Daijiworld Media Network - Bihar

Bihar, Oct 17: In a world where ambition often collides with circumstance, 27-year-old Raj Krishna Jha’s story shines as a symbol of perseverance and purpose. Hailing from a humble Maithili family with roots in Bihar and schooling in Nepal, Raj’s rise from a small village classroom to securing All India Rank 8 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 is a story of grit, faith, and relentless self-belief.

Rooted in simplicity, driven by purpose

Born to Sunil Kumar Jha, a teacher in a private school in Nepal, and Jiwachh Devi, a homemaker, Raj grew up in a modest household where education was treasured and integrity valued. His early years were shaped by his father’s dedication and his frequent visits to their ancestral village, keeping Raj deeply connected to his cultural roots.

In school, Raj’s leadership qualities were evident early on — he became the head boy, represented his school and university football teams, and learned the discipline of balancing academics with extracurricular life.

A scholar with a multifaceted edge

Raj’s academic journey has been marked by excellence. After securing 88.63% in Class 10 and 81.80% in Class 12, he joined Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), Allahabad, to pursue mechanical engineering. Graduating with an impressive 9.56 CGPA and a Gold Medal in Machine Design, Raj didn’t stop there.

He co-authored a research chapter published by Springer Publications and received the prestigious OP Jindal Merit Scholarship. A leader at heart, he also headed multiple tech fests during his college years while staying true to his passion for football.

Corporate success before civil service

After graduation, Raj began his professional career with Bajaj Auto Ltd in Pune before moving to Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) as assistant manager (CGD) in Kolhapur. His colleagues recall his exceptional leadership and problem-solving abilities, which eventually led him to head the marketing operations for HPCL in Kolhapur district.

But despite a rewarding corporate career, Raj’s heart remained elsewhere — in public service.

A dream forged through setbacks

Raj’s UPSC journey was anything but easy. His first two attempts didn’t see him clear the prelims, and in his third, he narrowly missed success by two marks despite securing 739 in the Mains. Many would have stopped there — Raj did not.

He vowed to aim only for the top ten. Balancing his full-time job with intense study hours, he refined his strategy, focused on consistency, and honed his test-taking skills.

In 2024, on his fifth attempt, his perseverance paid off. Raj Krishna Jha not only cleared the exam but emerged with flying colours, securing All India Rank 8. His Mains score improved by almost 100 marks, an achievement that reflected his growth and unwavering commitment.

Guided preparation and mentorship

Raj credits part of his success to the interview guidance programme at La Excellence IAS Academy, where mentors like Dr Rambabu and serving civil servants helped him sharpen his personality and communication skills. Their feedback, he said, played a crucial role in helping him secure an impressive 200 marks in the UPSC interview.

The man beyond the books

Outside his UPSC pursuits, Raj finds joy in simplicity. He plays cricket on weekends, follows science fiction films, and spends time with family. His calm nature and disciplined mindset, friends say, have been his biggest strengths throughout this journey.

Inspiration for every dreamer

Raj’s story is not just about topping an exam; it’s about the spirit of not giving up. From a schoolboy in Nepal to a gold medallist engineer, from a corporate professional to a top-ranked civil servant — his path proves that success isn’t defined by where you start, but by how you finish.

“Failures are not roadblocks, they’re redirections,” Raj often says. “If you fall four times, rise the fifth — but this time, run faster.”

His story has inspired thousands across small towns and villages. As Tripurari Kumar, deputy chief of Athari panchayat, proudly remarked, “The entire village is celebrating Raj Krishna’s extraordinary success. He has become a role model for the youth of our region.”

For countless UPSC aspirants sitting in remote corners of the country, Raj’s journey stands as a shining reminder — dreams may take time, but with resolve, patience, and belief, no goal is ever out of reach.