IRS Bhumi Shrivastava: The Zoology Gold Medalist to UPSC Rank Holder

March 7, 2024

3 Minutes

IRS Bhumi Shrivastava

In the heart of Bhopal, a young woman embarked on a journey that would test her mettle and redefine her destiny. With a gold medal in Zoology from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Bhumi Shrivastava had the world at her feet. Her initial dream was to delve into the research field, but fate had other plans. She decided to venture into the uncertain yet prestigious path of the UPSC Civil Services Exam and went on to secure All India Rank of 304 in UPSC CSE 2022, becoming an IRS officer.

Embracing Uncertainty with Courage

The UPSC journey is not for the faint-hearted. It demands courage, persistence, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Bhumi knew that the road ahead was fraught with challenges, with the exam’s three stages - prelims, mains, and interview - each presenting its own set of uncertainties. The vast syllabus and intense competition only added to the daunting nature of the task. Yet, she stood firm, driven by the belief that it takes courage to chase one’s dreams amidst uncertainty.

The Toughest Phase and the Power of Self-Belief

Her first attempt at the UPSC exam was a rollercoaster of emotions. She sailed through the prelims but stumbled at the mains. This setback could have broken her spirit, but she chose to rise above it. With the next prelims just around the corner, she had limited time to introspect, rectify her mistakes, and refine her strategy. It was during this period that she realized the importance of self-belief and confidence. As she delved deeper into her preparation, her self-assurance grew, enabling her to face naysayers with unwavering conviction.

Also read: Breaking Walls, Building Dreams: IAS Abhishek Singh’s UPSC Story and Beyond

The Philosophy of Perseverance

Quoting Nelson Mandela, “Everything seems impossible until it’s done,” she embraced the uncertainty of the UPSC exam, particularly the prelims and interview stages. Instead of viewing hurdles as obstacles, she saw them as opportunities to gain experience and grow stronger. This mindset proved invaluable in her journey, teaching her that every challenge is a stepping stone to success.

The Role of Mentorship and Support

No journey is complete without the guidance of mentors and the support of well-wishers. For our aspirant, the KSG institute and Khan Sir played a pivotal role in her preparation. The encouragement she received after her initial failure in the mains was instrumental in her comeback. Khan Sir’s strategic insights helped her secure an impressive 422 marks in the GS paper. Additionally, his personalized mock interviews were crucial in boosting her confidence for the final stage of the exam.

Embracing the Outcome and Moving Forward

In the end, she realized that no decision is inherently right or wrong. It is our determination and efforts that define the outcome. With this philosophy, she faced the UPSC exam once again, and this time, her hard work paid off. She secured an All India Rank of 304, a testament to her courage, resilience, and unwavering spirit.

Conclusion

Bhumi Shrivastava’s journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for countless aspirants who dream of joining the civil services. It teaches us that uncertainty is not a barrier but a catalyst for growth. It reminds us that with courage, self-belief, and the right guidance, no dream is too big to achieve. As she prepares to take on the responsibilities of a district magistrate, her story continues to inspire, echoing the sentiment that indeed, everything seems impossible until it's done.

Also Read: Three Fingers, Two Rejections, One IAS: Harvinder Singh's Journey of Triumph.