'Real AIR-1': Blind Student Manu Garg Cracks UPSC 2025, Credits Mother’s Unwavering Support For His Triumph
Visually impaired Manu Garg, 23, overcame immense challenges to clear UPSC 2025, inspiring millions through his perseverance, aided by technology, his mother’s support, and guidance.
A heartwarming video shared by PhysicsWallah (PW) has taken the internet by storm, celebrating the inspiring journey of Manu Garg, a 23-year-old visually impaired student who has successfully cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. In the viral video, PW founder Alakh Pandey is seen rejoicing in Manu’s remarkable achievement, a moment that has resonated with millions across the nation.
"A heartwarming video shared by PhysicsWallah (PW) has taken the internet by storm. Manu, a visually impaired student, has cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. In the video, PW founder Alakh Pandey is seen celebrating Manu’s success."
In less than 48 hours, the video has amassed over 28.3 million views and 1.3 million likes, becoming a beacon of hope and determination for countless students and families.
"The video has now crossed over 28.3 million views in less than 48 hours and garner 1.3 million likes and shares inspiring people across the country."
Manu's journey has been anything but easy. He lost his eyesight in the 8th grade, a life-altering moment that could have dimmed anyone’s dreams. But Manu, guided by his mother’s tireless support, turned adversity into ambition.
"After losing his eyesight in 8th class, life becomes more difficult for him. Everyday things became difficult, but it was his mother’s support that kept him going. She would sit beside him, patiently reading out lessons, helping him understand every word and concept."
After finishing 12th grade, Manu adopted assistive technologies like audiobooks, screen readers, and TalkBack tools to pursue higher education independently. His academic brilliance continued to shine—he graduated from Hindu College, Delhi University, where he topped in Political Science and secured the second rank in his batch. Beyond academics, Manu was a force in public speaking, clinching victories in over 150 debate competitions.
"After completing 12th grade, Manu started using audiobooks, screen readers, and TalkBack tools to study independently. But he didn’t just manage, he excelled even after facing challenges. At Hindu College, Delhi University, Manu topped in Political Science, securing the second rank in his batch. He also became a star in debates, winning more than 150 competitions."
Manu’s UPSC dream took root during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when accessing study material in suitable formats posed yet another challenge. With the help of friends and his mother, he adapted—receiving voice notes, converting them into PDFs, and tirelessly revising with the help of TalkBack on his phone.
"It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Manu decided he wanted to crack UPSC. But it wasn’t easy. Study material was not always available in formats he could easily access. So, he found his own way. Friends would send him voice notes on WhatsApp and then convert them into PDFs so that he could listen to them properly. Manu would use the TalkBack feature on his phone and revise his lessons by hearing them again and again. His mother would also sit with him and help him go through audio notes, making sure no concept was missed."
When Manu and his mother walked into PWOnlyIAS, they were met with uncertainty. But what followed was a story of quiet courage and relentless pursuit of a goal.
"When Manu and his mother first entered PWOnlyIAS, they didn’t know what to expect. But what stood out was Manu’s quiet strength and unstoppable spirit and his will to keep moving forward, no matter how hard it got."
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