list is a testament to rural India’s growing potential. It teaches us how aspirations can germinate in the most unlikely places and how perseverance can break shackles of poverty, geography, and circumstance.
For every wannabe from humble origins, his story is not just motivating — it’s a roadmap for what’s possible when you have faith in yourself and won’t give up.
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