Dr Tanu Jain: A Story of UPSC Preparation through Determination and Self-Belief

November 20, 2023

6 Minutes

Introduction

Dr Tanu Jain, a prominent UPSC mentor and former IAS officer from the 2015 batch, is a source of inspiration for many aspiring civil servants. Her UPSC preparation journey from the bustling streets of Sadar Bazaar, Delhi 6, to securing the 648th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a testament to her determination and hard work.

Early Years in Delhi 6

Born into a humble Jain family, Dr Tanu Jain’s journey towards the UPSC preparation began in the heart of Delhi 6. Despite not showing much interest in academics until the 12th grade, a pivotal question from her mother about her future aspirations sparked a turning point in her life. It was after this question that she began to wonder what she wanted to become. Although she couldn’t figure out a way to the UPSC exam at that point in time, this question always kept hovering around in her mind.

Choosing the Path Less Traveled

Clueless about her future, she opted for medical science in higher secondary school. She went on to study medicine and completed her BDS from Subharti Medical College. However, it was during her internship that she stumbled upon the possibility of becoming an officer through UPSC. She heard somewhere that there’s an exam called UPSC and if one cracks it, people start respecting that person and consider that person highly intelligent. This discovery ignited a new ambition within her.

Initiating UPSC Preparation

With limited family guidance, Dr Tanu Jain set out on her UPSC preparation armed with determination. She revealed her aspirations to her mother and a visit to the famous "Nayi Sadak" book market with her mother resulted in the purchase of a handful of books on UPSC. Although she later found out that those books were not very helpful for the exam, they kicked off her UPSC preparation and never looked back.

Surpassing Expectations in Prelims

When Dr Tanu Jain started asking around for guidance, she always saw people come up with preconceived notions that the exam requires years of preparation and it’s almost impossible to clear the exam without a year of coaching. Contrary to these conventional beliefs around UPSC preparation, Dr Jain’s focused approach allowed her to clear the prelims in just two months. She emphasizes the importance of thorough study of basic books, particularly NCERTs, and dedicated practice with absolute determination for success in the preliminary examination.

Overcoming Mains Setback During UPSC Preparation

While her success in the prelims was a significant achievement, Dr Tanu Jain faced a setback in the mains and couldn’t clear it due to a lack of preparation. Undeterred, she initiated a process of self-analysis, identifying areas where she fell short. Maintaining a detailed diary, she noted down all her weak areas and mistakes she committed during the initial days of her UPSC preparation. She systematically addressed each point and highlighted the importance of introspection and self-correction. She also kept a tight check on each of these points and noted her progress in her diary as her UPSC preparation went on.

Lessons in Persistence

Dr Tanu Jain’s advice to aspirants goes beyond the academic realm. She advocates never seeking external validation but rather evaluating the level of one's preparation. Dr Jain believes that although people always seek validation from people around them, deep down they always know how they’ve prepared and where they lag. Her mantra is rooted in self-belief, emphasizing that hard work and dedication, known only to the person preparing, are the true determinants of success.

The Interview Challenge

Expecting to excel in the interview after clearing the mains on her second attempt, Dr Tanu Jain faced an unexpected hurdle. Despite walking out of the UPSC interview with confidence that she’d make it to the top ranks, she secured only 151 marks, significantly lower than her expectations. This setback prompted her to embark on a journey of self-evaluation.

Seeking Guidance and Inner Transformation

During her next attempt, Dr Tanu Jain sought guidance from her friend, guide, philosopher, and now her husband, Vatsalya Kumar, also an IAS officer. Through his guidance, she identified what she must do to become an ideal candidate for the interview and understand how the panel wants an IAS officer to be.

She suggests that the best way for an aspirant to work on his personality is to look up to the officer or achiever they consider as their idol and observe their conduct. Observe how they speak, how they maintain their composure during a discussion and always include facts and reason when they speak about something. She followed this practice and worked on her inner self and transformed herself through self-analysis. This deliberate effort led to a remarkable improvement, with Tanu securing 200 marks in the interview.

Embracing Imperfections and Growth in UPSC Preparation

Dr Tanu Jain’s success story is not just about triumphs but also acknowledges imperfections. She encourages aspirants to recognize their shortcomings, emphasizing that improvement is possible with intent and determination. The best motivation, she believes, comes from within, making it a personal challenge and journey.

Facing Hurdles with Courage During UPSC Preparation

According to Dr Jain, hurdles and setbacks are an inherent part of the journey to success. She urges aspiring individuals to display courage and unwavering resolve to overcome challenges. While difficulties may arise, they should be viewed as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.

A Final Note of Inspiration

Dr Tanu Jain's UPSC preparation journey from the streets of Delhi to the Armed Forces Headquarters is a tale of inspiration and determination. Her story resonates with the idea that success is not solely about external preparation but a continuous effort towards self-improvement.

Conclusion

Aspiring UPSC candidates can draw valuable lessons from Dr Tanu Jain’s experiences, understanding that the path to success requires not only hard work but also a commitment to personal growth. Through her UPSC preparation journey, Dr Tanu Jain stands as a ray of hope for those striving to achieve their dreams in the realm of civil services.