Ashish Kumar Mishra, an IAS officer, secured the 52nd rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2020.
Hailing from Purnia, Bihar, he graduated with a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT BHU, Varanasi.
His journey reflects resilience, clearing the UPSC exam in his second attempt with Physics as his optional subject.
Known for his humility, he gained attention for touching the feet of his school’s maid after his success.
Limited public information exists about his current postings, but his story inspires many UPSC aspirants.

Early Life and Education

Ashish Kumar Mishra was born in Purnia, Bihar, to Sushil Kumar Mishra, an income tax lawyer, and Jyoti Mishra, a homemaker. Growing up in a modest middle-class family, he excelled academically at Bright Career School for Class 10 and Millia Convent for Class 12. He later pursued a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, where his technical skills and exposure to societal issues shaped his aspirations.

Path to IAS

Inspired by teaching underprivileged children at an NGO, Ashish decided to pursue the UPSC exam to address societal inequalities. After an unsuccessful first attempt, he refined his strategy, enrolled in IASbaba’s Classroom Foundation Course, and cleared the exam in 2020 with Physics as his optional subject. His preparation emphasized self-improvement and resilience, leading to his remarkable 52nd rank.

Notable Achievements

Ashish’s humility shone when he visited Bright Career School post-success, respectfully seeking blessings from the school maid, Veena Devi, an act that resonated widely. As an IAS officer, he is poised to serve with dedication, though specific details about his current role are not publicly available as of April 16, 2025.

From Purnia to Prestige: The Inspiring Journey of IAS Officer Ashish Kumar Mishra

Introduction

In the competitive world of civil services, where dreams are tested by perseverance, Ashish Kumar Mishra stands out as a symbol of determination and humility. Securing the 52nd rank in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2020, this son of Purnia, Bihar, has not only achieved personal success but also brought pride to his community. His journey from a small town to the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is a story of hard work, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving society. As of April 16, 2025, Ashish’s story continues to inspire countless aspirants, particularly those from humble backgrounds, to chase their dreams relentlessly.

Early Life: Roots in Purnia

Ashish Kumar Mishra was born in Purnia, a town in Bihar known for its agricultural heritage and vibrant culture. Raised in a middle-class family, he was the son of Sushil Kumar Mishra, an income tax lawyer, and Jyoti Mishra, a dedicated homemaker. The Mishra household emphasized education and integrity, values that shaped Ashish’s character from a young age. Growing up in Purnia’s Mahboob Khan Tola, he witnessed both the simplicity of small-town life and the challenges faced by its residents, which later fueled his desire to contribute to societal progress.

Ashish’s academic journey began at Bright Career School in Purnia, where he completed his Class 10 with distinction. His teachers recall him as a diligent student with a knack for problem-solving. He continued his schooling at Millia Convent, Purnia, for Class 12, further honing his academic skills. These early years laid a strong foundation, preparing him for the rigors of higher education. Driven by ambition, Ashish secured admission to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, where he pursued a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering. At IIT, he not only excelled academically but also developed a broader perspective on India’s socio-economic challenges, setting the stage for his future aspirations.

Inspiration: A Call to Serve

While at IIT BHU, Ashish volunteered at a local NGO, teaching underprivileged children. This experience was a turning point, exposing him to the stark realities of inequality and discrimination faced by marginalized communities. He realized that education alone was not enough to uplift these children; systemic change was needed. This insight ignited a passion for public service, leading him to the UPSC Civil Services Examination, a platform where he could influence policy and drive meaningful change. Ashish’s motivation was not just personal ambition but a deep desire to serve those who lacked opportunities, making his journey deeply rooted in social good.

The UPSC Journey: Resilience and Strategy

The path to becoming an IAS officer is notoriously challenging, and Ashish’s journey was no exception. He appeared for the UPSC CSE twice, with his first attempt serving as a learning experience. Though he reached the interview stage, he did not secure a rank, which motivated him to refine his approach.

