Low Board Marks, Big Dreams: 3 IAS Officers Who Prove That Board Exam Marks Don't Define Your Future

Low Board Marks, Big Dreams

In a world that often equates academic success with future potential, the stories of Nitin Sangwan, Shahid Choudhary, and Awanish Sharan stand as powerful reminders that board marks are not the ultimate measure of one's capabilities. These three IAS officers, who once faced setbacks in their academic journeys, have proven that resilience, hard work, and determination can rewrite even the most challenging narratives. Their lives are a testament to the fact that failure is not the end—it's merely a stepping stone to greatness.

Nitin Sangwan, an accomplished IAS officer, once scored just 24 marks in Chemistry in his Class 12 exam—barely one mark above the passing threshold. For many, such a result could have been a crushing blow, but Nitin chose to see it differently. He refused to let a single exam define his potential or dictate his future. Instead, he channeled his energy into self-improvement and relentless preparation for the UPSC Civil Services Exam.

Nitin's journey is a powerful lesson for students and parents alike. His story underscores the importance of introspection after setbacks, rather than criticism. For Nitin, his low scores were not a reflection of his abilities but an opportunity to grow stronger and more determined.

Shahid Choudhary, now a Secretary to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, recently shared his Class 10 mark sheet on social media, revealing that he scored 339 out of 500—a result many might consider "average." However, Shahid's journey proves that success is not reserved for toppers alone.

Despite his modest scores, Shahid's unwavering focus and dedication led him to crack the UPSC exam and serve the nation as an IAS officer. It reminds us that marks are just numbers, and true potential lies in one's ability to persevere and dream big.

Awanish Sharan's journey is perhaps the most inspiring of all. With a Class 10 score of 44.7%, a Class 12 score of 65%, and a graduation score of 60%, Awanish's academic record was far from extraordinary. His path to success was riddled with failures—he failed the CDS exam, the CAPF exam, and even the State Public Service Commission preliminary exam more than 10 times. Yet, he never gave up.

Awanish's breakthrough came when he cleared the UPSC Civil Services Exam in his second attempt, securing an All India Rank of 77. His story is a masterclass in resilience. It teaches us that failure is not the opposite of success; it's a part of the journey.

The stories of Nitin, Shahid, and Awanish are not just about cracking the UPSC exam; they are about defying societal norms and redefining success. They remind us that board marks are merely a snapshot of a moment in time, not a predictor of future achievements. Life is a marathon, not a sprint, and success is often the result of consistent effort, self-belief, and the courage to rise after every fall.

For students who feel disheartened by their board results, these stories offer a powerful message: Your marks do not define your fate. They are just one chapter in your life's story, and the next chapters are entirely in your hands.