Farmer's Son Triumphs Over Cancer to Secure UPSC 2025 Rank 946 After 8-Year Struggle
In an inspiring tale of resilience, 37-year-old Sanjay Dahariya, the son of a farmer from Mahasamund district in Chhattisgarh, has conquered a decade-long battle with cancer to achieve his civil services dream. Despite the physical and mental agony, Dahariya cracked the UPSC 2025 examinations, securing an impressive rank of 946.
A Health Crisis That Delayed Dreams
Dahariya's journey was derailed in 2011 while he was working with a nationalised bank in Kolkata. A swelling on the right side of his face led to medical consultations, a biopsy, and the dreaded confirmation of cancer. The subsequent years were marked by repeated medical interventions and the emotional fatigue of recurrence.
Over eight grueling years, he underwent four surgeries, including a major operation in Mumbai in 2013 where his salivary gland was removed. This procedure left him with permanent paralysis on the right side of his face. He cannot close his right eye, depends on drops to prevent dryness, and must keep his face covered while sleeping. Additionally, he experiences persistent ringing in his ear.
The treatment cost him approximately Rs 15 lakh, adding significant financial strain to the psychological burden. Yet, Dahariya felt the deeper loss was time—years when his professional momentum stalled and personal plans were repeatedly postponed.
From Steady Career to Focused Recovery
Before cancer reshaped his life, Dahariya had a strong academic and professional background. A consistent topper from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, he worked for seven years across three public sector banks as an assistant manager, with postings in Kolkata, Raipur, and Mahasamund. In 2019, he made the difficult decision to resign, stepping away from stability to focus entirely on his recovery.
Stabilizing his health through dedicated yoga and physiotherapy, Dahariya gradually returned to his long-held goal of civil services. In 2022, he moved to a rented room in Raipur and embarked on rigorous preparations.
Discipline and Determination Lead to Success
His days were defined by isolation and extreme discipline, often stretching to 16 hours of study. He covered nearly 90% of the UPSC syllabus through self-study, traveling to Delhi only for a three-month sociology coaching program.
Dahariya drew strength from spiritual teachings, music, and the support he received during his treatment. He described this as a moral obligation, believing his survival should translate into service to society. "I want to give back to society," he emphasized, highlighting his motivation.
This remarkable story underscores the power of perseverance, as Dahariya overcame immense odds to turn his dream into reality, serving as an inspiration to many aspiring civil servants across India.
