For many UPSC aspirants, four unsuccessful attempts can make the dream of becoming a civil servant feel increasingly distant. For Bhikan Jagan Rojekar, however, the fifth attempt changed everything.

Coming from a financially disadvantaged farming family in Maharashtra, he secured All India Rank (AIR) 812 in the Civil Services Examination 2025, as he shared in an interview with BBC.Rojekar is from Jalgaon Sapkal village in Bhokardan taluka. His achievement stands out not just for the result, but for the years of preparation and the family effort that helped him continue despite financial constraints.FROM MARATHI-MEDIUM SCHOOL TO DELHIRojekar studied in a Marathi-medium school until Class 10 before taking Science in Classes 11 and 12.

He later completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture at Vivekanand College in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.He began preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination full-time in 2021 and moved to Delhi the following year. In 2023, a Maharashtra government scholarship helped him enrol in coaching classes, according to his account to the BBC.

His preparation also involved other competitive examinations. In 2024 and 2025, he appeared for the Civil Services Main examination.

In 2025, he cleared the Indian Forest Service Main examination and reached the interview stage of the Central Armed Police Forces Assistant Commandant examination.HIS FAMILY'S STRUGGLE, HIS PLAN BRojekar's parents initially worked as farm labourers in Wada village in Maharashtra's Chalisgaon taluka. They later returned to their native village and cultivated two acres of land.

His mother also worked as a daily-wage farm labourer. Despite limited resources, his parents worked to support their children's education.

Rojekar's brothers encouraged him to pursue a degree that could offer employment if the civil services examination did not work out. His Agriculture degree became that backup option.His younger brother, Vikas Rojekar, has since joined the Indian Army.WHAT UPSC ASPIRANTS CAN LEARNRojekar advises candidates to study the syllabus thoroughly, analyse previous years' question papers and take mock tests.

He recommends practising at least 10 years of past papers to understand recurring themes and the examination pattern.For the Main examination, he stresses structured answers supported by relevant facts and data, along with strong language skills for essay writing. He also advises aspirants to prepare their optional subjects carefully.His message is practical: competitive examinations can be unpredictable, so candidates should build a strong academic foundation and keep a Plan B ready.Speaking to the BBC, Rojekar's father expressed hope that his son would serve the public honestly and with dedication. “I am elated.

I have worked with complete honesty, and I want my son to serve people with the same dedication,” he said.- Ends