Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Ansar Shaikh’s Journey From Hardship to IAS Perseverance
Ansar Shaikh grew up in a family facing money problems in a village in Maharashtra.
His father drove an autorickshaw, and his mother worked in fields.
The article says his family also faced difficult problems at home.
Despite these challenges, Ansar did very well in school.
He later studied at Fergusson College in Pune.
While in college, he prepared for the UPSC exam, which is used to select civil servants.
He said he studied for 12 to 15 hours each day.
Friends helped him emotionally and with money, and a coaching institute reduced some of his fees.
His story is presented as one of perseverance rather than privilege.
Ansar Shaikh grew up in Shelgaon, in Maharashtra’s Jalna district.
His father drove an autorickshaw, while his mother worked as a field labourer.
The article describes financial hardship, alcoholism, and domestic conflict in the household.
Shaikh scored 91% in his 12th-grade board exams and earned a bachelor’s degree from Fergusson College.
He prepared for the UPSC exam while in college, studying 12 to 15 hours daily, with help from friends and a coaching institute.
- Who
- Ansar Shaikh, described in the article as India’s youngest IAS officer.
- What
- His educational path and preparation for the UPSC examination despite difficult family circumstances.
- When
- During his school and college years; no specific dates are given.
- Where
- Shelgaon in Maharashtra’s Jalna district, and Fergusson College in Pune.
- Why
- The article highlights his perseverance and the support he received while pursuing higher education and preparing for the UPSC examination.
Structural hardship
Personal effort and support
What shaped Shaikh’s path
Structural hardship
The article emphasizes economic hardship, family conflict, and limited opportunities for higher education.
Personal effort and support
It also credits Shaikh’s academic ability and sustained study, alongside help from friends and a coaching institution.
- Hometown
- Shelgaon, Jalna district, Maharashtra
- Father’s work
- Autorickshaw driver
- Mother’s work
- Field labourer
- 12th-grade result
- 91%
- Bachelor’s degree result
- 73%, from Fergusson College
- Reported study schedule
- About 12 to 15 hours a day
- Support during preparation
- Friends provided emotional and financial help; a coaching institution waived part of his fees.