At an age when many are still deciding what to do with their lives, 27-year-old Ahad has already stepped into the courtroom as an Additional Civil Judge (Junior Division). But his journey to the judge’s chair was anything but easy. It is a story of poverty, resilience, determination and unwavering belief in education.
Ahad grew up in a modest home where money was always tight. His father, Shahzad Ahmed, struggled to support the family, and his mother took up sewing work so that their children could continue studying. “My husband’s income was hardly enough to feed us,” she recalls. “But we were determined that our children would not be deprived of education.”
Despite the hardships, Ahad continued his studies. He completed Class 10 in 2010 with First Division, Class 12 in 2012, and went on to earn his BA LLB (Hons.) degree in 2019. By then, he had only one dream — to become a judge.
When India went into lockdown during COVID-19, Ahad used the time to prepare for the Uttar Pradesh Judicial Services Exam (UP PCS J). He could not afford coaching, but he did not let that stop him. Instead, he turned to free online classes, self-study, and sheer discipline.
In 2024, he appeared for the UP PCS-J exam — his first attempt — and secured an impressive 157th rank among 330 selected candidates.
Today, Ahad serves as a Judge at Allahabad High Court establishment and posted in Varanasi. His success has brought pride and joy to his family — and hope to countless students who feel that financial limitations can block their dreams.
The story of this family doesn’t end here. Ahad’s elder brother, Samad (30) is a software engineer, while his younger brother, Wajahat (24) works as a bank manager. All three brothers are living proof that education can transform destiny.
Ahad’s journey is a shining reminder that hard work may be slow, but it never stops rewarding
