remarks Annapurna Singh, who achieved AIR 99 in UPSC CSE 2023 on her fifth attempt. Annapurna Singh has become a name that resonates deeply with UPSC aspirants across India. This year, she not only secured a prestigious position in the civil services but also emerged as the second-highest scorer in the interview round, achieving an impressive 212 marks. However, her journey is anything but an overnight success story. In an exclusive interview with Indian Masterminds, Annapurna shares insights into her remarkable journey.
FROM SEMICONDUCTOR ENGINEER TO CIVIL SERVANT….
Annapurna started her journey in Bangalore, pursuing a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. After securing a coveted position at Intel as a semiconductor engineer, she delved into the world of semiconductors, gaining experience in AI chip development. However, her desire for a career that enabled more direct societal impact led her to consider the civil services. This realization, combined with the introspection prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, cemented her decision to pursue the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
During the initial years of her UPSC preparation, Annapurna faced a delicate balancing act. Managing her demanding role at Intel alongside the rigorous exam requirements posed considerable challenges. Over this period, Annapurna attempted the prelims three times, initially falling short of the cut-off by a significant margin and then narrowly missing it. Despite these setbacks, she remained undeterred. The turning point came in the 2021 attempt when she persevered despite a car accident just days before the prelims. “That’s when I realized it’s achievable,” she reflects, “because even in such circumstances, I came so close; it showed me I can do it.”
Taking a bold step forward, Annapurna decided to prioritize her UPSC dream by resigning from her lucrative position at Intel. She relocated to Patna to dedicate herself fully to preparation for the next two attempts. This choice came with significant sacrifices, as she left behind a financially stable and comfortable life. However, the unwavering support of her parents, particularly her mother, who would leave encouraging notes like “Beta, Daliya Rakha hai Kha lena” (I’ve kept porridge for you; please eat), became her main source of strength. Annapurna expressed, “My parents understood me and supported me through every step of the way.”
Reflecting on her preparation journey, Annapurna underscores the significance of meticulous planning and persistence. “Never rush into your first attempt,” she advises aspiring candidates. “For prelims, mastering the static subjects is crucial, and that’s what ultimately helped me succeed.” She also stresses the importance of handling setbacks positively. “When confronted with failures, interpret them as stepping stones to your success,” she advises.
Annapurna’s decision to opt for Geography as her optional subject was pivotal, despite advice suggesting Engineering would be a more fitting choice given her background. “I have a passion for geography,” she explains. “I enjoy drawing and sketching, and I have a knack for maps.” This passion, combined with dedicated effort, led to her consistently performing well in the subject. In her General Studies preparation, Annapurna effectively utilized online resources such as YouTube channels.
However, it was during the interview stage that Annapurna truly found her turning point. Challenging the misconception that interview preparation is less significant, she emphasizes, “The interview stage has been crucial for me. It’s a misconception that candidates don’t need to prepare as much for the interview round. I devoted more time to preparing for the interview than I did for the Mains exam. There are no shortcuts.” Her meticulous preparation, coupled with her ability to recover from initial challenges during the interview, enabled her to achieve an outstanding score of 212, securing her position as the second-highest scorer in the interview round.
Annapurna’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for UPSC aspirants, illustrating the profound impact of resolute determination, strategic planning, and unwavering familial support. As she embarks on her new role as an IAS officer, her message to aspiring candidates and their families resonates with simplicity and strength: “Pursuing UPSC is a courageous decision… It’s essential to maintain control and put in that extra 10% effort. Be compassionate towards yourself. To parents of aspiring girls, I urge you to support them wholeheartedly at every step of the way.”
