In a country where lakhs dream of cracking the Civil Services Exam, one man’s journey is redefining perseverance. Ishwar Lal Gurjar, who once failed his Class 10 exams and later faced six competitive exam failures, has today achieved what many consider impossible — clearing the UPSC Civil Services Exam three times and securing his place as an IPS officer.
From Failure to Fierce Comeback
Born in a lower-middle-class farmer’s family in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, Ishwar Lal Gurjar’s early life was full of challenges. In 2011, he failed Class 10 and almost gave up on education. But his father’s words — “Never lose courage” — became his guiding light.
He reappeared for Class 10 in 2012, scored 54%, went on to complete Class 12 with 68%, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Maharshi Dayanand University, Ajmer, as a private student.
A Long Road of Repeated Setbacks
Despite his determination, Ishwar faced several rejections. He failed the Rajasthan Forest Officer Recruitment, Patwari, Jail Prahari, and even the RAS Mains Exam in 2018. His first UPSC attempt in 2019 ended at the Prelims. In 2020, he reached the Interview stage but didn’t make the final cut. Another setback came in 2021.
Yet, every failure taught him a new lesson — and every lesson strengthened his resolve.
Triple Success at UPSC
In 2022, Ishwar secured AIR 644 and entered the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). In 2023, he achieved AIR 555 and became an IPS officer. Finally, in 2024, he cracked the exam a third time with AIR 483, cementing his place among India’s top officers.
Along the way, he also cleared REET, became a third-grade teacher, got selected as a Rajasthan Police Sub-Inspector in 2021, and cleared the RAS exam, earning a post as SDM.
Inspiration for Every Aspirant
Ishwar’s journey shows that failure is never the end — it’s a stepping stone. From a failed student to a high-ranking IPS officer, his story proves that grit, consistency, and belief can change destinies.
As films like 12th Fail highlight the stories of UPSC warriors, Ishwar Lal Gurjar stands as a real-life example — a symbol of determination and hope for millions of aspirants across India
