In the crowded lanes of Guntur town, where thousands of young students prepare for competitive exams with silent hope, one among them quietly built his path through discipline, hardship, and clarity. J. Sai Prasanna Kumar, now serving as Assistant Commissioner for State Taxes (ACST) after clearing the APPSC Group 1 examination, represents not just success—but continuity of purpose.
For many, clearing Group 1 is the end of the struggle. For Sai, it is only a pause in a longer journey. He openly says that this achievement feels like relief, not fulfillment. His ultimate dream remains unchanged—to become an IAS officer and contribute to society at a deeper and wider level. With that clarity, he has already decided to continue his preparation and appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination again in 2027.
His journey is not built on shortcuts or privilege. It is built on mentorship, sacrifice, responsibility, and quiet persistence.
#Sai Prasanna. #Sai Prasanna. #Sai Prasanna. #Sai Prasanna. #Sai Prasanna.
Family Roots: From Srikakulam to Guntur, Carrying Values Forward
Sai Prasanna Kumar was born into a humble family. His father, Lakshmi Narayana, is a cloth merchant, and his mother, Parvati, is a homemaker. Though Sai grew up in Guntur, his parents originally belonged to Srikakulam district. Like many families seeking stability and opportunity, they shifted to Guntur to build a better life.
His father’s work as a cloth merchant was not easy. It required long hours, patience, and constant effort. Sai grew up watching this closely. He understood from a young age that nothing in life comes without effort.
His mother played an equally important role, providing emotional strength and stability at home. She ensured that Sai had the environment and peace required to study and grow.
Sai did not grow up with luxury. But he grew up with something far more valuable—discipline, stability, and encouragement.
School Years: The Teacher Who Changed His Life
Sai completed his schooling at Vijetha High School, Guntur, securing an outstanding 9.8 CGPA in his 10th class. He was always sincere, attentive, and focused. But what truly changed his life during this phase was not a textbook or an exam result. It was a teacher.
Koteswar Rao Garu, who taught him Social Studies in 6th and 7th class, became the first person to see something special in Sai. He did not just teach history or civics. He taught purpose.
He observed Sai’s thinking, his curiosity, and his social awareness. One day, he told him something that stayed with Sai forever:
“You should become a Civil Servant. It suits your personality.”
For a young student, such words from a respected teacher can shape destiny. For Sai, it did exactly that.
Koteswar Rao Garu became his role model, mentor, and guiding force. Even today, Sai gives him credit for planting the idea of civil services in his mind.
Intermediate and Academic Excellence: Building Momentum
Sai continued his academic journey at Sri Gayatri Junior College, Guntur, where he secured an exceptional 98.3% in intermediate. He also achieved the remarkable distinction of securing State Third Rank in Intermediate First-Year Academics.
These achievements reflected not just intelligence, but consistency and commitment.
Sai was not studying for marks alone. He was building discipline, patience, and mental endurance—qualities essential for larger challenges.
#Sai Prasanna. #Sai Prasanna. #Sai Prasanna. #Sai Prasanna.
Engineering at JNTUK Narasaraopeta : A Phase of Intellectual and Personal Growth
Sai joined JNTUK Narasaraopeta and pursued Civil Engineering, graduating in 2019 with an impressive 9.1 CGPA.
His time at JNTU was not limited to academics. It became a phase of personality development, leadership, and deeper thinking.
One of the most influential figures during this period was Sri Muruli Krishna Garu, his Head of Department and Principal. Muruli Krishna Garu frequently shared quotes, philosophies, and reflections about life, leadership, and responsibility.
These conversations left a lasting impression on Sai. They helped him see civil services not as a job, but as a platform for meaningful contribution.
Sai considers Muruli Krishna Garu’s guidance as a philosophical foundation that continues to shape his decisions.
#Sai Prasanna. #Sai Prasanna. #Sai Prasanna. #Sai Prasanna.
Leadership, Innovation, and Campus Contributions
Sai actively participated in various leadership roles during his graduation.
He was selected as a University Innovation Fellow from Stanford School, a globally recognized fellowship that identifies student leaders with innovative thinking.
He served as President of the Wealth from Waste Club, where he led initiatives to use recycled materials for meaningful social purposes.
Under this initiative, Sai and his team helped develop basic infrastructure like benches in government schools, proving that meaningful change does not always require large resources—only initiative.
He also served as:
- NSS Student Coordinator
- Treasurer of his department’s Techno-Cultural Festival
- Magazine Editor during graduation
These roles strengthened his leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.
Social Service: Compassion in Action
Sai’s commitment to society was visible from a young age.
In school, he initiated a meaningful practice—collecting rice from students on their birthdays and distributing it to the needy. This small initiative created awareness among students about sharing and responsibility.
His efforts were recognized nationally when he received the Youth Icon Award from Bharat Today News Channel in 2017.
For Sai, social service was never an activity. It was a habit.
He credits Koteswar Rao Garu for instilling these values in him.
#Sai Prasanna. #Sai Prasanna. #Sai Prasanna. #Sai Prasanna. #Sai Prasanna.
Beginning UPSC Preparation: Choosing a Difficult Path
Sai began his UPSC preparation nearly five years ago, driven by clarity and conviction.
However, life presented unexpected challenges.
During the COVID period, his father fell ill. This created financial strain on the family. Sai understood that he could not remain dependent while pursuing his preparation.
He took up a part-time job as a tutor, which he continued for two and a half years. Even today, he continues tutoring.
Balancing preparation with financial responsibility was difficult. But Sai did not complain. He adjusted, adapted, and continued.
This phase strengthened his emotional maturity.
APPSC Group 1 Success: Becoming Assistant Commissioner for State Taxes
Sai’s years of preparation resulted in a major milestone when he cleared the APPSC Group 1 examination and secured the post of Assistant Commissioner for State Taxes (ACST).
This achievement brought pride to his parents, mentors, and well-wishers.
But Sai’s reaction was different.
He did not celebrate excessively. Instead, he reflected.
He considers this success as relief, not fulfillment.
He openly says that his larger goal remains—to become an IAS officer.
Interview Guidance at La Excellence IAS Academy: Refining His Personality
Sai joined the Interview Guidance Program at La Excellence IAS Academy, where he received valuable mentorship.
He expresses deep gratitude to:
- Dr. Rambabu Sir, for guiding him during DAF filling
- Srinath Sir, for mentoring and coordinating his preparation
- Smt. Poonam Malakondaiah Madam, for conducting insightful Hackathon Sessions covering topics like agriculture and women empowerment
He also benefited from mock interviews, which closely resembled real interview conditions.
He interacted with retired bureaucrats, whose experiences helped him understand the deeper meaning of public service.
The Journey Continues: Preparing for UPSC 2027
Despite becoming Assistant Commissioner for State Taxes, Sai’s dream remains unfinished.
He is determined to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination again in 2027.
He believes civil services offer the opportunity to create a larger societal impact.
Sai expresses heartfelt gratitude to Kalyan Sir, his mentor at La Excellence IAS Academy.
Kalyan Sir told him:
“I will always stand with you. In any service preparation, feel free to approach me.”
These words reinforced Sai’s confidence.
He continues his preparation—with greater experience, clarity, and maturity.
Conclusion: A Story of Mentorship, Responsibility, and Purpose
Sai Prasanna Kumar’s journey is not just about clearing an exam.
It is about a teacher who saw potential,
a father who worked tirelessly,
a student who took responsibility,
and a dream that refused to fade.
He has achieved success. But he has not stopped dreaming.
Because for Sai, the real destination still lies ahead.
For more such success stories, you can visit: https://laex.in/category/success-stories/
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar : 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040