– Mohd Naushad Khan
Exams are not about who’s the best, but about who can handle pressure the best. IAS Ansar Shaikh has proved it right by qualifying UPSC exams despite the challenges he faced at regular intervals.
No matter how many challenges come their way, some people try to overcome them and achieve a special position. IAS Ansar Shaikh is one of them. His father used to drive an autorickshaw. Ansar grew up in extreme poverty, but his determination helped him create a record of becoming the youngest IAS officer at the age of 21.
Ansar is presently serving as ADM LR in Jhargram district of West Bengal. He hails from Maharashtra’s Jalna and was born to a father who worked as an autorickshaw driver and a mother employed in the fields. Ansar is an inspiration for all those facing challenges in preparing for UPSC or any other exams.
While speaking to Radiance, Ansar said, “We often bemoan our luck and blame ‘lack of resources’ for our failure. However, it does not matter what we have and what we do not have. We must be able to look beyond our shortcomings and work towards betterment, which is the most difficult task.”
Due to poverty, Ansar’s father asked him to leave school. His father had even reached school to ask his teacher to cut off his name from school. But then his teacher explained to his father that Ansar was very smart in his studies and convinced him not to do so. Ansar had secured 91 percent marks in 12th. Thereafter his family members never said anything to him. While his brother left his studies in 7th and started working in the garage to support Ansar.
“Being successful in the UPSC, which is considered the toughest exam in India, is an extremely difficult undertaking that calls for unflinching commitment, great sacrifice and unrelenting hard effort. For those who are financially unable to obtain the required study materials and resources, this path becomes even more difficult,” said Ansar.
Even though he had several obstacles in his way, Ansar showed academic aptitude at an early age. He had a strong desire to change his family’s situation, which motivated him to pursue his dream of becoming an IAS officer. After graduation, he devoted more than 12 hours a day to his preparations for the UPSC, setting off on his path with an unshakeable resolve.
Ansar continued despite the many obstacles he faced because he was unfazed by them. At last, his perseverance paid off when, in 2016, he passed the UPSC exam with a stellar All India Rank of 361, making history as the youngest IAS officer at the age of 21.
Ansar’s life saga serves as a poignant reminder of the power of hard work and resilience. It stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless UPSC aspirants who may find themselves grappling with self-doubt or adversity. His journey underscores the timeless adage that perseverance in the face of adversity ultimately paves the path to success, serving as a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
