Meet Major Nitish Kumar Singh: Injured in Combat, Cleared UPSC 2025 with AIR 305
In a compelling narrative of resilience and dedication to national service, Major Nitish Kumar Singh (Retd), a former officer of the Indian Army’s Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) and a National Defence Academy alumnus, has secured All India Rank 305 in the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination 2025. His journey from sustaining grievous injuries in an anti-terrorist operation to excelling in one of India’s most competitive examinations exemplifies unwavering commitment and perseverance.
Major Singh hails from Bijulia village in the Shamho block of Begusarai district, Bihar. He is the son of Shivakant Singh. Following his early education in the village primary school, he completed Class 10 in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, in 2007, and Class 12 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, in 2009. He subsequently cleared the NDA entrance examination and was commissioned into the Indian Army around 2010.
During his military service, Major Singh participated in counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir. In 2017, while deployed in Shopian, South Kashmir, he sustained serious injuries in an anti-terrorist encounter. The injuries led to his medical retirement from the Army. Classified under the Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD-1) category, he faced significant physical challenges yet channeled his determination toward a new chapter in public service.
Post-retirement, Major Singh undertook rigorous preparation for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. He opted for Anthropology as his optional subject and relied on a disciplined self-study regimen, supplemented by a test series from LevelUp IAS under the guidance of mentor Karandeep Sir. Reports indicate this was his second or third attempt at the examination. His success in securing AIR 305 in the 2025 cycle reflects meticulous planning, conceptual clarity, and steadfast resolve.
The achievement has elicited widespread acclaim in his home state. A ceremonial welcome was organised in Suryagarha near Begusarai, where community leaders, intellectuals, and local residents honoured him at the Shiv Durga Mahavir Temple complex with traditional angavastra and garlands. The event concluded with a procession to his ancestral village, underscoring the pride and inspiration his accomplishment has instilled among the youth of Bihar.
Major Singh is now set to commence foundational training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie as he transitions from military service to the Indian Administrative Service or allied civil services.
His story serves as a powerful reminder of the spirit of service that defines India’s armed forces and civil services alike. As Major Nitish Kumar Singh embarks on this new phase, his journey continues to motivate countless aspirants facing adversity, reinforcing the principle that determination can overcome even the most formidable obstacles.
