IAS Junaid Ahmad is the reason for admiration of many UPSC aspirants because he changed his status from a mediocre student to the winner of AIR 3 in the 2018 Civil Services Examination, which is an extraordinary journey. His tale is a testimony that hard work, trust, and rules can make even the most limited people shine. Here is a considerable detail of his life, education, marks, family, and the path that took him to be one of the most inspiring bureaucrats in India.
Childhood and Family Background
Junaid, born on the 28th of January in the year 1991 in Nagina, Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, was part of an ordinary but academic family. His father is a lawyer named Javed Hussain, while his mother, Ayesha Raza, is a housewife. Junaid is the second of four children, having one elder sister and two younger siblings. Interestingly, he has shared that he was never a high scorer in school, typically being at the level of average marks. Nevertheless, he lacked the academic genius but made up for it with his determination and a vivid dream.
Educational Journey
Junaid completed his schooling in the science stream. His scores were:
| Standard | Total Marks | Obtained | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | 400 | 166 | 41.5% |
| 12th | 400 | 240 | 60% |
After school, he pursued B.Tech in Electronics Engineering from Aligarh Muslim University and later from Sharda University. It was during college that he decided to prepare for UPSC.UPSC Attempts and Turning Point
Junaid Ahmad’s path to success was neither quick nor easy. He spent seven years preparing for the UPSC and taking the exam five times:
| Attempt | Year | Result | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2014 | Failed | – |
| 2nd | 2015 | Failed | – |
| 3rd | 2016 | Failed | – |
| 4th | 2017 | AIR 352 | IRS |
| 5th | 2018 | AIR 3 | IAS |
The fifth attempt was his greatest display of perseverance, which earned him a spot among the country’s top scorers. His preparation methods kept evolving as he reduced total study hours, made revisions his priority, and ensured he had strong conceptual clarity.
UPSC 2018 Marksheet
He had a remarkable overall score of 1077/2025 that consisted of:
Essay – 132
GS Papers – 440 total
Geography Optional – 321 total
Interview – 184
Current Posting & Professional Life
A batch IAS officer of 2018, Junaid, belongs to the Uttar Pradesh cadre. His important assignments are:
Joint Magistrate, Ballia – 2021 to 2022
Chief Development Officer, Jhansi – 2022 to Present
He is recognized for his gentle disposition and unwavering determination in the area of development work in all the above-mentioned areas.
Personal Life
In February 2024, Junaid married Dr.Nadia Nazim, a pediatrician (MBBS, MD). The wedding took place in the scenic surroundings of Corbett. Their marriage was arranged, and the couple often shares glimpses of their life on social media.
Inspirational Message
A motivational quote of Junaid, which went viral, is:
“Your future can’t be decided by marks. Concentrate on your aptitude and never stop working.”
The ringing of this message has been a source of support for many students who are under constant pressure from the educational system.
Conclusion
The path of IAS Junaid Ahmad from scoring mediocre marks to being a top IAS officer is living proof of dedication and the power of will. His life still motivates thousands of UPSC aspirants who want to be in the service of the nation.
