STORY OF MANOJ G S ( AIR 389 UPSC CSE 2025 )
Hello everyone, I am Manoj G S (Captain MaGnuS)
I have secured All India Rank 389 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination this year, and I am expecting to join the Indian Police Service.
For me, my journey is a living example of the power of education — how education can transform not just an individual, but an entire family.
I come from Sakleshpur, a beautiful part of the core Western Ghats in Karnataka. When I was just four years old, my mother sent me and my sister away from home so that we could get better education. Even today, in many villages like mine, basic facilities like roads, electricity, internet connectivity and access to quality education remain a challenge.
My mother had studied only till Class 10, but she understood the value of education more deeply than anyone else. From childhood, she made us read stories from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Panchatantra and many other books. She gave us values, purpose and courage.
She passed away when I was only seven years old. But the values she left behind have stayed with me forever.
Maybe I was the most relieved person after seeing this year’s result, because for me, this was not just an examination. It was a promise I had made to my mother — that I would enter the civil services and make her proud.
Throughout my journey, I consider myself extremely blessed. Coming from a very humble background where my father didn't have even ₹500 to take me to the college for admission, I received some of the best education possible in India — first at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, and later at NITK Surathkal completely on scholarship.
After that, when I came to Bengaluru soon after my graduation for UPSC preparation, I had almost nothing with me except hope, determination and the dream to clear this examination. I had worked hard to clear UPSC prelims 2023 but didn't have a single mentor to guide till then.
But at every stage, strangers became my support system. Some gave a part of their salary every month to support me. Some people paid my room rent. Some helped me with library fees. Some supported me with flight tickets. Some even helped me with what I wore on the day of my interview. I always felt that my maa always came through those people to guide me, inspire me and support me.
When people say that I achieved this because of hard work , I genuinely feel that without these support systems, I would not be standing here today. My mind goes to a thought that there are thousands of young Manoj like me who can achieve great things in life if they get the right support, guidance and encouragement.
That is why I feel I was blessed to find guiding lights in my life. And that is also why I love mentoring children, students and aspirants in whatever way possible. Because sometimes, all we need is one person who believes in us and tells us, “You are capable of doing something great.”
Whatever good I do in my life will be the legacy of my mother. The blessings I received in my journey are not meant to end with me. My mission and purpose in life is to share those blessings with others. I'm glad to have found my Ikigai so early in life.
Coming to my UPSC journey, I have given three attempts, written three Mains and appeared for two interviews. I am someone who prepared almost completely on my own, carved my own path, and learnt through trial and error. I'm someone who can move mountains if the need arises.
This journey has strengthened my belief in the power of hard work. Irrespective of one’s background, resources or starting point, dedication, consistency and sincere effort remain the greatest equalizers in this examination.
Now, many of you may be wondering — what does “CAPTAIN MAGNUS" mean?
“Captain” comes from my deep admiration for Captain America. For me, Captain America represents sacrifice, courage, perseverance and the spirit of “I can do this all day.”
And “MAGNUS” comes from my name — Manoj G S, or MGS, which became Magnus. It also means GREAT, CONQUERER AND RESILIENT which defines my personality.
