When the Bihar Public Service Commission released results for its 70th Combined Competitive Examination, a small watch shop in Samastipur became a site of unexpected celebration. Ayush Aman, son of watchmaker Anuj Kumar, had secured rank 756 and earned selection as a Rural Development Officer, commonly known as RDO. His route to that result was built on years of sustained effort, painful near-misses, and an absolute refusal to walk away, making him an immediate source of motivation for the millions of young aspirants still grinding through competitive exam cycles.
From Patori to a Masters Degree and UGC NET-JRF
Ayush's formal education began in Patori, where he completed his early schooling. He then pursued higher studies with History as his chosen subject and went on to earn a Masters degree. He also cleared the UGC NET-JRF examination, which is among the more competitive academic tests in the country. His next ambition was a PhD, but the COVID pandemic shut that door before it could be opened. Rather than wait indefinitely, he redirected his focus entirely toward civil services and poured all his preparation energy into that pursuit.
Two UPSC Mains Attempts and Agonizing Near Misses at BPSC
Ayush describes his journey as one that was never straightforward. He appeared for the UPSC Mains examination on two separate occasions. The setbacks at BPSC were perhaps the most difficult to absorb: on two occasions he missed making the final selection list by just two to three marks. He also cleared the Uttarakhand PCS preliminary examination, but chose not to sit for the Mains because the UPSC schedule clashed with it at the time. Through those years there were moments, he has said, when it felt as though all the hard work might be going nowhere. What kept him going was the unwavering faith of his family. The small room where he spent years preparing became, in his own words, his closest companion. His uncle Manoj Gupta's consistent discipline and guidance were the other constant through the harder stretches of that journey.
A Watch Shop That Funded a Family's Biggest Dream
Ayush's father, Anuj Kumar, earns the family's income by making and selling watches at a modest shop. Those earnings covered the household's expenses and also kept Ayush's education going year after year. Anuj Kumar never allowed financial constraints to become a reason to pull his son away from his studies, nor did he ever let the boy's resolve soften. When the BPSC result came through, he could not hold back his tears. He said that he had always believed, without any doubt, that his son would become a government officer someday.
Each Family Member Carries a Share of the Joy
Mother Meera Kumari said she had sensed the outcome before the result was even announced, reading it from her son's expression, and it turned out exactly as she had felt. Uncle Manoj Gupta recalled that Ayush had been disciplined since childhood, keeping his distance from social media, wedding gatherings, and leisure, with his attention locked on his studies at all times. Aunt Kiran Devi described the moment as one of immense pride for every member of the family. Younger brother Setu Naman said his elder brother's achievement has given his own morale a powerful boost and has made him firmly believe that anyone who works with genuine dedication will eventually find the success they deserve.
