Small Town Boy With Big Dreams: AIR 2 Athar Aamir Khan’s Journey to the IAS

February 11, 2024

3 Minutes

Introduction

As the saying goes, “Keep trying and never lose hope. Determination will get you there.” Athar Aamir Khan is an example of this. Coming from the small village of Devipura in Kashmir and failing in his first attempt to secure an All India Rank 2 in the 2015 UPSC, he made history. Let us read more about his journey and take inspiration. 

Early Life in Kashmir 

In a small village called Devipura in Kashmir, a young boy named Athar Amir Khan dreamed of big changes. He would walk to school, playing with pebbles, imagining himself as a doctor, a scientist, or a powerful officer. Despite the troubles in Kashmir that often closed schools, his dreams did not fade. His family, especially his father, a teacher, and his grandfather, who could not read but valued education, supported him. They wanted Athar to learn and grow, no matter what. 

A Turning Point

In class 10, Athar got a chance to go to a big science event in Gangtok, representing Jammu and Kashmir. There, he met children from all over India and even Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the famous scientist and former president. Dr. Kalam told him about a bumblebee that should not be able to fly according to science because of the way its wings are, but it does fly because it believes it can. This story stuck with Athar, teaching him to always keep trying, no matter what people say.

Choosing a Path

After high school, Athar first went to a medical college but then switched to engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Mand Himachal Pradesh. Near the end of college, he decided he wanted to work in civil services. He saw it as a way to make a big difference, not just in one area, but in many parts of life. Preparing for the civil service exam was like climbing a mountain. He would travel very far to take classes and study while keeping up with his college work. He studied day and night to achieve his dreams. 

Overcoming Challenges

The first time he took the civil service exam in 2014, he did not get the high rank he needed to become an IAS officer, getting rank 571 instead. He got selected for the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) and was undergoing training at the Indian Railways Institute of Transport Management, Lucknow. However, his heart was set on the IAS, and he decided to give it another shot while still undergoing training for the IRTS. He studied even harder and tried again. And then, the magic happened. This time, his hard work paid off, and he secured an All India Rank 2 in UPSC 2015, making his dream come true.

Lessons Learned

Looking back, he learned a lot from his journey. He learned to dream big, to keep trying even when things get tough, and to be thankful for the chances he had. He knows he was luckier than many others and believes it is important to help those who are not as fortunate.

A Story of Hope and Hard Work

Athar Amir Khan’s story is not just about him. It is about dreaming, trying your best, and the difference one person can make with the right support. It shows us that no matter where we come from, we can achieve great things if we believe in ourselves and work hard. Athar’s journey from a small village in Kashmir to becoming an IAS officer is an inspiration to all of us to chase our dreams and make them a reality.

Click here to know more about IAS Athar Aamir Khan's Journey.