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From Fruit Vendor’s Grandchildren to Civil Servants: The Inspiring Journey of Mukul and Mukta Arya.

In a world where dreams often collide with harsh realities, the story of Mukul and Mukta Arya shines as a moving reminder that perseverance, education, and purpose can change destinies.

In 2008, this remarkable brother-sister duo made history when they both cleared the Civil Services Examination, one of India’s most competitive and prestigious tests. Out of thousands of candidates, Mukta, then 26, earned an exceptional All India Rank of 48, while her younger brother Mukul, aged 23, secured Rank 343.

What makes their story extraordinary is not just their ranks, but the path they took to reach them.

Their roots trace back to a modest family from Jaipur, Rajasthan. Their grandmother once sold fruits to make a living and later worked tirelessly, taking up humble jobs — even supplying water to a government office — to keep the family afloat. Through all the challenges, the family held on to one belief: education could transform their lives.

Their father, embodying that very belief, later became a civil servant himself, serving in Lakshadweep. The family eventually settled in Delhi, but their values remained deeply rooted in humility and resilience.

At the time of his success, Mukul was pursuing his M.Phil in Economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). He was known for his intellectual sharpness and depth of understanding, particularly in economic thought. His sister Mukta, praised for her maturity and insight, brought a quiet strength and brilliance to everything she did.

Both siblings, from a Scheduled Tribe (ST) background, spoke of their commitment to building an inclusive India — one where opportunities are not defined by caste or circumstance. They saw their success not as a personal victory, but as a responsibility to give back, to uplift others who come from marginalized communities as they did.

Their achievement caught national attention.
The Tribune celebrated Mukta’s top-50 ranking and Mukul’s success. India Today, in its feature “Cracking Civil Services”, profiled them among the top achievers of 2008, describing their story as “a triumph of hope, intellect, and will.”

Today, their journey continues to inspire students, dreamers, and families across India — reminding everyone that where you come from does not define how far you can go.

Because sometimes, two determined hearts can turn a family’s story of survival into one of legacy.