IIT graduate with cerebral palsy clears UPSC in first attempt: What living with cerebral palsy really looks like and why this win matters

On December 17, when the UPSC declared the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2025 results, one name carried a story far bigger than numbers. Manvendra Singh, a 24-year-old IIT graduate from Bulandshahr, secured an All India Rank of 112 in his very first attempt. For his family, this was not just about a government service or a title. It was the victory of years spent learning how to live, adapt, and persist inside a body shaped by cerebral palsy.Manvendra was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at six months. By the age of two, holding his neck was difficult. As he grew, stiffness developed on the right side of his body. Tasks that most of us take for granted, demanded patience and repetition. Gripping a pencil, walking steadily, or sitting for long hours never came automatically. Over time, adaptation became a daily skill, not a special strategy. Cerebral palsy is misunderstood as a single condition. In reality, it varies widely. In Manvendra’s case, it affected muscle control, coordination, and gait. The condition did not worsen with age, but its presence shaped every routine. Long writing sessions caused fatigue. Movement required planning. Even preparing for exams meant balancing mental focus with physical endurance, something most competitive narratives overlook.Medical advice came early and often. Doctors told the family that coordination issues would likely remain lifelong. His mother, Renu Singh, took him to more than 50 hospitals and doctors across India. Consistent treatment in New Delhi eventually helped stabilise his condition. But medicine alone was not enough. At home, patience replaced pressure, and encouragement replaced deadlines. Progress was measured in effort, not speed. When Manvendra was 17, his father passed away after a long illness. The loss shook the family deeply. Sensitive by nature, he struggled at first. With time, he began to steady himself and quietly took on responsibility as the eldest child. There were no grand speeches or visible changes. The shift showed small acts of support and emotional strength, alongside continued academic focus.Academically strong throughout school, Manvendra was advised to choose a safer route after Class 12, such as a state-level entrance exam. He declined and aimed for IIT instead. He later secured an All India Rank of 63 in GATE and completed his BTech in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from IIT Patna in 2024. The choice clearly showed that disability did not require smaller dreams.The Engineering Services Examination is a demanding, three-stage process requiring sustained concentration and stamina. Clearing it in the first attempt while living with cerebral palsy challenges a common assumption: that physical limitations reduce professional capability. Manvendra’s selection to the Indian Engineering Services shows that inclusion is not charity. It is recognition of competence shaped by resilience.Disclaimer: This article is based solely on verified details shared by the family and reported facts. It does not generalise cerebral palsy experiences, which vary widely from person to person. The content is for awareness and informational purposes only, not medical or professional advice.