From failure to topper: How a father cleared seven civil service exams while working without coaching

Pankaj Yadav failed to achieve passing marks in three of his exams in school. His teacher told him in front of the entire class that if he attained 60% in exams then he can do anything. After that Yadav went on to top his school, get a high paying job and crack seven different PCS exams, according to a report by MoneyControl.

Instead of sulking over his exam results, Pankaj took up his teacher’s challenge. Yadav took a break from work at his father’s shop. His father promised him a cricket kit if he could achieve 60% in his exams.

Yadav decided to make a study room in the shop’s storage area. He cleaned the melted jaggery from the floor, laid down a sack and brought in a table and chair; studied day and night to reach his goal.

On the result day, Pankaj not only attained the desired 60% but also topped his school. He had beaten his wealthy classmates who had access to private tutors. This event proved to him that his background does not matter.

At the age of 30 he was an electrical engineer working at a big company with a handsome salary. He was married and had a son though on the surface it looked like he had everything, inside he was not content.

In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh there is a common aspiration to get a government job. So he started working towards that goal; his friends said that he was crazy for leaving a great job to start preparing for a government job a t the age of 30.

He started studying for them along with his full time job. Yadav was not successful in cracking the UPSC but he didn’t give up. Pankaj ended up clearing seven state civil exams (PCS) that too without any coaching classes, mock tests and written practice.

Yadav’s secret to success was his focus and discipline, staying away from distractions and an undying self belief that you can achieve anything at any age.

Pankaj serves as a beacon of hope for people who think that they are either too busy or too old for something.