The Journey to an IAS Officer Ayushi Pradhan: A Tale of Challenges, Determination, and Triumph

May 10, 2024

4 Minutes

Introduction

Ayushi Pradhan, a young woman driven by an unwavering desire to make a positive impact on her country, embarked on a challenging journey towards becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. Her path was paved with obstacles, but her determination and unwavering passion for public service propelled her to overcome them and achieve her dream.

Inspiration and Turning Point

Pradhan’s inspiration to pursue a career in the IAS originated during her first year of engineering studies. Witnessing the profound poverty and hardships faced by tribal villagers firsthand, she realized the need for administrators dedicated to empowering marginalized communities.

Education and Early Career

Pradhan initially aspired to become a doctor, but fate had a different plan in store for her. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and worked in the industry for a year after graduating. A life-altering event involving her father’s health, however, ignited within her a realization of the transformative power that administrative officers could wield.

Embarking on the UPSC Journey

Armed with renewed determination, Pradhan resigned from her job and embarked on her arduous journey to crack the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, the gateway to a career in the IAS. Her father supported her aspirations, while her mother initially expressed concerns about the uncertainties and difficulties involved in the pursuit. However, Pradhan remained steadfast in her belief that she possessed the resolve and capabilities to succeed.

Tackling the Challenges

The initial hurdle Pradhan faced was the technical nature of the subjects required for the UPSC exam. Laxmikant’s political science book and other concepts proved challenging, but she persevered by immersing herself in videos, attending foundation courses, and seeking guidance from experienced mentors.

Prelims Strategy

In her maiden attempt, Pradhan cleared the Prelims exam, thanks to her strong foundation in Politics and Economy. She concentrated on these subjects and thoroughly analyzed previous years’ question papers. She supplemented her studies with numerous sectional tests and full-length mock examinations to improve her accuracy and time management skills.

Mains Strategy

For the Mains stage, Pradhan meticulously crafted comprehensive notes covering every topic in the syllabus. She consulted multiple resources, including coaching materials and topper’s notes. Time management became paramount, and she practiced completing entire question papers within the allotted time frame.

Optional Subject: Anthropology

Pradhan opted for Anthropology as her optional subject, recognizing its relevance to various social and developmental issues. She referred to a wide range of sources, including topper’s notes and test series, to gain a thorough understanding of the subject matter.

Interview Preparation

Pradhan approached the interview stage with meticulous preparation. She focused on presenting her strengths and weaknesses with clarity and honesty. She also participated in mock interviews with friends and mentors to enhance her confidence and poise.

Third Attempt and Triumph

Despite narrowly missing the cutoff mark in her second attempt, Pradhan remained undeterred. She re-evaluated her strategy, diligently addressing her weak areas, including presentation skills and in-depth subject knowledge. In her third attempt, she triumphed over the challenges, securing a rank of 36 in the UPSC exam and fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming an IAS officer.

Essential Tips and Common Pitfalls

Tips:

• Consistency: Maintain steadfastness in your study schedule and effort levels.
• Hard work and dedication: Dedicate yourself to the task, investing the necessary time and energy to achieve your goals.
• Strong willpower: Embracing a never-say-die attitude is crucial for overcoming obstacles.

Common Pitfalls:

• Overreliance on excessive resources: Limit yourself to a few dependable sources to avoid overwhelming yourself with information.
• Lack of discipline: Uphold focus and avoid procrastinating as the journey progresses.
• Laziness and procrastination: Acknowledge and address these tendencies, prioritizing essential tasks.

Strategies for Prelims, Mains, and Interview

Prelims:

• Identify your strengths and focus on solidifying them.
• Thoroughly analyze past question papers to grasp the exam pattern.
• Engage in sectional tests and full-length mock exams to hone your accuracy and time management skills.

Mains:

• Prepare comprehensive notes encompassing all syllabus topics.
• Utilize a diverse range of resources and enrich your notes with valuable content.
• Master time management by completing papers within the prescribed time limits.

Interview:

• Prepare responses to frequently asked questions, including those about your strengths, weaknesses, and hobbies.
• Display honesty and confidence.
• Express your unwavering willingness to serve the nation.

Debunking Common Myths

• Indispensability of daily newspaper reading: While newspapers offer valuable insights, excessive time spent on them may hinder the completion of essential static content, which forms the cornerstone of UPSC preparation.
• Necessity of 12-14 hours of daily study: The duration of study sessions is less significant than consistency and efficient utilization of time.
• Extensive note-making: Approach note-making with discretion. Utilize readymade notes from reputable sources to conserve time and effort.

Conclusion

Pradhan’s UPSC journey exemplifies the virtues of perseverance, hard work, and strategic preparation. Her experiences and insights serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for aspiring IAS officers embarking on their own paths to success. As she embraces the challenges and opportunities ahead, she remains steadfast in her commitment to serve her country with unwavering dedication and passion.