10th Fail IPS: Ishwar Gurjar's success story feels straight out of 12th Fail movie

IPS Officer Ishwar Gurjar

In a story that proves failure is just a stepping stone to success, Ishwar Gurjar from Bhilwara, Rajasthan, has shown the world what true determination looks like. After failing his Class 10 board exams in 2011, Ishwar could have given up on his dreams. But today, he stands tall as one of India’s newest IPS officers, having secured an impressive All India Rank of 555 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023.

Ishwar comes from a simple, lower-middle-class family. His father, Suvalal Gurjar, is a farmer, and his mother, Sukhi Devi, is a homemaker. When Ishwar failed his 10th standard exams, he was heartbroken and even considered quitting studies altogether. But his father's belief in him changed everything. He encouraged his son to try again, saying, "Don’t lose hope and courage."

He reappeared for the exam in 2012 and scored 54%. He didn't stop there, he went on to score 68% in his 12th standard and eventually graduated from MDS University.

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Despite becoming a government school teacher in 2019, Ishwar never let go of his bigger dream: to serve the nation as a civil servant. He began preparing for the UPSC exams, facing setbacks with unmatched resilience:

2019: Failed the Prelims

2020: Reached the interview stage but did not make the final list

2021: Faced another failure

2022: Secured AIR 644 and made it to the Indian Revenue Service (IRS)

2023: Secured AIR 555 and got into the Indian Police Service

2024: Secured AIR 483 (his last attempt, he announced)

After the 2024 results were declared, Ishwar shared a heartfelt reflection on Instagram, putting his incredible journey into perspective:

"The words are the same, only the year and time have changed. This time, the UPSC CSE 2024 result is out. My rank is AIR 483. After initial failures, seeing my name on the UPSC list three times in a row (IRS, IPS, …483) and the pride and satisfaction of becoming a part of the Indian Police Service (IPS) is no small thing.

This journey from 2020 until today holds so many memories and so many lessons. In this preparation, I found amazing friends who helped weave a chapter of my life's story; I encountered great teachers and heaps of books that filled the void within; I met well-wishers whose blessings made destiny kind. Numerous exam papers, many cities, many dhabas, and tea gatherings have been witnesses to this journey. This one exam helped me a lot in refining and shaping myself, giving me many experiences...

If I had not succeeded, would this civil service journey have felt just as pleasant? Or would it have become a memory of a tragedy? I don’t know. But even if I had not succeeded, I would never have been filled with self-pity or inferiority, I wouldn't have cursed myself. There would have been regret, but I would not have carried that regret for life. I would have used whatever I learned from this unsuccessful attempt to make my life better. There are many examples of people who failed in UPSC exams but did wonders in their respective fields.

For me, the UPSC journey ends today. Life now stands at the threshold of a new path, and now the Indian Police Service (IPS)… is my true calling."

Ishwar's story is not just about academic success, it's about grit, family support and the courage to rise after every fall. His journey sends a powerful message: No failure is permanent. With belief and hard work, even the biggest dreams can come true.