Despite scoring low marks during his school years and facing repeated challenges during engineering studies, Sameer Sharma went on to clear the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination and become an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. His journey continues to inspire thousands of students preparing for competitive examinations across the country.

Struggles Began During School Years

Sameer Sharma’s academic record in school was far from exceptional. He reportedly scored 57 percent marks in Class 10 and faced an even tougher phase in Class 11, where his score dropped to just 34 percent.

The poor performance raised concerns about his academic future. Like many students who struggle with marks during higher secondary education, Sameer faced doubts about his ability to pursue ambitious career goals. However, he continued his studies and managed to improve his performance in Class 12, securing around 60 percent marks.

Although the improvement was encouraging, few could have predicted that he would later become a civil servant.

Engineering Studies Brought New Challenges

After completing school, Sameer enrolled in a B.Tech programme. His difficulties, however, did not end there.

During engineering, he accumulated as many as 24 backlogs, a situation that would have discouraged many students from continuing their studies. Multiple academic setbacks often lead students to abandon their goals or lose confidence in their abilities.

Instead of giving up, Sameer chose to confront the challenges directly. He worked through the backlog papers and continued moving forward despite repeated setbacks and criticism from those around him.

Turning Point: Decision to Prepare for UPSC

After completing his engineering studies, Sameer Sharma set his sights on one of the most competitive examinations in India—the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

The decision marked a major turning point in his life. Determined to prove that academic struggles do not define a person’s future, he dedicated himself fully to preparation.

According to available accounts of his journey, Sameer focused intensely on his studies and followed a disciplined preparation strategy. His commitment and consistency eventually began to yield results.

Cracked UPSC in Just 18 Months

One of the most remarkable aspects of Sameer Sharma’s journey is the relatively short duration of his UPSC preparation.

After approximately 18 months of focused study, he successfully cleared the Civil Services Examination and secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 182. The achievement transformed his life and silenced doubts about his capabilities.

Following his success, he was selected for the Indian Police Service and joined the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories) cadre in 2011.

A Message for Students

Sameer Sharma’s story highlights an important lesson for students who may be struggling academically. Low marks, failures, or backlogs do not necessarily determine future success. What often matters more is the ability to learn from setbacks, remain focused on long-term goals, and continue working despite difficulties.

His journey from scoring 34 percent in Class 11 and facing 24 engineering backlogs to becoming an IPS officer serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

For UPSC aspirants and students facing academic challenges, Sameer Sharma’s success story stands as proof that determination and consistent effort can open doors to extraordinary achievements.