Surendra Kumar, in an inspiring conversation with Times Law, shared the story of his long and determined journey from a small village in Uttar Pradesh to becoming a judge in Bihar. Reflecting on years of struggle, repeated failures, and unwavering perseverance, he spoke about the emotional and mental strength it took to keep moving forward despite financial hardships and a lack of proper guidance.
“There were moments of doubt, but never a moment when I thought of giving up,” he said. His words resonate deeply with thousands of judiciary aspirants, offering a message of hope—that with discipline, consistency, and self-belief, even the most distant dreams can be achieved.
Surendra Kumar, hailing from the quiet village of Kazimabad in Tehsil Atrauli, District Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, is a shining example of resilience, dedication, and unwavering focus. Born into a humble family, with his father working as an advocate, Surendra was introduced to the legal world early in life. Inspired by the integrity and responsibility that came with the legal profession, he envisioned himself donning the robes of a judge one day—a dream that never left him, even in the face of numerous challenges.
His academic journey began at Saraswati Bal Mandir, where he studied till the 6th grade, before moving to JKB Inter College for his secondary and senior secondary education. He completed his schooling in Hindi medium, which later became both a challenge and a strength during his competitive exam preparations. Determined to follow the legal path, Surendra pursued his B.A. and then LL.B. from D.S. College, Aligarh, affiliated with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra. During these years, his vision became clearer: he wanted to be a judge—not for the power or prestige, but for the ability to deliver justice and serve society meaningfully.
Surendra’s preparation journey was far from easy.
Financial constraints and lack of proper guidance stood as significant hurdles. However, instead of yielding to these difficulties, he chose to face them head-on. To give his preparation a serious direction, he moved to Delhi, where he stayed for a long period, dedicating himself fully to his goal. With a disciplined routine, he practiced writing two mains answers daily, solved 100 law MCQs and 100 GK MCQs, and regularly engaged in deep discussions on law and current affairs with his peers. His preparation was consistent, strategic, and grounded in self-discipline.
What makes Surendra’s journey truly inspiring is the sheer number of times he faced failure or partial success—and how he continued to rise every time. Between 2019 and 2023, he appeared in a total of nine major competitive examinations for judiciary and prosecution services. In 2019 alone, he appeared for three important judiciary exams: the Bihar Civil Judge Interview, the UP Civil Judge Mains, and the Uttarakhand Civil Judge Mains. In 2020, he wrote the UP APO Mains, and in 2022, he reached the Uttarakhand APO Mains and again appeared in the Bihar Civil Judge Interview. The following year, in 2023, he advanced to the UP Civil Judge Interview stage. Along the way, he also cleared the Bihar Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO) examination in 2023 and was undergoing training for that role.
Each attempt brought with it lessons and experiences that sharpened his understanding and boosted his confidence. While some results brought disappointment, they never broke his spirit. Instead, they reinforced his determination. He stayed rooted in his purpose and never let setbacks define his journey. Finally, in 2024, all the years of hard work, struggle, and sacrifice paid off when the result of the 32nd BPSC Bihar Judiciary Examination was declared. Surendra Kumar secured an outstanding 7th rank, realizing his long-cherished dream of becoming a judge.
Speaking with Times Law, Surendra shared the emotional highs and lows of his journey. He emphasized the importance of staying consistent, having faith in the process, and believing in oneself even when the world doubts you.
He spoke candidly about the sacrifices he made, the loneliness of preparation in Delhi, and the unwavering motivation that came from his dream of wearing the judge’s robe. His words reflected not just the voice of a successful candidate but the spirit of countless aspirants across the country.
Today, Surendra openly shares his story with fellow aspirants and encourages them to stay consistent, be honest with their efforts, and never give up, no matter how difficult the path may seem. His journey is not just about achieving a title or position; it is a powerful narrative of overcoming odds, rising after every fall, and staying true to a vision. From a village student in Hindi medium to a judge in Bihar, Surendra Kumar’s story is a true inspiration for every aspirant fighting against the tide.
