Daijiworld Media Network - Sonipat

Sonipat, Aug 11: At 23, Pradeep Kumar Singh of Sonipat, Haryana, achieved what millions aspire to — clearing the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) civil services exam in his very first attempt. In 2019, he secured an impressive All India Rank of 26, turning years of hardship and sacrifice into triumph.

Pradeep’s journey was anything but easy. His father, Sukhbir Singh — a farmer, former sarpanch of Tiwari village in Ganaur block, and petrol pump employee — faced severe financial strain while supporting his son’s education. At one point, he sold the family’s house to fund Pradeep’s studies, forcing them to live in a rented flat for two years. His mother, a homemaker, stood steadfast through the challenges.

Pradeep studied up to Class 7 in a government school, completed Class 12 at Shambhu Dayal Modern School in Sonipat, and went on to earn a B.Com (Hons) degree from Kurukshetra University. After graduation, he worked as an inspector in the Income Tax Department but never lost sight of his dream to join the IAS. Balancing work and preparation, he often studied during lunch breaks and late into the night.

His dedication bore fruit in 2019 when he cracked the UPSC exam at the first go. For Pradeep, the result was more than a personal victory — it was a fulfilment of his father’s sacrifices and a restoration of the faith his family had placed in him.

Sharing his success mantra, Pradeep underscores the importance of disciplined time management, unwavering focus, and constant revision. His story serves as an inspiration for aspirants across the country — a reminder that determination, when paired with sacrifice, can overcome even the steepest odds.