"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
11 Sep 2025
Life was never easy for Deepesh Kumari, born and raised in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Her father, Govind Kumar, sold pakodas and snacks on the streets for over 25 years to feed his wife and five children. The family of seven lived in a small, cramped room where resources were always limited. But amid these struggles, one thing always stood tall: the importance of education. Govind Kumar may not have had financial wealth, but he gave his children a priceless treasure: the belief that education could change their lives. This belief became the foundation of Deepesh’s extraordinary journey.
From an early age, Deepesh showed academic brilliance. She studied at Shishu Adarsh Vidya Mandir in Bharatpur and consistently excelled in her studies. Despite all odds, she secured 98% marks in her Class 10th board exams and 89% in Class 12th. Her achievements didn’t stop there. With determination and focus, she earned a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from MBM Engineering College, Jodhpur, followed by an M.Tech from the prestigious IIT Bombay. For a girl who once studied under the dim light of a small room, this was a giant leap toward her dreams.
After completing her higher studies, Deepesh worked for a year in a private company. But deep within, her dream was not limited to a job. She wanted to serve the nation and uplift lives, just as her father had uplifted theirs with hard work. In 2020, she attempted the UPSC Civil Services Examination for the first time. The result was disappointing; she did not clear. But instead of losing hope, Deepesh decided to rise again.
Using her savings, Deepesh took a bold step; she moved to Delhi for coaching. It was a tough decision, as financial pressure was heavy on the family. Yet, her father supported her wholeheartedly, standing by her side like he always had. This time, she prepared with greater focus, discipline, and self-belief. The struggles of her father selling pakodas in the harsh heat and chilly winters were always in her mind. That memory became her source of strength during late-night studies and endless revisions. In 2021, her perseverance finally bore fruit. Deepesh secured an All India Rank of 93 in the UPSC exam, along with 4th rank in the EWS category. Her success not only transformed her own life but also brought immense pride to her family and community. She was allotted the Jharkhand cadre, marking the beginning of her career as an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer.
Deepesh’s success created a ripple effect in her family, inspiring her siblings to chase their own big dreams. Her younger sister is now a doctor at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, one of her brothers is pursuing MBBS at AIIMS Guwahati, and another is continuing his education in Latur. The children of a pakoda seller, who once struggled to live together in a single small room, are today excelling in the fields of medicine and civil services.
The story of Deepesh Kumari IAS is not just about one individual’s success; it is about the power of education and determination. She proves that poverty is not a barrier when dreams are strong and efforts are relentless. Her life reflects the dreams of countless young Indians from humble backgrounds who wish to change their destiny through education and hard work. From the narrow lanes of Bharatpur to the administrative corridors of Jharkhand, Deepesh Kumari’s journey is a beacon of hope. Her story is living proof that struggles may define the beginning of a person’s life, but determination writes the ending .