From Corporate Success to Civil Service: Akash Kumar's Inspiring UPSC Journey

Akash Kumar's journey from a high-paying job in the Middle East to becoming an IPS officer is a tale of determination and resilience. Despite facing familial opposition and numerous setbacks during his UPSC preparation, Akash's commitment to serving society propelled him forward. His story highlights the importance of pursuing one's true calling over financial security, showcasing how passion and perseverance can lead to remarkable achievements. Read on to explore the inspiring details of his transformation and the challenges he overcame on his path to success.

By Ambika Singh Nov 10, 2026, 16:02 IST

An Inspiring Transformation

Inspiring Journey: A lucrative job, a yearly income in the millions, and a secure future are dreams many young individuals aspire to. However, Akash Kumar from Bihar chose a different path. Despite earning between 60 to 70 lakh rupees annually in the Middle East, he felt a deeper calling. His desire to contribute to society motivated him to leave his job and prepare for the UPSC exams.

A Challenging Decision

This decision was not easily accepted by his family. His father firmly stated that he would neither provide financial support nor back his choice. Nevertheless, Akash remained resolute, drawing strength from his mother and brother-in-law. After facing numerous setbacks and challenges, he ultimately achieved his dream of becoming an IPS officer through sheer determination.

Journey from a Small Village

Akash Kumar hails from Kurthoul village in Patna district, Bihar. To pursue better education, he moved to Dhanbad in the sixth grade, where his brother-in-law, Shashikant Singh, guided him in his studies and career. He later completed his engineering in Computer Science from a Bengaluru institution and earned an MBA from Delhi, marking a new beginning in his career.

Choosing Social Service Over a High Salary

After completing his MBA, Akash secured an impressive annual package of 60 to 70 lakh rupees in the Middle East. While this was a significant financial achievement, his desire to make a difference in society lingered. He realized that merely earning a good salary was not his ultimate goal, leading him to resign and prepare for the challenging UPSC exams.

Father's Firm Stance

Akash's father was completely against his decision. He explicitly stated that he would not provide any financial assistance for UPSC preparation, believing that the money from a job could be better invested in purchasing land. However, his mother and brother-in-law continued to encourage him.

Resilience in the Face of Failure

During his UPSC preparation, Akash faced multiple disappointments. In his first attempt, he reached the interview stage but did not succeed. In another attempt, he missed the prelims by just 0.8 marks. He also faced setbacks in two interviews in 2022. Instead of giving up, he focused on his weaknesses and continued his preparation.

From IFS to IPS

His persistent efforts bore fruit in 2023 when he was selected for the Indian Forest Service (IFS). However, he did not stop there; he continued to prepare and eventually secured a position in the Indian Police Service (IPS). During his preparation, he emphasized current affairs, ethics, and answer writing over coaching. He credits his wife’s support as crucial, as she traveled from Patna to Hyderabad weekly to encourage him during his IPS training.