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Every year, millions of candidates in India aspire to become IAS officers, but only a few manage to achieve their dreams despite numerous challenges. Born in a small village in Tamil Nadu, M. Sivaguru Prabhakaran faced poverty, family crises, and limited resources. However, he did not let the financial issues come in the way of achieving his dream of cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination, one of the toughest exams in the country. Prabhakaran was born into a humble farming family, but his father’s alcohol addiction further strained the family’s finances. As a result, his mother and sister took on the responsibility of supporting the household. His mother worked in the fields, while his sister wove bamboo baskets to contribute. Forced To Leave Studies And Work As A Labourer The financial strain was so severe that Prabhakaran had to leave his studies. He worked as a labourer in a sawmill for two years and also assisted with farming to support his family. Despite this, the dream of becoming an IAS officer remained alive in his heart. After his sister got married, Prabhakaran decided to transform his life. He resumed his studies and, with limited resources, enrolled in a civil engineering course at the Thanthai Periyar Government Institute of Technology in Vellore in 2008. To cover his college fees and other expenses, he took odd jobs. He often studied while sitting at St. Thomas Mount Railway Station in Chennai, which became a daily routine. This hard work laid the foundation for his future success. Secured Admission In IIT Madras Too Prabhakaran’s dedication paid off, and he secured admission to IIT Madras for an M.Tech. He completed his post-graduation there in 2014. He then aimed for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Despite repeated failures, he persisted and finally achieved his dream, securing the 101st rank in his fourth attempt.
