From selling newspapers to becoming an IFS officer: P Balamurugan’s remarkable UPSC journey

By Ishwi Singh  |  First Published Nov 7, 2024, 11:02 AM IST

P Balamurugan's inspiring journey from selling newspapers to becoming an IFS officer is a testament to his resilience and hard work. Overcoming poverty and hardship, he cracked the UPSC exam, setting an example for millions.

Succeeding in India's toughest exam, the UPSC, is like winning a tough battle.The journeys of those who successfully navigate this challenging path, filled with struggles and hardships, are not only inspiring but also offer hope to millions of young people. One such remarkable story is that of IFS officer P Balamurugan, who triumphed over poverty and numerous obstacles to realize his dream in the UPSC examination.

Childhood

P Balamurugan's childhood was marked by hardship. In 1994, his father abandoned the family, leaving his mother, Palaniammal, to care for eight children on her own. With only a class 10 education, Palaniammal struggled to find stable employment. Faced with these challenges, Balamurugan took it upon himself to support the family by selling newspapers.

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Overcoming challenges

Reflecting on his mother’s unwavering strength and determination, Balamurugan highlights her constant encouragement to never give up. To provide for the family, she sold her jewellery and their only piece of land to purchase a small house, where they all lived under one modest roof. Throughout his childhood, Balamurugan balanced his education with selling newspapers, all while supporting his family during their struggles.

Passion for education

While selling newspapers, Balamurugan developed a deep connection with books, sparking his passion for learning. Despite the challenges he faced, he prioritized education and persevered in his studies. Eventually, he graduated from the Madras Institute of Technology with a degree in Electronics and Communication and secured a position at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

Quitting job

After several years at TCS, Balamurugan was inspired by the impactful work of an IAS officer, prompting him to leave his well-paying job to prepare for the UPSC exam. His hard work and dedication paid off when he succeeded in the UPSC in 2018, earning his place as an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer.

Being an inspiration

Balamurugan's story serves as an inspiration to millions of young people who may feel discouraged by financial constraints. He has showed that, regardless of the challenges one faces, courage and hard work can lead to the achievement of any goal.

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