UPSC Success: After Only 57% in 10th, This Officer Qualified IPS Exam In One Go

News18

20-05-2025

Last Updated:
Akash Kulhari, who was once expelled from school, later cleared the UPSC exam on his first attempt.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is widely regarded as one of the toughest in the country, testing not just knowledge but also perseverance, patience, and resilience. Clearing it in a single attempt is a remarkable achievement that only a few manage each year.
Every UPSC success story is unique and different. The achievements of the candidates reflect years of dedication, effort, and personal sacrifice. Among these inspiring journeys, the story of Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Akash Kulhari stands out for his remarkable determination and ability to overcome extraordinary challenges while preparing for the exam.
Born and raised in Bikaner, Rajasthan, Akash was not a brilliant student in his early years. In his Class 10 board exams, he just scored 57 per cent and was refused by the school for admission in 11th standard. In an interview he said, 'I was expelled from school after the 10th result came, but I did not give up." His parents also faced significant problems due to his poor performance, as per reports.
After being expelled, Akash transferred to a Kendriya Vidyalaya, where he made a remarkable turnaround. He scored an impressive 85 per cent in Class 12 . After this he completed his B.Com from Duggal College, Bikaner and a master's degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University's (JNU) School of Social Science. He also holds a M.Phil degree from JNU.
While studying at JNU he simultaneously prepared for the UPSC exam and cracked the civil services examination in his first attempt in 2005. He achieved an All India Rank (AIR) of 273.
In 2006, he joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in Uttar Pradesh cadre. Over the years he has served the nation with integrity and dedication. He currently holds the position of Inspector General (IG) of Public Grievances at the Director General of Police (DGP) Headquarters in Uttar Pradesh.
Talking about his inspiration during the interview, he said, 'After graduation, I had two career options in front of me. The first was that I should do an MBA and do a job in the corporate sector and the second option was to prepare for civil services. My mother wanted my children to serve the country by becoming officers, so respecting the mother's wish, I decided to take the civil services examination. When I got success in the first attempt, the younger brother also chose this path, he is also an officer today.
Akash Kulhari's story is a powerful reminder that poor early academic performance doesn't define your destiny. With resilience, dedication, and the right mindset, one can overcome even the toughest challenges and carve a path to success.
First Published:
May 20, 2025, 10:13 IST