UPSC Success Story: From Wheelchair to IAS – The Inspiring Journey of Suraj Tiwari
New Delhi: In a world where many give up in the face of minor setbacks, Suraj Tiwari’s story stands as a testament to the power of human willpower. Despite a life-altering accident in 2017 that left him with severe physical disabilities, Suraj cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023 in his very first attempt, securing AIR 917.
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The Fateful Accident and Its Aftermath
In 2017, while traveling to his home in Mainpuri from his job at a private company in Noida, Suraj met with a horrific train accident. The tragedy resulted in the loss of:
- Both legs (below the knees)
- His right arm
- Two fingers of his left hand
While recovering at AIIMS, Suraj faced another emotional blow when his brother died by suicide. His father, Rajesh Tiwari—a tailor by profession—bore the immense financial burden of his medical treatments. His mother, Asha Devi, described this period as the “darkest phase” of their lives.
Turning Tragedy into Triumph
Instead of surrendering to despair, Suraj used his recovery time to redefine his future. “It struck me that my life does not end with this accident,” Suraj told the Times of India.
His path to success included:
- Education: Enrolled in JNU to pursue an MA in Russian Language.
- Self-Study: Because he could not attend physical coaching classes, he relied entirely on self-study from home.
- Perseverance: With only three fingers remaining on his left hand, he practiced writing and prepared for the grueling multi-stage examination.
Key Highlights of Suraj’s Achievement
| Category | Details |
| Exam | UPSC Civil Services 2023 |
| Rank | All India Rank (AIR) 917 |
| Attempt | First Attempt |
| Current Role | Indian Information Service (IIS) Officer |
| Hometown | Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh |
A Message of Hope
Currently serving as an officer in the Indian Information Service, Suraj continues to inspire millions. His journey proves that while physical capabilities may be limited by circumstances, the strength of the mind knows no bounds. He is a living example that with focus and relentless grit, no obstacle is too big to overcome.
