Started at 30, Cleared 7 Govt Exams: How a working father did it without quitting his corporate job or taking coaching

Started at the Age of 30 Cleared 7 Govt Exams

Sometimes, the most important journey begins with a single challenge. For Pankaj Yadav, it started when he failed three subjects in his school exams. His teacher told him in front of the whole class, "Pankaj, if you can score 60%, you can achieve anything in life."

Instead of feeling hurt, Pankaj took those words as a challenge. He asked his father for a break from working at their shop. His father promised him a cricket kit if he reached that 60% mark.

Pankaj created a study space in the storage room of their shop, where the floor was sticky from melted jaggery. He cleaned it, laid down a sack, and brought in a small table and chair. He studied day and night.

When the results came, he didn't just get 60% but he topped his entire school, beating students from wealthy families who had private tutors. This changed everything. It showed him that his background didn't have to limit his future.

Years later, Pankaj had become a successful electrical engineer with a high-paying job in a big company. He was married and had a young son. By all appearances, he had made it.

But at age 30, he felt something was missing. Remembering his roots and the common aspiration in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for civil services, he decided to pursue government exams. His friends thought he was crazy, "Why give up a great career to start preparing for competitive exams at 30?"

But Pankaj began studying while working full-time. He failed his first attempts at the UPSC exams, but he never gave up. What's remarkable is that he cleared not one, but seven different state civil service (PCS) exams, all without any coaching classes, mock tests, or writing practice.

His secret was focus and discipline. He stayed away from social media and distractions. He believed that if you're passionate enough, you can achieve anything at any age.

Today, Pankaj serves as an inspiration to everyone who thinks they might be "too old" or "too busy" to chase their dreams.