Ashish chose Physics as his optional subject, leveraging his engineering background to excel in this technical area. His preparation strategy was marked by discipline, consistency, and a focus on self-improvement. He emphasized the importance of learning from failures, staying away from negative influences, and preparing daily as if the exam were imminent. Ashish’s Telegram channel, where he shares motivational tips, highlights his belief in treating UPSC as a journey of self-evolution . In 2020, his hard work paid off when he secured the 52nd rank, a remarkable achievement that also qualified him for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS).

Success and Humility: A Heartwarming Gesture

Ashish’s success in UPSC CSE 2020 was celebrated widely in Purnia, where he became a local hero. His achievement was not just a personal triumph but a source of pride for his family and community. However, it was his humility that captured hearts nationwide. After his success, Ashish visited his alma mater, Bright Career School, to express gratitude to those who shaped his journey. In a touching gesture, he sought blessings by touching the feet of Veena Devi, the school’s maid, alongside his teachers and principal.

During his visit, Ashish shared success tips with students, emphasizing humility and moral education as essential for achievement. He stated, “You cannot succeed unless you learn to bow down and remain humble,” a philosophy that defines his character .

Current Role and Future Aspirations

As of April 16, 2025, specific details about Ashish Kumar Mishra’s current IAS posting are not publicly available, as such information is often restricted to official government records. However, as a 2020 batch IAS officer, he is likely serving in a significant administrative role, possibly as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate or in a state government department, contributing to policy implementation and public welfare. His training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) would have equipped him with the skills to tackle complex administrative challenges.

Ashish’s Telegram channel mentions his involvement in LBSNAA’s foundation courses, indicating his commitment to mentoring aspiring civil servants. His future aspirations likely include leveraging his position to address issues like education, poverty, and social inequality, aligning with his initial motivation to serve marginalized communities.

Legacy and Inspiration

Ashish Kumar Mishra’s journey is a powerful narrative of how determination and humility can lead to extraordinary outcomes. From his roots in Purnia to his academic excellence at IIT BHU, and from his NGO experiences to his UPSC triumph, every step reflects his commitment to self-improvement and service. His story resonates with UPSC aspirants, particularly those from small towns, proving that background is no barrier to success.

Ashish’s advice to aspirants stay consistent, learn from failures, and remain humble continues to inspire. His act of honoring his school’s maid underscores the importance of gratitude, making him a role model not just for his academic achievements but for his character. As he embarks on his IAS career, Ashish Kumar Mishra is poised to leave a lasting impact on India’s administrative landscape.

Career Stages Table

Stage	Description
Early Education	Class 10 at Bright Career School, Class 12 at Millia Convent, Purnia.
Higher Education	B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT BHU, Varanasi.
First UPSC Attempt	Reached interview stage but did not secure a rank.
Second UPSC Attempt	Enrolled in IASbaba’s Classroom Course, chose Physics as optional, secured AIR 52 in 2020.
Post-Success	Visited school, honored teachers and maid, began IAS training at LBSNAA.
Current Role	Likely serving as an IAS officer in a significant administrative position (as of April 16, 2025).

Key Skills and Attributes

Skill/Attribute	Relevance to Career
Academic Excellence	Strong foundation from school and IIT BHU, aiding UPSC preparation.
Resilience	Overcame first attempt failure to succeed in second attempt.
Humility	Demonstrated through actions like honoring school maid.
Strategic Preparation	Effective use of coaching and self-improvement to crack UPSC.

Conclusion

Ashish Kumar Mishra’s ascent to the Indian Administrative Service is a story of grit, humility, and a relentless pursuit of service. From his early days in Purnia to his transformative experiences at an NGO, and from his rigorous UPSC preparation to his heartwarming gesture of gratitude, Ashish embodies the qualities of an ideal civil servant. His 52nd rank in UPSC CSE 2020 is not just a personal milestone but a beacon of hope for aspiring IAS officers. As he continues his career, Ashish Kumar Mishra’s legacy will likely be defined by his contributions to society and his ability to inspire others to dream big and serve with compassion.

Ashish Kumar Mishra IAS