The doctor-turned-IAS officer from Bihar’s Muzaffarpur inspires millions with his UPSC 2024 success
NEW DELHI — The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) results for the 2024 Civil Services Examination (CSE) brought with them a wave of hope and inspiration, especially for the youth of Bihar and the wider Muslim community. Among the 1,009 successful candidates nationwide, one stood out for his exceptional dedication and remarkable journey — Dr Wasim ur Rehman, a young MBBS doctor from Bihar’s Muzaffarpur, currently working at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital. With an All India Rank of 281, Wasim has secured his place as an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, marking a new chapter in his life where he will serve the nation in a broader administrative capacity rather than solely as a medical practitioner.
Dr Wasim’s achievement is not merely about cracking one of India’s toughest examinations. It symbolises the spirit of dedication, perseverance, and vision. For years, he served patients at one of the busiest hospitals in the country, Safdarjung Hospital, which handles thousands of cases daily. Now, having cleared the UPSC with flying colours, he transitions to a role where he will have the power to influence public policy, administration, and governance at a macro level.
“I used to relieve the suffering of patients as a doctor,” Wasim explained, “but as a civil servant, I will have the opportunity to improve and advance the lives of entire communities, not just individuals. The scope and scale of impact in the civil service are much larger. This inspired me to choose the path of administration instead of further medical studies.”
Muzaffarpur is a district known for its rich cultural heritage and also for the many socio-economic challenges its residents face. Wasim ur Rehman’s family background laid a strong foundation for his ambitions.
His father, Haji Saud Azam Rehman, served as a Block Agriculture Officer in Bihar and is now retired. His mother, Jahan Ara Khatoon, was the head teacher at a government school. This upbringing in a family devoted to public service clearly influenced Wasim’s career path. His elder brother is engaged in business locally, while his younger brother pursues law studies in Patna. Wasim also has two sisters — one working as a government school teacher and the other a homemaker.
The blend of government service and education in his family nurtured a deep respect for discipline and public welfare in Wasim. It was this environment that encouraged him to dream big, work hard, and aim high.
Wasim’s academic journey began at Hazra Ali Academy, a private school near his home in Muzaffarpur. He also briefly studied at DAV School before moving to Aligarh Muslim University’s school, where he completed his 9th to 12th standards. Demonstrating academic excellence, Wasim scored 91 percent in his 10+2 exams in 2014.
He then appeared for the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB) and topped the state in the medical entrance exam. However, he secured admission at Safdarjung Medical College and Hospital in Delhi. This decision proved pivotal, exposing him to Delhi’s competitive academic environment and enabling him to pursue his ambitions on a national scale.
Medical studies are famously rigorous, requiring long hours of study and clinical practice. Yet, Wasim ur Rehman began preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination while still pursuing his MBBS at Safdarjung Hospital. This juggling act is a testament to his extraordinary commitment.
He appeared for the UPSC exam four times. His first attempt was in 2020, immediately after completing MBBS, where he made it to the interview stage but narrowly missed selection. Subsequent attempts in 2021 and 2022 also saw him reach the interview stage but not make it to the final list. This persistence, without succumbing to discouragement, eventually paid off in his fourth and final attempt in 2024.
Wasim credits his success to a combination of effective time management, disciplined study, and the strategic use of online resources. He selected anthropology as his optional subject and enrolled in an online coaching course.
“After working an 8-hour shift at the hospital,” he said, “I did not have time to attend offline coaching classes. I studied for 6-7 hours daily at home using distance learning material and online classes. This was enough for me to prepare thoroughly for the exam.”
Wasim’s approach highlights a modern trend among UPSC aspirants — leveraging digital resources to overcome logistical and time constraints. His experience suggests that with discipline and the right resources, candidates can prepare for the UPSC effectively without necessarily joining expensive coaching centres, especially when balancing professional commitments.
“I never enrolled in any offline coaching,” Wasim stated. “The material available online and through distance education was sufficient. It requires self-discipline and dedication to make the most of these resources.”
His example is particularly relevant for aspirants from smaller towns or those who cannot afford costly coaching institutes. Wasim’s success story sends a clear message: commitment, patience, and smart work can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
Dr Wasim ur Rehman’s victory is not just personal — it is symbolic of what millions of young Muslims in India can achieve if they dare to dream and work hard. He spoke candidly about the challenges faced by Muslim youth, many of whom grapple with feelings of despair and inferiority, convinced that the system is against them.
He dispelled the myth of discrimination within government institutions. “The government wants the Muslim minority to join the mainstream and progress,” he said. “There is no discrimination in the system. The number of Muslims preparing for UPSC is low, which is why their representation is also low. If more Muslim youth prepare seriously, their success will increase.”
Wasim urges Muslim parents to encourage their children to aim for government services and other competitive fields. “Hard work is the key. There is no shortcut. You have to wait patiently and work honestly. Success will come to those who try earnestly,” he added.
Wasim’s achievement challenges stereotypes and prejudices about minorities’ underrepresentation in prestigious professions. It highlights that while societal and structural barriers may exist, individual determination and the right mindset can overcome these challenges.
He emphasises the need for community awareness and motivation. “Parents should take the initiative to give their children better education and guide them towards competitive exams. Just as Muslim representation in medicine is increasing, it must increase in civil services as well.”
His story is a beacon of hope, illustrating that aspirations beyond traditional roles are achievable.
Having secured the IAS cadre, Wasim will soon undergo rigorous training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. There, he will acquire the administrative skills necessary for the complex tasks ahead.
His medical background will be an asset, especially in public health administration and policymaking. With his unique perspective, Wasim is poised to contribute effectively to improving governance, public service delivery, and development initiatives in his assigned cadre.
Wasim’s shift from clinical practice to civil service reflects a broader vision of public service. While doctors heal individuals, civil servants have the potential to uplift entire communities through policy reforms, welfare schemes, and good governance.
He sees his role as complementary to his medical profession. “A doctor treats a patient, but a civil servant has the chance to work on public health policies that affect millions. This wider impact attracted me.”
Wasim’s UPSC journey is a case study in resilience. Reaching the interview stage three times without selection is a test of patience. Many candidates give up after repeated failures. His example teaches the value of learning from mistakes, refining strategy, and persisting.
He advises aspirants to maintain a balance between hard work and smart work, to select optional subjects carefully, and to leverage online resources efficiently. He stresses the importance of mental toughness and staying motivated despite setbacks.
Wasim credits his family for their unwavering support throughout his academic journey. Coming from a family with government service backgrounds helped build his confidence. The encouragement of his parents, siblings, and extended family played a crucial role in maintaining his focus.
His story underlines the importance of a nurturing environment in achieving success in highly competitive fields.
Dr Wasim ur Rehman’s success is a triumph of dedication over obstacles, a testimony that with perseverance and the right approach, dreams can be realised. His journey inspires countless young people, especially from minority communities, to break free from limiting beliefs and strive for excellence.
By choosing to serve the nation through the civil services, Wasim embodies the spirit of public welfare and progressive leadership. His story encourages youth to dream big, work hard, and believe in the power of persistence.
