In a country where competitive exams are known for their unpredictability and immense pressure, there is one man who turned failures into opportunities and proved that resilience can change destinies.
Meet Syed Talal Shah, one of Pakistan’s youngest PSP officers at just 23 years old. But his journey was not one of straight success. It was filled with academic struggles, wrong career choices, and moments of complete uncertainty.
A Small-Town Boy with Big Dreams
As a child from a highly backward district of Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Talal was always good in his studies. He passed well in matriculation, and like every parent, his family had two options for a good son: doctor or engineer. Talal’s parents wanted him to become a doctor. Still, after an unexpectedly poor performance in his biology exam, he lost all interest in the field.
He was passionate about social sciences, but societal expectations did not allow that choice. Instead, he was pushed into F.Sc Pre-Engineering, a decision that led to disinterest and low grades. With his F.Sc results below average, public universities were no longer an option. Still, his family insisted on a degree that promised a stable career, so he enrolled in Business Administration at the Lahore School of Economics (LSE).
Academic Failure: A Wake-Up Call
Talal’s first year at LSE was a disaster. His CGPA fell to 1.9, and he was on the verge of being expelled. That moment of failure forced him to rethink his choices.
Determined to rebuild himself, he put in relentless effort. His grades gradually improved from Ds to straight As. But despite this academic comeback, he still felt unfulfilled. His passion for social sciences had not faded, so he privately took BA exams in History and Political Science, scoring well and regaining his confidence.
Outside of academics, Talal actively participated in debating, editing, and sports. He even published a book in his final year. By the time he graduated, he had transformed his academic record, securing a 3.3 CGPA.
The Dream That Kept Him Going
After graduation, Talal pursued an MA in International Relations from Punjab University, where he earned a medal for academic excellence. Around this time, he set his sights on CSS, the ultimate dream for many ambitious students.
Balancing a degree, a part-time job and CSS preparation was not easy, but he managed to finance his studies independently. The six months of CSS preparation became the most rewarding period of his life as he was finally studying the subjects he loved.
A Plan B That Led to Unexpected Success
Although he was waiting for his CSS results, Talal did not waste time sitting inactive. Instead, to be on the safe side, he attempted multiple public sector job tests. He cleared the State Bank of Pakistan, FIA, Bank of Punjab, and Civil Aviation Authority. Finally, he agreed to join the State Bank of Pakistan as an Assistant Director, showing that CSS preparation can lead to a variety of opportunities.
Then came the CSS written exam results, and his name was on the qualified list. But excitement quickly turned into doubt when he realized his optional subjects, including International Relations, International Law, Gender Studies, and US History, had been among the lowest-scoring that year.
Against the Odds
Despite worries about his written score, Talal focused on his interview preparation. However, his training at the State Bank of Pakistan made it nearly impossible as he barely had time to read a newspaper, let alone prepare thoroughly.
His interview was initially expected in March, which would have given him time to prepare. However, due to unexpected rescheduling, he was called in January, making him the last candidate for Phase 2.
Physically unwell, mentally drained, and with barely any preparation, Talal still stood before the panel, reminding himself of the years of struggle that had brought him there.
Becoming a PSP Officer
On June 17, Talal received the news he had worked so hard for. He was allocated to the Police Service of Pakistan, becoming only the second person from his district to achieve this honour. It was a moment of gratitude, reflection, and fulfilment.
Lessons Learned: Failure is Not the End
Talal’s journey proves that CSS is not the only path to success. It is just one of many. Many deserving candidates do not make it, but the discipline and knowledge gained during preparation open countless other opportunities.
From a failing CGPA and no clear future to becoming a PSP officer, Talal’s life transformed in ways he never imagined. But he never forgets his struggles and failures. They made him stronger, humbler, and more determined.
His advice to aspiring CSS candidates:
“Have a dream, but always have a backup plan. Your failures can become your greatest strengths if you learn to use them.”
Feature Pakistan is an independent digital media platform committed to highlighting the culture, achievements, and untold stories of Pakistan.
