Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – In a story that reflects the resilience of the human spirit, M. Udaya Krishna Reddy, hailing from a humble background in Ullapalem village, Prakasam district, has defied all odds to secure an All India Rank of 350 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, earning his rightful place in the Indian Police Service (IPS).
Raised by his grandmother after losing both parents at a young age, Udaya’s life journey is a testament to perseverance, ambition, and self-belief.
A Childhood Rooted in Struggles and Values
Born into a life of hardship, Udaya Krishna Reddy was raised by his grandmother Ramanamma, a vegetable vendor who toiled each day to support his education, and his uncle Koti Reddy, who offered him moral and emotional guidance. His early education took place in a Telugu-medium government school, where resources were scarce but his determination was abundant.
In 2013, Udaya joined the Andhra Pradesh Police as a constable, serving at Gudluru and Ramayapatnam Marine police stations. However, an incident of humiliation at the hands of a superior officer turned into the catalyst that ignited his dream of donning the IPS uniform.
Chasing a Dream Against the Odds
With little financial backing but tremendous mental strength, Udaya took a life-altering step in 2018—he resigned from the police service to dedicate himself fully to Civil Services preparation. The journey wasn’t smooth: after three failed attempts, he cracked the UPSC exam in his fourth try, securing AIR 780, and was selected into the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS).
But the IPS dream still burned bright.
Despite being in training for IRMS, Udaya appeared again in the next UPSC cycle and improved his rank to AIR 350, finally qualifying for the prestigious IPS.
The Pillars of Support and Self-Discipline
In an exclusive conversation with The New Indian Express, Udaya emphasized the unwavering support of his grandmother and uncle, crediting them for shaping his moral and academic foundation.
“We, the youth of India, have immense potential which is yet to be realised. Don’t get distracted, stay focused. Never allow anyone to degrade your dignity and self-respect,” he said.
Sharing his preparation mantra, Udaya urged aspirants to study intensively for at least 12 hours daily in the beginning, gradually reducing to 8–10 hours depending on personal capacity. He noted that completing the entire syllabus generally takes 1.5 to 2 years and emphasized the importance of consistency over intensity.
He also highlighted the critical role of health and wellness in long-term preparation, advising 8 hours of sleep, balanced nutrition, and mental resilience through spirituality, yoga, and meditation.
Conquering the English Language Barrier
As a Telugu-medium student, mastering English was a major hurdle. Udaya tackled it methodically — beginning with English textbooks from Class 1 to 10, progressing to NCERT books, and ultimately Raymond Murphy’s Essential English Grammar. He also credited English newspapers and novels, especially works by Chetan Bhagat, for helping him enhance his language skills and confidence.
Mentorship that Made the Difference
Udaya acknowledged the pivotal role played by several mentors in his journey. He expressed deep gratitude to Mahesh M. Bhagwat (Additional DG of Police), calling him a “father figure” who offered constant support. He also thanked other mentors including:
- K.N. Kumar, IAS (Meghalaya cadre)
- Tirupati Rao Ganta, IRS (Asst. Commissioner, Income Tax, Kakinada)
- Rallapalli Jagat Sai, IAS (UP cadre)
Their guidance and faith fueled his resilience through challenging times.
A Vision Beyond Service: Animal Rescue Helpline
Looking ahead, Udaya Krishna Reddy aspires to create a nationwide emergency helpline ‘109’ dedicated to animal rescue and welfare.
“Animals need care too. I will work towards this goal with the same dedication,” he affirmed.
A Family Inspired
Udaya’s journey has inspired not only his village and state but also his family. His younger brother, Pranay Krishna Reddy, is now preparing for the UPSC exams, hoping to follow in his brother’s footsteps.
Their grandmother, Ramanamma, expressed her joy with moist eyes and a proud heart:
“Be good and do good. God bless my grandson Udaya.”