UPSC Success Stories: 5 Doctors Who Left Their Careers to Become IAS Officers

In India, the medical profession holds a revered status, attracting numerous young individuals who aspire to become doctors. The arduous journey to becoming a doctor demands unwavering dedication and discipline. However, amidst this pursuit, there are exceptional individuals who, despite completing their MBBS degrees, have made a courageous decision to redirect their careers towards the civil services, driven by a profound desire to serve society. Let us introduce these extraordinary doctors who have transformed their paths to become IAS officers, shaping their destinies in pursuit of a greater purpose.
Roman Saini, a graduate of AIIMS, New Delhi, completed his medical degree in 2013. However, propelled by an inner calling, he took the UPSC CSE exam and achieved an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 18 at the tender age of 22. Subsequently, Roman resigned from the civil services and co-founded Unacademy in 2015, which has since become a renowned online learning platform.
Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Dr. Arun Thamburaj decided to abandon his medical career in order to embark on the path of becoming an IAS officer. After cracking the UPSC CSE in 2010 and securing a place in the IPS, he persevered and achieved an outstanding AIR of 6 in CSE 2012 on his second attempt. Currently, Dr. Arun serves as the Collector of Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu.
Dr. Sneha Agarwal, a distinguished doctor, created ripples in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). After graduating from AIIMS, New Delhi, in 2009, she achieved an impressive AIR of 305 in CSE 2010. Undeterred by initial setbacks, Dr. Sneha's perseverance paid off when she secured AIR 1 in CSE 2011. She currently holds the esteemed position of Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Ludhiana in Punjab.
Renowned doctor-turned-entrepreneur, Dr. Syed Sabahat Azim, made the bold decision to leave his IAS career in 2010 to establish Glocal Healthcare Systems. Belonging to the 2000 batch of IAS officers, this visionary doctor founded the Kolkata-based organization with the aim of making quality healthcare accessible to rural areas through the establishment of cost-effective yet efficient hospitals.
Dr. K. Vijayakarthikeyan, hailing from Tamil Nadu, made a significant transition from his medical background to the realm of civil services. After completing his MBBS in 2009, he cracked the UPSC CSE in 2010 and joined the prestigious IAS. Currently, Dr. Vijayakarthikeyan serves as the Secretary of the State Human Rights Commission in Tamil Nadu.
These inspiring doctors-turned-IAS officers exemplify the power of following one's inner calling and pursuing a path that aligns with their deep sense of purpose. Their journeys serve as a testament to the idea that even after achieving success in one field, individuals can choose to make remarkable changes in order to dedicate themselves to serving society through the civil services.