At just 23, Manu Garg, a resident of Jaipur, has become a national symbol of resilience and determination by securing All India Rank 91 in the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE) 2024, widely considered India’s most competitive and demanding exam. His accomplishment stands out not merely for its merit, but for the enormous personal and logistical barriers he had to overcome—Manu is completely blind.
Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare and degenerative retinal disease, Manu began losing his vision in Class 8. Within months, once-legible textbooks became indistinct shadows. “The letters overlapped. I couldn’t write straight. It was disorienting,” he recalled. Despite the prognosis—progressive and irreversible vision loss—Manu refused to let his dreams be dimmed.
Redefining Disability: Education as Empowerment
From a young age, Manu nurtured a passion for governance, policy, and public service. Inspired by stories of civil servants with disabilities who had succeeded before him, Manu chose to treat education as a tool of empowerment. He firmly believed that lived experience could offer unique value in the government policymaking space—especially in health, education, and disability rights.
“Should I clear the exam, I wanted my journey itself to be an input into policy. Representation matters,” he shared.
First Attempt and the Power of Reflection
Manu first appeared for the UPSC exam in 2023, but did not clear the mains stage. Instead of being disheartened, he chose introspection. He restructured his preparation strategy around the core demand of each question, integrating multi-dimensional viewpoints and focusing on solution-oriented analysis, a skill critical for a future bureaucrat.
“It’s not about how many hours you study. It’s about how deeply you engage with the material.”
He also adopted a new approach to newspapers—reading editorials, dissecting policy changes, and understanding the machinery of governance with greater depth. “UPSC changed the way I view the world. It changed me,” he said.
Strategic Adaptation: Mastering Technology Without Sight
Manu faced a severe challenge that most UPSC aspirants take for granted—note-making. He couldn’t flip through books or scribble revisions. Instead, he memorised the QWERTY keyboard layout and typed on a smartphone using voice support and finger memory at a speed of 26 words per minute. “That keyboard became my lifeline,” he revealed.
Using platforms like Civilsdaily for expert-backed resources, Manu supplemented his preparation with toppers’ notes, curated digital PDFs, and audio lectures.
Political Science as an Optional: A Platform for Analytical Rigor
Manu opted for Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as his optional subject—an area that demands critical thinking, theoretical depth, and interlinking with current affairs.
“PSIR allows freedom of thought. You can approach questions using any ideology, thinker, or case study, as long as your answer is holistic and structured.”
He emphasized the importance of originality, intellectual curiosity, and well-rounded perspectives—especially in questions related to global diplomacy, constitutional debates, and governance.
The Interview: When Theory Met Real-World Geopolitics
In his interview round on January 27, 2025, Manu was asked about Donald Trump’s policies, including the then-recent controversial move involving Greenland and its potential impact on India’s global trade positioning.
Instead of offering a one-dimensional critique, Manu demonstrated diplomatic insight—acknowledging geopolitical risks while also exploring potential trade and strategic opportunities for India. His answers reflected the maturity and balance expected of a future civil servant.
A Mother’s Unseen Labor
Behind every successful aspirant is often an unsung hero. For Manu, it was his mother. She played a vital role in his journey by repeatedly reading out MCQ options, helping him process auditory questions, and offering unwavering emotional strength.
“After I failed in 2023, she said something that stayed with me—If you are persistent and consistent, you will qualify.”
Her presence in Manu’s story underscores the crucial role of family, especially in the journey of differently-abled individuals navigating inaccessible academic systems.
Legacy Beyond the Rank
Manu’s success goes far beyond his AIR 91. It challenges conventional narratives around disability, education, and success. His journey proves that accessible technology, institutional support, and sheer determination can together transform structural barriers into stepping stones.
“UPSC is more than an exam. It’s a journey that builds the character required to serve a nation,” he said.
Now committed to a career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Manu plans to focus on inclusive policymaking, with special emphasis on digital accessibility, assistive technologies, and welfare frameworks for persons with disabilities.