The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination is most challenging exams in India, and every year, thousands of aspiring IAS candidates appear for it. In this article, we will delve into the success story of IAS Vishakha Yadav, who secured the 6th All India Rank (AIR 6) in the 2019 UPSC Civil Services Examination. Her remarkable journey is a testament to determination and dedication, highlighting the power of persistence in achieving one’s dreams.
Early Life, Education and Career of IAS Vishakha Yadav
She was born in 1994 in Dwarka, New Delhi. She grew up in Delhi, attended school there, and later enrolled at Delhi Technological University (DTU), where she pursued a degree in software engineering. Despite her engineering background, Vishakha had a deep-seated aspiration to become an IAS officer from a young age.
After completing her schooling and earning a bachelor’s degree in computer software engineering from DTU in 2014, Vishakha began her career as a software developer at Cisco Systems in Bangalore. However, her passion for civil services continued to beckon her, and in 2017, she made the bold decision to leave her lucrative career and pursue her dream of becoming an IAS officer.
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Preparation and Challenges
Returning to Delhi from Bangalore, Vishakha embarked on an intensive preparation journey for the UPSC exam. Her strategy focused on thoughtful planning and consistent dedication rather than marathon study sessions. She set achievable targets to enhance concentration and effective time management.
During her preparation, she stayed away from distractions like social media and WhatsApp for over three years. She attended coaching centers and spent long hours in a local library, where she also engaged in activities like drawing, painting, and solving Sudoku puzzles to manage stress and maintain balance. IAS Vishakha Yadav chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as her optional subject, defying expectations with her technical background.
IAS Vishakha Yadav: Success and Achievements
Despite initial setbacks, including two unsuccessful attempts in the preliminary exams, Vishakha’s unwavering determination paid off. In her third attempt in 2019, she not only cleared the UPSC examination but secured an impressive 6th rank with a total of 1046 marks out of 2025. Her story exemplifies the power of tenacity, adaptability, and self-belief, even in the face of daunting odds.
Inspiration for Aspirants
Vishakha Yadav’s ascent to a high UPSC rank highlights the significance of steadfast ambition and perseverance. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for countless aspirants, emphasizing the significance of hard work, dedication, and unwavering conviction in achieving any goal, particularly in the realm of civil services.
