Iqbal Ahmed, born in Nandaur town in Uttar Pradesh’s Sant Kabir Nagar district, has made headlines by obtaining the 998 rank in the 2024 UPSC Civil Services Examination. His rags-to-riches success story, with its foundation based on determination and perseverance, is a source of inspiration for several people in the country.
Born to a poor family, Iqbal is the fourth and youngest among four siblings. His father, Maqbool Ahmed, earlier had a bicycle repair shop in the vicinity of the Nandaur junction. Though poor, Maqbool never compromised on his children’s education, even working day and night to arrange for their study. Gradually, as the children grew, Maqbool shut down his shop, while his eldest son, Syed Ali, joined home painting jobs to maintain the family.
Iqbal’s educational career started at Nandaur, where he pursued his intermediate course of studies. He next shifted to Gorakhpur for higher studies and afterward to Delhi for preparation of the UPSC exams. During his stay in Delhi, he worked for the Labour Department to make ends meet, studying and working tirelessly. His hard work was rewarded when he cleared the UPSC exam in 2025.
The news of his success caused great happiness throughout Nandaur. People converged on his residence, congratulating his family and hailing the success of one of their own. His father, Maqbool, smiled, remembering the struggles they went through and the single-minded concentration on education. Iqbal’s mother, Kasidun Nis, was overjoyed, expecting other children to be inspired by her son’s success.
Iqbal Ahmed’s tale challenges an important question: How can society do a better job of helping underprivileged students pursue their aspirations?
The question highlights the necessity of making educational materials available, mentorship opportunities, and funding mechanisms to develop talent regardless of economic and social conditions.
Iqbal’s achievement is not merely an individual victory but a demonstration of the strength of resilience and the value of community support in the face of adversity. His rise from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to the UPSC ranks is a strong reminder that with will and support, dreams can be a reality.
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