Turning Setbacks into Triumph: Syed Abid Agha’s Inspiring Journey to the CSS and Information Group

Every path to success has its own unique turning points. For Syed Abid Agha, hailing from Kadeem Shakarzai in Pishin, a missed opportunity in medical school redirected his focus toward a larger horizon—one that ultimately led him to qualify the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination and earn a prestigious position as an Information Group officer.

Through an insightful conversation with Balochistan Stars, Abid shared his candid story of perseverance, learning from failures, and his vision for reshaping media narratives regarding Balochistan.

The Shift in Horizon: From Medicine to Administration

Abid’s early academic life began with schooling at the Public School and College (APA) in Sibi and intermediate studies at the FG Degree College, Quetta Cantt. Initially, both he and his father shared a deep aspiration for him to pursue a career in medicine. However, falling short of the required FSc marks meant closing the door on a medical career.

Seeking new direction, Abid moved to Lahore to pursue a degree in Sociology at Forman Christian College and University (FCCU). Immersed in Lahore’s vibrant, career-oriented academic environment, and guided by his father’s counsel on the scope of competitive examinations, he discovered a new calling: the civil services.

Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone

The journey to qualifying for CSS was far from an overnight success. Armed initially with limited guidance and zero exposure to the complexities of competitive exams, Abid faced early stumbles, including setbacks in the provincial competitive exams and his initial attempts at the CSS in 2020 and 2022.

Rather than letting discouragement take root, he treated every failure as a critical lesson. He spent hours refining his written and spoken English, mastering critical analysis, and dedicating 8 to 12 hours daily to rigorous self-study without joining any commercial coaching academies. His patience and persistence finally bore fruit when he successfully cleared the Special CSS exam, securing his allocation in the Information Group.

A Vision for Media and Balochistan

As an upcoming Information Group officer, Abid recognizes the profound power of media—often termed the fourth pillar of the state—in combating fake news and information warfare. More importantly, he holds a deep-rooted passion for bringing the genuine stories, culture, and issues of Balochistan into the national mainstream.

He envisions utilizing his platform to bridge the information gap, highlight marginalized voices, and empower the youth and women of Balochistan through accurate awareness and positive media narratives.

His core message to the youth is both practical and inspiring: Be sincere to your cause, embrace struggle as a constant part of life, and face every challenge with courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication.

Balochistan Stars is immensely proud to celebrate Syed Abid Agha as a true embodiment of youth resilience, intellect, and leadership.