Determination Defined: IAS Priyanka Goel's UPSC Journey

February 9, 2024

3 Minutes

IAS Priyanka Goel

Introduction

Priyanka Goel's journey to clearing the UPSC CSE in 2022 and securing AIR 369 is a story of true determination. Starting with a powerful quote that emphasizes the importance of dreams and courage over mere ability, her story unfolds.

मंजिल उन्हीं को मिलती है; जिनके सपनो में जान होती है,पंख से कुछ नहीं होता; हौंसलों से ही उड़ान होती है।

She spent 7 years preparing for this exam, showing incredible persistence, especially since she passed it on her last try. Raised in Delhi by a businessman father and a housewife mother, Priyanka's background was ordinary, but her ambition was not. Her success proves that dedication and hard work can turn dreams into reality.

 A Journey from No Aim to UPSC

Priyanka was a very studious girl in her school, but with no aim. She had very few friends and used to be her teachers’ favorite. She scored 93 percentile in her 12th board examinations and got admission into Keshav Mahavidyalaya College, University of Delhi. In her first year, she wanted to be a lecturer. The same year, auditions took place in her college for an advertisement for the face wash brand Clean & Clear. Her friends persuaded her, and Priyanka gave the audition and was selected, but she didn’t go further with the advertisement. In her second year of college, she developed an urge to do something for the betterment of society. A friend of hers told her about the UPSC examinations and the role that a civil servant plays in the upliftment of society. Therefore, Priyanka decided to go for the UPSC examination.

First Failure to Four Failures

Priyanka made her first attempt in 2017. She did not have much guidance and couldn’t qualify the preliminary exam. She felt a little heartbroken, but she also understood that the exam was not as easy as it seemed to her. She gave her second attempt and again couldn’t clear prelims. Priyanka was consistent and never doubted herself. She cleared her first prelims in her third attempt in 2019 but failed the main examination. In her fourth attempt, she again failed in prelims. This was the first time self-doubt seeped into her head. However, she thought, "If UPSC provides six attempts, there must be a sound reason for it.”

Fifth Attempt and Other Hardships

Priyanka’s fifth attempt was in 2021, and it was the same year when her mother fell severely ill. All the responsibilities fell on her. Her mother took months to recover. Moreover, she also went to the exam without revision. Along with this, she was facing a lot of social pressure to marry and leave her preparations, but her parents supported her in these times.

Do or Die: The Last Attempt

After filling out her application form for her last attempt, Priyanka cried a lot. Indeed, it was the last time she filled out the form. It was her last chance to fulfill her dream. She cleared her prelims. During her mains preparation, she increased her study hours, set huge targets to study on a daily basis, and focused more on her optional. She cleared the mains as well. Priyanka’s UPSC interview was the first interview of her life, and she scored 193 marks in her interview. The results came, and Priyanka was selected. It was like attaining Nirvana, and tears overflowed her eyes. The dream that she saw years ago was fulfilled.

Things to Keep in Mind

First, Priyanka suggests not ignoring the syllabus of the UPSC. She says that the aspirant should try to even remember the syllabus. This is the first step of preparation.

Second, she advises not to collect huge piles of books. She urges aspirants to focus more on revision.

Third, as per her, answer-writing is of the utmost importance. Aspirants should focus on content, speed, and presentation skills.

Conclusion

Priyanka’s journey is more about self-belief than perseverance or resilience. Her success mantra is:

"We should pursue excellence; then, success will pursue us on its own.”

Click here to explore more about IAS Priyanka Goel.