Losing his vision to cancer might have ended many dreams, but for Sanjay Dahariya, it became the beginning of an extraordinary journey. His achievement in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 stands apart from typical success stories, not just because of the rank he secured, but because of the immense odds he overcame. Coming from a modest farming background in Beltukri village in the Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh, Sanjay fought two relentless battles at once—one against a life-threatening illness and another against the challenges of preparing for one of India’s toughest examinations. In his third attempt, he emerged successful, securing the 946th rank.

Early Education and Aspirations

According to an ETV Bharat report, Sanjay’s academic journey began in a government school in his village. His potential became evident early when he earned admission into PM Shri Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Mana during Class 5, where he completed his schooling up to Class 12. Later, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Vallabhacharya Government College in Mahasamund. It was after completing his graduation that he decided to aim for the civil services, setting his sights on a goal that demanded unwavering dedication.

Balancing Work and Preparation

Before fully committing to UPSC preparation, Sanjay explored professional opportunities. He secured a position at the State Bank of India and worked at a branch in West Bengal between 2009 and 2011. Despite the stability of the job, he chose to resign in order to concentrate entirely on competitive examinations. His determination remained intact even as life presented new challenges.

A Battle Beyond Books

In 2012, Sanjay was diagnosed with cancer in his salivary gland, a turning point that could have derailed his ambitions. Instead of giving up, he showed remarkable resilience and continued his studies alongside treatment. During this phase, he worked with IDBI Bank in Raipur from 2013 to 2017 and later joined the Department of Posts in Mahasamund, serving there until 2018. All the while, he underwent prolonged medical care in Mumbai, balancing recovery with preparation.

Persistence Leads to Triumph

After facing setbacks in his first two attempts at the civil services examination, Sanjay carefully analyzed his weaknesses and refined his strategy with guidance from mentors. His persistence finally paid off when he cleared the exam in his third attempt. His journey from hospital corridors to the UPSC merit list stands as a testament to resilience, proving that while life’s challenges may be uncontrollable, the courage to face them can shape one’s destiny.