Once a Shephard, Now a Civil Servant: UPSC Success Story of Beerappa

Beerappa Siddappa Doni was born in Amage village, Maharashtra, into a traditional sheep-herding family. His childhood was spent tending to livestock, but his dreams soared beyond the grasslands.

His elder brother, a soldier in the Indian Army, ignited Beerappa’s desire to serve the nation. Though he couldn’t join the military, his determination to contribute to the country never wavered.

Despite limited resources, Beerappa pursued a B.Tech degree, proving that passion and perseverance could overcome any obstacle.

He worked at India Post for a few years, but his heart yearned for a greater challenge—the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Failure didn’t deter him. After two unsuccessful attempts, he persisted, refining his strategy and strengthening his resolve.

On April 22, 2025, Beerappa secured the 551st rank in the UPSC exams, making history as the first from his shepherd community to achieve this feat.

When news reached his relatives in Nanavadi, Karnataka, they organized an impromptu celebration on the very grasslands where they grazed sheep, turning an ordinary day into a festival of pride.

Though Siddappa Doni didn’t fully understand the UPSC’s significance, he knew his son had achieved something extraordinary—proof that hard work always pays off.

Beerappa aspires to join the Indian Police Service (IPS), determined to uplift the underprivileged and inspire his community.

His success is more than personal victory—it’s a beacon of hope for countless youths from marginalized backgrounds, proving that no dream is too big, no hurdle too high.