UPSC conducts the toughest exams and interviews in India. Over the years, lakhs of aspirants appear for the exam after years of hard work but in the end, only a few are selected. Only the right combination of hard work, guidance, and perseverance can help UPSC aspirants clear the IAS exam. There are very few who pass UPSC on the first attempt itself. But, the story of IAS officer Ansar Shaikh, who is the youngest IAS officer India and belongs to the batch of 2016, is inspiring everyone.
Ansar was born to Yunus Sheikh Ahmed, an autorickshaw driver in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Ansar Sheikh’s father was addicted to alcohol. He was married three times. Ansar’s mother is his second wife. He raised Ansar by doing farm labor.
Ansar Sheikh grew up witnessing domestic violence and child marriage. His sisters were married at 15, and his younger brother, Anees, dropped out of school in the 7th grade and worked in a garage to support the family and help Ansar prepare for the IAS exam.
At the Age of 21, Ansar Sheikh Created History
After clearing the UPSC exam with flying colors, the 21-year-old made it to the All India ranks and became the youngest IAS officer at this age. Ansar Sheikh’s childhood was nothing less than a battle. Battling all odds, Ansar never gave up on his mission.
Unwilling to follow in his father’s footsteps, Ansar took a new path that has made history today. After completing his graduation, Ansar applied for the Civil Services Examination where he scored 199 out of 275 marks. Ansar has pulled off this feat with the sheer force of will.
Poverty and Success have Nothing to do with each other
Ansar Ahmad Sheikh IAS said about his success, “There is no substitute for hard work. During my struggle, my friends helped me a lot mentally and financially and my coaching academy even waived part of the fees due to my financial situation. Ansar Sheikh once said in a message to IAS aspirants, “If you think you are competing with the lakhs of candidates appearing for the exam, you are mistaken.
Your only competition is yourself. So get rid of all your pessimistic thoughts and success will come your way. Most of the people avoid studying because they are poor. But remember poverty and success are two different things and they have nothing to do with each other. You must be hardworking and determined towards your goals. Your background doesn’t matter.
Ansar is an inspiration to every youth who sees economic condition, backward society, and their religion and caste as a difficulty. Ansar not only faced all these difficult situations but also achieved his goal with his hard work and concentration. Ansar, who became an IAS at the age of 21, proved that if you have talent and the passion to do something, then no situation is bigger than your courage.
