Meet man who lost father at young age, topped class 10, worked as cycle mechanic, later UPSC exam with AIR...

The Civil Services Examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is one of the toughest exams in India. Among those who cracked it against all odds is IAS Officer Varun Baranwal, whose story is truly inspiring. Hailing from the small town of Boisar in Maharashtra's Palghar district, Varun initially dreamt of becoming a doctor. However, life had other plans for him.

Varun’s father, a bicycle mechanic, ran a small repair shop that was the family's only source of income. Unfortunately, in 2006, Varun lost his father, which turned his life upside down. With no other means to support his family, Varun had to take responsibility for running the shop at a young age. Despite these challenges, his determination to excel in academics never wavered, and he topped his class in the 10th-grade exams.

Throughout his journey, Varun encountered kind-hearted individuals who played a significant role in shaping his future. One such person was Dr. Kampli, a close friend of his late father. Dr. Kampli had provided medical care for Varun’s father before his death and became a guiding light in Varun’s life. He supported Varun financially, helping with his initial college fees and later encouraging him to pursue his dream of becoming an IAS officer.

After completing school, Varun decided to follow his childhood passion for medicine and enrolled in a medical college. However, the high costs of medical education made it difficult for him to continue. This prompted Varun to shift his focus to engineering, a field he pursued with equal dedication.

Varun’s life story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of kindness. From managing his family’s bicycle repair shop to achieving his IAS dream, Varun’s journey is an inspiration for all aspiring candidates.