At 22 years old, Vikas Singh Panwar achieved All India Rank 159 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 on his first attempt. He also won ₹50 lakh in cash on the popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), marking a remarkable rise from his village roots to national recognition, according to livemint.com.
Panwar's journey began in a small village before he moved to Delhi to attend Hindu College. His disciplined preparation and focus helped him clear the highly competitive UPSC exam in his first try. His success on KBC further highlighted his knowledge and quick thinking, earning him a substantial cash prize that he plans to use to support his family and future goals, livemint.com reported.
Clearing the UPSC exam at a young age and winning a major prize on KBC is rare and underscores the increasing opportunities for talented youth from rural backgrounds. Panwar's story reflects the growing importance of education and scholarships in enabling social mobility in India. His achievement is among the notable success stories that inspire aspirants preparing for government services and competitive exams nationwide, per livemint.com.
Vikas Singh Panwar's dual success in 2025 has made him a prominent figure in the UPSC aspirant community. His story was published on September 6, 2026, by livemint.com, which detailed his educational background and his plans to invest his KBC winnings in furthering his career and helping his family.