UPSC Success Story: Father used to Selling Pakoras on the Streets, daughter Becoming an IAS Officer – The Inspiring Journey of Bharatpur’s Deepesh Kumari
Success does not depend on wealth or privilege—it is earned through hard work, determination, and perseverance. The story of Deepesh Kumari from Bharatpur, Rajasthan, perfectly reflects this truth. Despite growing up in a family that struggled with financial hardships, she turned her challenges into motivation and went on to achieve her dream of becoming an IAS officer.
Struggles in Early Life
Deepesh’s father, Govind Kumar, sold pakoras and snacks on the streets for many years to provide for his family. Their household of seven lived in a small, cramped single-room house for nearly 25 years. Life was never easy, but Deepesh refused to let these struggles stop her from pursuing education.
With limited resources but immense dedication, she continued her studies with complete focus and determination. Her perseverance eventually paid off when she secured an All India Rank (AIR) 93 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, one of the toughest competitive exams in India.
Academic Achievements
Deepesh was a bright student from the beginning. She scored 98% in Class 10 and 89% in Class 12 at Shishu Adarsh Vidya Mandir in Bharatpur. Her academic journey continued with a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from MBM Engineering College, Jodhpur, followed by an M.Tech from IIT Bombay.
After completing her studies, she worked in a private company for a year. But her dream was clear—she wanted to join the civil services. With this goal in mind, she left her job and dedicated herself fully to UPSC preparation.
UPSC Journey: From Failure to Success
Her first attempt at the UPSC exam in 2020 was unsuccessful, but she refused to give up. Deepesh moved to Delhi, where she managed her preparation with the help of her savings.
In 2021, her hard work bore fruit. She cracked the exam with AIR 93, securing the 4th rank in the EWS category. She was allotted the Jharkhand cadre and joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Inspiration for the Family and Beyond
Deepesh’s achievement inspired her entire family. One of her brothers is pursuing MBBS at AIIMS Guwahati, while her sister is working as a doctor at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. Another brother is studying in Latur.
Speaking about her success, Deepesh credited her father’s sacrifices as her biggest motivation. In an interview, she said, “Whenever I felt tired or demotivated, I would think of my father’s struggles, and it gave me strength to keep going.”
Her journey is a testament to the fact that dreams can be achieved regardless of circumstances. Today, Deepesh Kumari stands as a role model for countless young aspirants across India who aim to succeed despite limited resources.
