The All India Bar Examination (AIBE) 2022 results brought unparalleled joy and relief to Santosh Verma, marking the end of years of hardship and financial struggles. According to a report by Career 360, Verma – who cleared the exam on his first attempt – transitioned from working as a security guard in Lucknow to realising his dream of becoming a lawyer.
Born and raised in a small village in the Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh, Verma’s early life was marked by financial challenges. He started working at the age of 16, juggling jobs as a security guard in Lucknow, including at Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU). Despite facing acute financial distress, Verma pursued his education, completing his schooling and graduation at SLBS College, Gonda, and earning a degree in political science.
In 2013, Verma enrolled in the LLB programme at Narvadeshwar Vidhi Mahavidyalaya, Lucknow, embarking on his journey into the field of law. Balancing his studies with a full-time job as a security guard at RMLNLU, Verma’s determination propelled him forward. His interest in law was sparked by an article on the fundamental rights of Indian citizens, motivating him to delve deeper into the subject.
Verma’s commitment to education came with significant sacrifices. Working night shifts at the mall, travelling over 100 km by train for classes, and facing challenges like train delays due to fog were part of his routine. His relentless pursuit of knowledge led him to work at a cyber cafe and take on part-time roles to support his family.
In 2014, Verma began working full-time as a security guard at RMLNLU, where he continued to study for his LLB after midnight. The turning point came when fellow students discovered his dual life as a guard and a law student. The RMLNLU students initiated a crowdfunding campaign, raising over Rs 20,000 to cover both college and AIBE registration fees. This support allowed Verma to finally write the bar exam.
Now residing in Lucknow with his wife and four daughters, Verma dreams of a better life after successfully clearing the AIBE. Despite becoming a lawyer and practising under a Lucknow civil court lawyer, financial challenges persist.
He shared with the news outlet that he continues to work part-time at a cyber cafe to provide support for his family, as his current income is not sufficient. In this role, he types court files for a senior lawyer, allowing him to earn money that would otherwise benefit others.
Verma expressed regret for not confiding in anyone at RMLNLU about his aspiration to become a lawyer. “Everybody should have a goal,” he explained, adding, “One should never give up on his dreams.”
He emphasised that he persisted even when he was on the verge of giving up. Verma believes in the importance of openly sharing problems, stating that sharing one’s woes can lead to finding a solution. Recalling his experience, he mentioned that when he eventually shared his problems with the RMLNLU students, they provided crucial assistance. He regretted not sharing it earlier, acknowledging that if he had, the waiting period might not have been as prolonged.
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