UPSC Topper Success Story: Know the struggle of who IAS Varun Baranwal ran a puncture shop for a living, cracked UPSC with 32nd rank

UPSC Topper Success Story: 

The passion for reading and the desire to do something in life led Varun to the success that many youths of India aspires for. Varun Barnwal, who saw the life of poverty as a lesson, secured 32nd rank in the UPSC IAS 2016 exam and became an IAS officer. So, let’s know more about Varun Barnwal’s story to success in this article.

Varun ran a puncture shop for living:

Varun Barnwal hails from the small town of Boisar in the Palghar district of Maharashtra and his father used to run a cycle puncture shop while his mother is a housewife. The financial condition of Varun's house was poor since childhood, but his family never stopped him from studying. Varun shares that his mother always encouraged him to study and he used to be the topper in every class since childhood.

Varun's father died of a heart attack on the fourth day after his 10th board exams were over. After this, the responsibility of his family came to Varun, so he decided to leave his further studies and run his father's puncture shop for a living. Varun has secured the second position in his entire city after his 10th result, however, the circumstances at home forced him to leave his studies.

An acquaintance helped Varun study further by paying his fees:

Varun shares that he could only earn a living with the income from the puncture shop and that is why he had neither money nor time for further studies. A known doctor recognized his desire and talent to study and also paid his fees for further studies while his mother took over the puncture shop.

After getting admission in MIT College Pune, Varun worked hard and topped the first semester and got a scholarship from the college, due to which he was able to complete his engineering studies. Varun shares that he never bought books for studies, but his friends helped him and brought him books, and supported him in his difficult times.

Varun chose IAS over his job in a huge MNC:

Varun got placed in a big MNC like Delloite in the final semester. But after joining the Lokpal movement of Anna Hazare, he chose the path of becoming an IAS to serve the country. Varun had only 6 months to prepare for IAS because after that he had to join Delloite, but Varun made up his mind to prepare for IAS in the time he got before joining the job.

Varun’s roommate Bhushan introduced him to a coaching class where he acted as a faculty and helped him prepare for his exams. And once again due to lack of money, Varun had to struggle to buy books for UPSC preparation and sought help from an NGO.

Varun secured 32nd rank in UPSC CSE Exam:

With hard work and dedication, Varun became an IAS by securing 32nd rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Varun's life was full of difficulties but his passion for studies opened the doors of new opportunities for him every time.