Success Story: Bihar’s Pride – Sayem Raza Leaves ₹12 Lakh Job to Become IPS Without Coaching

UPSC Success Story 2023
Sayem Raza from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2023, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 188 in the General Category and joining the Indian Police Service (IPS). Before this remarkable achievement, Sayem was working as a Data Scientist in Bengaluru, earning an annual salary of ₹12 lakh.

A Journey of Determination
Sayem often says, “If you want to achieve something in life, you must keep the promises you make to yourself. To move forward, you must face every challenge head-on.” His story is a shining example for young aspirants who are tirelessly working towards their goals. Choosing civil services over a lucrative corporate career, Sayem dedicated himself fully to public service.

Family Support and Early Life
Sayem’s father, Munawwar Raza, is a retired officer of the State Bank of India (SBI), and his mother is a homemaker. Growing up in Muzaffarpur, Sayem completed his early education locally before moving to Bengaluru for his B.Tech. After graduating, he joined a tech company as a Data Scientist, earning a 12-lakh annual package and working there for nearly five years.

Turning Point During COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sayem returned to his hometown but continued his work-from-home job. Despite the high-paying role, he felt unfulfilled and wanted to contribute to society in a meaningful way. This inspired him to pursue the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Preparing Without Coaching
With full support from his parents, Sayem left his job and began preparing for UPSC at home without any coaching. Over the next three years, he worked tirelessly, dedicating day and night to study and practice. His commitment turned the UPSC exam into not just a goal, but a passion.

From Determination to IPS
In 2023, Sayem appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination for the first time and achieved an outstanding All India Rank of 188, earning him a place in the IPS cadre from his home state of Bihar. Today, IPS Sayem Raza serves as an inspiration for countless young aspirants across India, proving that perseverance, focus, and self-belief can turn dreams into reality.