Not all warriors wear capes—some wear the Indian Army uniform and later pick up the Constitution. One such remarkable journey belongs to Major Abhinandan Singh, who transitioned from guarding the nation’s borders to shaping its policies. His story is not just about a career shift—it’s about resilience, patriotism, and a burning desire to serve.
Born to Serve
Hailing from Akhnoor, Jammu, Abhinandan grew up surrounded by scholars—professors and doctors filled his family. Yet, from a young age, it was the olive green uniform that captured his heart. That dream came true when he got selected for the 19th SSB in Allahabad and joined the Indian Military Academy in 2014. A year later, he was commissioned into the Corps of Signals, posted first in Tezpur, Assam, near the tense Indo-China border.
The Injury That Changed Everything
During a routine training session between his Tezpur and Amritsar postings, a basketball injury changed the course of his life. A severe ankle issue left him limping—and unable to run again.
“For the last seven years, I haven’t been able to run,” said Abhinandan. “That was a turning point. I knew I had to rethink my career.”
A New Mission: Cracking UPSC
With determination intact, Major Singh turned to another way of serving India—through the civil services. He began preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2019. His first attempt in 2021 didn’t go as planned—he couldn’t clear the prelims. But this soldier didn’t give up.
He returned to the drawing board, chose Philosophy as his optional, read extensively, revised tirelessly, and chased current affairs like clockwork. In 2022, his persistence paid off—he cracked the UPSC with an impressive All India Rank 749.
What’s Next?
Not content with just making it, Abhinandan is aiming higher. He plans to reappear for the UPSC exam to better his rank. As a civil servant, he’s passionate about improving education and healthcare, two areas where he believes India can do much more.
His journey from a disciplined soldier to a future policymaker proves one thing:
Service to the nation doesn’t need a battlefield—it needs courage, wherever you stand.
