Farmer's son cracks UPSC on fifth attempt, secures AIR 812 despite financial hardships

After four unsuccessful attempts and years of financial hardship, Bhikan Jagan Rojekar, the son of a farmer from Maharashtra, has cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2025, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 812 on his fifth attempt.

Hailing from Jalgaon Sapkal village in Maharashtra's Bhokardan taluka, Rojekar achieved the milestone despite growing up in a family dependent on agricultural labour and farming for its livelihood.

His journey from a Marathi-medium school to one of the country's most competitive examinations involved years of preparation, financial constraints and support from his family.

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶-𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗨𝗣𝗦𝗖

Rojekar completed his education up to Class 10 in Marathi medium before opting for Science in Classes 11 and 12. He subsequently pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture.

He studied at Vinay Vidyalaya in Jalgaon Sapkal before enrolling at Vivekanand College in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for his undergraduate education.

Rojekar began preparing for the Civil Services Examination full-time in 2021 and moved to Delhi the following year to pursue his ambitions.

A scholarship from the Maharashtra government in 2023 helped him enrol in coaching classes and continue his preparation despite financial difficulties.

Although he failed to secure a place in the final selection list during his first four attempts, he continued working towards his goal.

He appeared for the Civil Services Main examination in 2024 and 2025. During the latter year, he also cleared the Indian Forest Service Main examination and reached the interview stage of the Central Armed Police Forces Assistant Commandant examination.

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗿𝘀

Rojekar's parents initially worked as agricultural labourers in Wada village in Maharashtra's Chalisgaon taluka to support their family.

They later returned to their native village, where they cultivated two acres of land. His mother also worked as a daily-wage farm labourer to supplement the family's income.

Despite limited financial resources, his parents prioritised their children's education and supported their ambitions.

Speaking to the BBC, Rojekar's father expressed happiness over his son's achievement and said he hoped he would serve the public with integrity.

"I am elated. I have worked with complete honesty, and I want my son to serve people with the same dedication," he said.

𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼-𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀

Sharing his preparation strategy, Rojekar emphasised the importance of systematic planning, comprehensive syllabus coverage and analysing previous years' examination papers.

He advised aspirants to study at least 10 years of previous question papers to understand examination patterns and identify frequently tested subjects.

He also stressed the importance of taking mock tests, developing effective answer-writing skills and strengthening command over language.

According to Rojekar, candidates appearing for the Main examination should focus on writing structured answers supported by relevant facts and data.

He said thorough preparation of optional subjects and regular practice of previous years' questions could improve candidates' performance.

Rojekar also cautioned aspirants against relying entirely on competitive examinations, pointing out that their unpredictable nature made alternative career options important.

𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘂𝗽

Rojekar said his family, particularly his brothers, encouraged him to pursue a professional degree that could provide employment opportunities if his UPSC preparations did not succeed.

He therefore chose Agriculture as his undergraduate subject, keeping it as a possible alternative career.

His younger brother, Vikas Rojekar, has joined the Indian Army, marking another achievement for the family.

With one brother serving in the armed forces and the other clearing the Civil Services Examination, the family's achievements have drawn attention to the importance of education and perseverance in overcoming economic disadvantages.

Rojekar's success after five attempts also highlights the role of sustained preparation, family support and educational assistance in helping aspirants from financially disadvantaged backgrounds pursue careers in public service.