Aakriti Sethi’s UPSC Success Story: Overcoming Trials and Fulfilling a Dream

May 7, 2024

3 Minutes

Introduction

Aakriti Sethi, a young woman from Haryana’s Ambala district, recounts her arduous journey of overcoming challenges and ultimately achieving her dream of clearing the coveted UPSC examination in 2022 securing AIR 249. This detailed narrative showcases her unwavering determination, resilience, and the unwavering support she received along the way.

Background and Inspiration

Growing up in a supportive family, Aakriti was encouraged to pursue her aspirations despite being the second daughter in a society that often favors sons. Her grandfather’s belief in her potential, coupled with her sister’s academic achievements, inspired her to excel in her studies.

Early Success and Confidence

Aakriti’s academic journey began at a prestigious private school, where she excelled in various extracurricular activities and topped both her 10th and 12th-grade examinations. These early successes boosted her confidence and laid the foundation for her UPSC pursuit.

Exploring Career Options

After completing college at Delhi University, Aakriti faced a decision about her career path. In 2012, she discovered UPSC, a civil service examination that ignited her passion for serving society. However, financial constraints led her to join a multinational company in 2013.

Finding Her True Calling

After three and a half years in the corporate world, Aakriti realized that her heart belonged to the civil services. In 2017, with unwavering determination, she quit her job and embarked on her UPSC journey through self-study.

Setbacks and Emotional Challenges

The path to success was not without its obstacles. In 2019, Aakriti faced a major setback when she failed to clear the Haryana Civil Services exam. This挫折 shattered her confidence and plunged her into a period of deep depression. However, with the support of her mother, she gathered the courage to give UPSC another try.

Financial Constraints and Personal Sacrifices

Financial resources posed a significant challenge throughout Aakriti’s preparation. She relocated to Delhi to focus on her studies, relying on the support of her aunt and friends. The pressure to succeed weighed heavily upon her, as societal expectations for young women to marry soon began to surface.

Overcoming Doubts and Self-Assessment

In 2020, Aakriti gave UPSC her all, believing it would be her best attempt. However, disappointment struck again when she failed to clear the prelims. This setback forced her to reassess her strategy and identify her weaknesses.

Nurturing Positive Thinking and Seeking Support

Determined to overcome her shortcomings, Aakriti sought inspiration from books and learned the value of visualization. She also reached out to mentors and friends, who provided invaluable guidance and encouragement.

Preparing for Mains

With the prelims hurdle behind her, Aakriti shifted her focus to preparing for the mains examination. She meticulously crafted notes, practiced answer writing consistently, and utilized previous year question papers to gain insights into the exam’s demands.

Answer Writing Techniques

Aakriti discovered that answer writing for UPSC followed a specific format, with clear introductions, well-structured bodies, and concise conclusions. She adopted a crisp and precise writing style, incorporating examples, facts, and data to support her arguments.

Ethics and Other Challenges

Ethics proved to be a challenging paper for Aakriti, but she recognized the importance of understanding the question’s intent and presenting her views cogently. She also explored diagrammatic representations to enhance her answers.

Interview Preparation

Reaching the interview stage was a significant milestone for Aakriti. She attended mock interviews to develop her presentation skills and foster confidence. She embraced an organic conversation approach, maintaining a positive attitude and a genuine smile.

Interview Day and Uncertainty

The interview experience left Aakriti with a positive feeling, but uncertainty lingered until the results were announced. The final outcome was a testament to her perseverance and unwavering belief that she could achieve her dream with dedication and support.

Message to Aspirants

To aspiring UPSC candidates, Aakriti urges them to maintain confidence throughout their journey, embrace positivity and discipline, and learn from their mistakes. She emphasizes that setbacks are opportunities for growth and improvement, and that with unwavering determination and support, anyone can conquer the UPSC exam and achieve their dreams.