Embarking on the challenging journey of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination requires unwavering determination, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. The narratives of six individuals who successfully navigated the intricate UPSC terrain serve as powerful beacons of inspiration, igniting the flames of aspiration in those who dare to dream. These tales of triumph showcase diverse backgrounds, varied struggles, and unique pathways to success, underscoring the universality of the UPSC dream. From overcoming financial hurdles to conquering self-doubt, each story reflects the tenacity required to surmount the hurdles of one of the toughest examinations in the country. These success UPSC stories, replete with lessons of perseverance and dedication, stand as testaments to the belief that with the right blend of hard work, strategy, and an unyielding spirit, anyone can transform their aspirations into tangible achievements. So, let the narratives of these triumphant individuals serve as both a guide and a motivation, propelling you forward on your UPSC journey and instilling the confidence needed to turn your dreams into reality.
IAS Success Stories
“These were the sentiments expressed by Srushti Jayant Deshmukh, the 23-year-old who clinched the fifth rank in the 2018 UPSC IAS exam. Every year, thousands aspire to become IAS officers by attempting the civil services exam, but only a select few ultimately succeed. What sets apart those who crack the challenging IAS exam, and what motivates them to undertake this formidable challenge?”
IAS Toppers
“We present to you some inspiring tales of IAS success. We are confident that these stories of perseverance and determination will serve as motivation, propelling you closer to achieving your IAS dream!”
UPSC 2018, AIR 1 – left a high-paying private job to serve the country
The recently announced UPSC 2018 results brought a pleasant surprise to Kanishak Kataria, an IIT alumnus who secured the first rank in his initial attempt! Despite his confidence in preparation, the top rank was unexpected. What stands out in his story is his decision to leave a lucrative job abroad, earning nearly one crore in salary, to pursue the path of becoming an IAS officer and contributing to the welfare of the country and its people. His achievement is a result of dedicated hard work, with almost 14 hours of daily study, a deliberate detachment from social media, and a preparation approach that involved a combination of self-study and coaching in Delhi.
Success with just 4 months of preparation
Saumya Sharma’s narrative serves as an inspiration. She successfully cleared the IAS exam on her first attempt in 2017, securing an impressive 9th rank. Hailing from Delhi, Sharma is a trained lawyer who, despite a hearing impairment that began during her school years, demonstrated remarkable resilience. According to her, self-belief is crucial for success, along with finding the right guidance. Not enrolled in any offline coaching class, Sharma heavily relied on online coaching materials, including video lectures and interactive media. What adds a unique touch to Sharma’s achievement is that she accomplished this feat with just four months of preparation.
How a rickshaw-puller’s son became an IAS officer
Hailing from Varanasi and the son of a rickshaw-puller, Govind Jaiswal left himself no option but to succeed. Enduring harsh taunts due to poverty and his father’s occupation fueled his determination to work hard. Despite attending a government school and a modest college in his hometown, Jaiswal harbored the dream of becoming an IAS officer, believing that diligent effort with the right approach would lead to success. During his challenging preparation days, he even sacrificed meals to save money, yet he remained unwavering in his focus. In his inaugural attempt in 2006, Jaiswal triumphed in the IAS exam, securing a remarkable rank of 48. One decisive choice and the unwavering commitment to fulfill a dream altered the trajectory of his life forever!
More UPSC Success Stories
NL Beno Zephine
In 2005, Beno Zephine achieved a historic milestone as the first 100% blind candidate to join the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). At the age of 25, the Chennai native successfully cleared the civil services exam. Previously, she had been balancing pursuits of a doctorate in English Literature and a Probationary Officer’s job with the State Bank of India. Beno attributes her success to the unwavering support of her parents, teachers, and trainers. Utilizing Job Access With Speech (JAWS) software, designed for visually impaired individuals, she read from a computer screen. Beno Zephine secured All India Rank 343 in the IAS exam.
Ajit Kumar Yadav
Ajit Kumar Yadav, who lost his eyesight during childhood due to an illness, successfully cleared the UPSC exam in 2008, securing a rank of 208. Despite this achievement, he had to contend for a position in the civil services. Initially, he was offered a role in the Indian Railway Personnel Service. Even after a favorable ruling by the Central Administrative Tribunal in 2010, an IAS post was not extended to him. It was only after the intervention of the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled and politician Brinda Karat that Yadav was eventually admitted into the IAS. Yadav, who pursued his academic studies in the early ’90s when technology for the disabled was not as advanced as it is today, stands as a true inspiration to young individuals everywhere.
Pranjal Patil
Pranjal Patil’s story is the latest amazing tale where a person with vision challenges achieved something that many consider impossible. At 26, she cleared the IAS exam this year, securing an all-India rank of 773. She will be offered an IAS position. This girl from Mumbai lost her eye at the age of 6 in a school incident where a classmate accidentally hit her in the eye. She lost one eye first, then unfortunately, the sight in her other eye as well. Despite this, she remained a consistent top performer in school and college. It was during her graduation that she developed an interest in the IAS. Patil holds an M.Phil and used the JAWS software to read the computer screen. She did not take any formal coaching and credits her parents, friends, and husband for their support.
How to become an IAS topper?
Success doesn’t come through shortcuts, and there’s no guaranteed formula for it. However, when you examine the success stories of all toppers, you’ll find some common traits. If you embrace these qualities and habits with the right mindset and combine them with your well-guided preparation strategy, you can achieve the UPSC success you’ve always dreamed of.
Planned approach
To embark on the path to success in the IAS exam, it’s crucial to create a solid study plan. The civil services exam unfolds in three stages over 12 months, and its comprehensive nature, coupled with the vast UPSC syllabus, makes clearing it a challenging endeavor. To navigate this process effectively, you should familiarize yourself with the syllabus and then craft a plan that aligns with your schedule and preferences. It’s essential to allocate a set number of hours each day to your IAS preparation. Studying without a plan is akin to wandering aimlessly in the dark.
Coaching
Successfully navigating a challenging exam like this requires not just hard work but also smart work. Certain insights, known only to experienced players and mentors, play a crucial role. Questions like whether the entire syllabus needs to be covered for all subjects, how to pick essential news from newspapers, which news items to skip, how many past question papers to review, and where to start can be overwhelming. A proficient coach or guide can provide answers to these questions and more. A good coach shares valuable tricks and tips that allow you to enhance your score with the same effort.
Right Study Material
Sticking to the recommended sources is crucial, be it offline or online materials. With a plethora of books and online resources available, aspirants can easily get confused. It’s wise to rely on the suggestions of your teachers or mentors. Before acquiring any books or magazines, make sure to do your due diligence. Using the wrong sources can harm your preparation. Many successful candidates advise studying from a select few trusted books. When it comes to current affairs, the trickiest part of the IAS exam, it’s vital to learn from only a few reputable sources.
IAS Test Series
Every successful candidate emphasizes this. Engaging in test series, for both the prelims and mains, is pivotal for achieving success in the UPSC CSE. Enrolling in a quality test series comes with numerous advantages. It provides a genuine simulation of the exam and imparts insights into effective time management. For the prelims, you can learn the art of skillfully avoiding negative marking and making intelligent guesses. A reliable test series also offers valuable feedback, making it a truly useful tool. This feedback on your performance allows you to analyze your weaknesses and facilitates improvement.
Revision
Repeatedly revisiting a vast syllabus is of utmost importance. Once more, every successful candidate underscores the need for multiple revisions.
Optional Subject
Your choice of an optional subject holds the power to significantly impact your mains score. Careful consideration is crucial when deciding on your optional subject, as these two optional papers contribute 500 marks to the final tally. Choose wisely.
How to Choose Optional Subject UPSC
Choose a subject that:
- Inspires and excites you
- Encourages deeper understanding
- Doesn’t become monotonous
- Promotes creative thinking
- Has easily accessible books
It’s advisable for candidates to prioritize the above qualities when selecting an optional subject, rather than focusing solely on the potential score. Keep in mind that individual preferences may vary.
Once you’ve grasped the syllabus and honed your writing skills, success is inevitable, and high marks will follow.
The achievements of IAS Exam candidates emphasize that scoring well in the optional subjects isn’t limited to popular choices. Choosing an optional subject based solely on its scoring potential is not the right approach. If you’re still uncertain, register for free counseling to align your IAS Mains preparation.
For those wondering about the most scoring subjects for the IAS exam, there’s no universal answer; it’s about finding the right fit for you. Consider some key points before finalizing your optional subject, reflecting on what you truly want. Trust your judgment rather than following past toppers. Regardless of your choice, diligent study can transform any optional subject into a high-scoring one for the IAS exam.
Inspiring UPSC Stories FAQS
1. What motivated Srushti Jayant Deshmukh to pursue the UPSC IAS exam?
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh was inspired by the opportunity to utilize her knowledge for the betterment of the nation and society, driving her to work hard for success.
2. What is the significance of IAS success stories in motivating aspirants?
IAS success stories, filled with perseverance and determination, are intended to serve as a motivating force for aspiring candidates, propelling them closer to their IAS dreams.
3. How did Kanishak Kataria’s story stand out in the UPSC 2018 results?
Kanishak Kataria left a high-paying job abroad, earning almost one crore, to become an IAS officer. His success was a result of dedicated hard work, extensive daily study hours, and a strategic mix of self-study and coaching.
4. How did Saumya Sharma achieve success with only four months of preparation?
Saumya Sharma, with a hearing impairment, secured an impressive 9th rank in 2017. She attributed her success to self-belief and the right guidance, relying on online coaching materials for preparation.
5. What sets Govind Jaiswal’s story apart in becoming an IAS officer?
Govind Jaiswal, the son of a rickshaw-puller, overcame poverty and challenges to achieve his dream of becoming an IAS officer through hard work and determination, securing a remarkable rank of 48 in his first attempt in 2006.
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