Brothers from Nalgonda Defy Odds to Secure UPSC Success in Final Attempt
In an inspiring tale of perseverance, two brothers from a marginalized family in Chityala, Nalgonda district, have achieved their dream of cracking the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations in their final attempt. Velimineti Vikram Simha Reddy secured All India Rank (AIR) 541, while his elder brother, Velimineti Vijaysimha Reddy, attained AIR 682, marking a significant milestone in their arduous journey.
Overcoming Financial Hardships and Social Mockery
The brothers faced immense challenges over the past five years after resigning from their software jobs in 2021, a decision made shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic. Vikram, 29, revealed to TOI that they relied solely on their elder sister's income during this period, as their own earnings dropped to zero. He previously earned around 8 lakh per annum (LPA), while Vijay, 30, earned 12 LPA. Their survival and education were dependent on income from a three-acre family farm, highlighting their humble beginnings.
"The past five years were very challenging for us," Vikram said. "We even stopped going to family gatherings as relatives used to mock us and say we were wasting time on UPSC." The brothers admitted to considering abandoning their dreams multiple times due to financial pressures, but their determination kept them going.
Strategic Preparation and Mutual Support
Despite studying together, the brothers adopted different preparation styles due to their contrasting routines—one preferring early mornings and the other being a night owl. They also chose different optional subjects: Vijay opted for sociology, while Vikram selected political science. This led them to prepare separately, but they maintained motivation through regular discussions during breaks.
After each failure, they meticulously worked on their weak areas to improve in subsequent attempts. "Things started to change only after both of us managed to secure Group 1 jobs," Vikram noted, referring to their recent appointments by the state government, which provided a financial cushion and boosted their confidence.
Educational Background and Future Prospects
Both brothers hold engineering degrees in computer science—Vikram from Osmania University and Vijay from Sreenidhi Institute of Science and Technology. Their academic prowess, combined with relentless effort, paved the way for their UPSC success. This achievement not only fulfills their personal aspirations but also serves as a beacon of hope for other aspirants from underprivileged backgrounds.
The story of the Reddy brothers underscores the power of resilience, family support, and strategic planning in overcoming socio-economic barriers to achieve prestigious civil service positions.
