At Just 21, Secured 13th Rank in UPSC Without Coaching, Declined IAS and IPS Positions
At Just 21, Secured 13th Rank in UPSC Without Coaching, Declined IAS and IPS Positions
The aspiration of many young individuals is to succeed in the Indian Civil Services Commission examination. Those who pass this exam often opt for the IAS or IPS ranks. However, some choose to forge their own unique path rather than follow conventional routes. A notable example of someone who has taken a unique path is Vidushi Singh, an IFS (Indian Foreign Service) officer who cracked the UPSC exam at just 21 years old, without any coaching.
Vidushi hails from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, although her family has roots in Ayodhya. While preparing for the UPSC, she did not enroll in any coaching classes. Instead, she began her self-study journey using NCERT textbooks during her college years. Remarkably, she achieved success in her very first attempt at the age of 21, securing the 13th rank, with Economics as her chosen optional subject.
A question that many people have is why she opted for IFS instead of IAS. In an interview, Vidushi addressed this question, explaining that her grandfather had always dreamed of her becoming a government officer in the Indian Foreign Service. This personal connection influenced her decision to pursue a career in the Foreign Service. To prepare for the UPSC exam effectively, she engaged in numerous test series and mock tests.
After earning her BA Honors in Economics from Shri Ram College of Commerce at Delhi University in 2021, Vidushi began her preparations for the UPSC exam.
She emphasizes that participating in test series, taking mock tests, and focusing on self-study are crucial components for achieving success. Vidushi believes that if you are completely honest with yourself and put in the necessary effort, you can succeed without the need for coaching.
