IAS Pujya Priyadarshini faced disappointment when she did not clear her UPSC Civil Services examination in her first three attempts. Encouraged by her family to persevere, she decided to make one last attempt before considering other options. In her fourth try, she achieved an impressive All India Rank 11 in the examination.
IAS (Indian Administrative Service) is a prestigious national-level public administration branch of the Government of India. Aspiring officers dedicatedly pursue this challenging position, requiring rigorous entrance examinations. Among the inspiring success stories in this field is Pujya Priyadarshini, who turned her ambitious dreams into reality through sheer determination and hard work.
However, achieving her current stature was no easy feat. The UPSC journey demands immense mental and physical effort, yet with the right inspiration and guidance, success is within reach. Explore further about Pujya Priyadarshini’s remarkable journey and gain insights into her achievements.
Academic Background
Before embarking on her rigorous four-year preparation journey for civil services, Pujya Priyadarshini worked at PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Delhi for two and a half years. Subsequently, she joined the Reliance Foundation. She is an alumna of Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University. Following her graduation, Pujya Priyadarshini pursued a Master’s degree in Public Administration at Columbia University in New York.
To maintain focus during her exam preparation and mitigate anxiety about the outcomes, she had a backup career plan in place for added confidence and security. Preparing for civil service exams entails both challenges and rewards, requiring aspirants to keep their options open in case of setbacks. It demands dedicated effort and commitment from those aspiring to succeed in this competitive examination. Thus, devote yourself wholeheartedly to its preparation.
Her Strategy
Achieving anything is possible with dedicated time and commitment to a structured schedule. Clearing the Civil Services Exam involves three stages: Prelims, Mains, and a challenging interview. Many successful IAS toppers, including Pujya Priyadarshini herself, emphasize several key strategies for aspirants:
Prelims Strategy
Success in the IAS exam demands dedication and discipline. It’s crucial to use free time productively. Pujya Priyadarshini herself took approximately 70 mock tests before appearing for prelims, highlighting the importance of diligent preparation. With a wealth of study resources available, prioritize them based on their relevance. Above all, stay updated with newspapers and NCERT materials.
Mains Strategy
Moving to the second stage, it’s essential to reinforce fundamental knowledge. Pujya Priyadarshini dedicated hours to practicing general studies answers, significantly improving from her 2016 attempt to 2018. Engaging in test series enhances current affairs knowledge and refines time management skills.
Additional Tips
Pujya Priyadarshini’s optional subject was sociology, which greatly aided her in the Mains exam. This practical approach helped her understand ethics and morality, crucial for aspiring civil servants. Practice with case studies and essays sharpens structural, flow, and time management abilities.
Interview Preparation
The interview stage is critical and requires extensive mock interviews, practice, and confidence. Despite reaching the interview stage in her second attempt in 2016, Pujya Priyadarshini didn’t clear it. However, she returned stronger, focusing on emotional intelligence and self-awareness, ultimately achieving success.
