Failed In School, Then Made History By Clearing 7 State PCS Exams Without Coaching

Last Updated:August 28, 2026, 2:52 PM IST

Pankaj struggled academically during his school years. At one point, he failed three subjects. However, a teacher’s taunt changed his life.

Pankaj Yadav first attempted UPSC but could not clear it. (File Photo)

Pankaj Yadav’s journey is a reminder that one’s past does not have to decide their future. The man who once failed three subjects in school later left a well-paying electrical engineering job at the age of 30 to pursue his civil services dream. He eventually went on to clear seven State Public Service Commission (PCS) exams.

What makes his achievement even more notable is that Pankaj prepared without joining coaching classes, taking mock test series or undergoing specialised answer-writing training.

A teacher’s taunt changed everything

Pankaj struggled academically during his school years. At one point, he failed three subjects. A teacher reportedly told him in front of his classmates that he would not achieve much unless he managed to score at least 60%.

Instead of giving up, Pankaj decided to prove the teacher wrong.

He began studying seriously at his father’s shop. He cleaned up a corner of the storeroom, spread a sack on the floor and arranged a table and chair to create a makeshift study space. His hard work soon showed results. Pankaj not only crossed the 60% mark but also topped his school.

From electrical engineer to civil services aspirant

Pankaj went on to study electrical engineering and later secured a high-paying job at a reputed company. By the time he turned 30, he was married and had a son.

Despite having a stable career and family, he continued to harbour a dream of joining the civil services.

Taking a major risk, Pankaj eventually resigned from his private-sector job and began preparing for competitive examinations. His decision surprised those around him, with friends and acquaintances questioning why he would leave a secure career. Pankaj, however, remained determined.

UPSC setback did not stop him

He first attempted the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services examination but could not clear it. Rather than abandoning his goal, he changed his strategy and turned his attention to State PCS examinations.

He relied primarily on self-study and disciplined preparation. Even while managing family responsibilities, he continued working towards his goal without depending on coaching institutes or extensive test series.

His persistence eventually paid off. Pankaj cleared seven different State PCS examinations, transforming what began as a struggle with academics into an extraordinary civil services journey. His story is proof that failing an examination does not define a person’s ability or future.

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How did Pankaj Yadav prepare for seven State PCS exams without coaching?

Pankaj Yadav prepared for the State PCS exams through self-study and disciplined preparation. He did not use coaching classes, mock tests, or specialised answer-writing training.

What motivated Pankaj Yadav to leave his engineering job for civil services?

Pankaj Yadav left his high-paying electrical engineering job at the age of 30 to pursue his dream of civil services. He took a significant risk by resigning from his private-sector job to prepare for competitive examinations, a decision that surprised his friends and acquaintances.

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