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IAS Success Stories of Gopala Sundara Raj and R.V. Karnan - Testbook.com

The journey to becoming an IAS officer is one of the most challenging paths one can tread in India. It is not merely an examination; it is a test of one's mettle, perseverance, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Today, we bring you the inspiring tales of two such individuals who have not only cleared the IAS exam but have also emerged as beacon of hope for many.

Meet Gopala Sundara Raj and R.V Karnan, two extraordinary IAS toppers who hail from the humble backgrounds of Tamil Nadu.

The road to IAS is strenuous even under the most favorable conditions. But when you add financial constraints, societal pressure, and the fear of failure, the journey becomes almost insurmountable. However, these individuals have shown that no obstacle is too big when the will to succeed is strong.

Sundara Raj's story is a testament to the fact that poverty cannot hinder success, while Karnan has demonstrated that coaching is not always a prerequisite to cracking the toughest exam in the country.

Let's delve into their remarkable IAS success stories and draw inspiration from their journey.

Don't forget to visit our 100 Difference Between Article for UPSC Revision page for comprehensive UPSC preparation resources!!

Here are some additional links to assist candidates in their exam preparation:

R.V. Karnan

IAS Success Stories of Gopala Sundara Raj and R.V. Karnan

  • Born in the small town of Karaikudi in Sivaganga district, Karnan secured the 158th rank in the 2012 civil services exam.
  • He is not just an IAS topper but also topped the Indian Forest Services exam in 2007.
  • Karnan chose to self-study, relying on his understanding of patterns and methods, and shunned the popular trend of coaching.
  • With a librarian father and a sub-registrar mother, Karnan’s story is a shining example that one can succeed in the IAS exam even without coaching.
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Gopala Sundara Raj

  • Gopala Sundara Raj, a native of a small village in Ramanathapuram, secured an impressive AIR 5 in the 2012 CSE.
  • His parents, whose education did not extend beyond primary school, could not afford to put him in an English medium school. He thus attended a Tamil medium school.
  • The family lived in a relative's house as they did not own any land or house.
  • Sundara Raj was working as an agricultural scientist in Rajasthan when he made the bold move of taking the IAS exam, and his performance was nothing short of phenomenal.
  • He credits his sister for her unwavering moral support throughout his journey.

For more inspiring UPSC success stories, visit our segment Get Inspired .

To familiarize yourself with the general pattern of the UPSC exams, visit the UPSC Syllabus page. For more articles and preparation materials, visit the links given in the table below:

Related Links:

NCERT Books UPSC Exam Pattern 100 Difference Between Articles
Current Affairs Quiz WPI Index PIB Summary and Analysis
Nirbhaya Fund Highways in India Contingency Fund of India
 
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