How This Woman Juggled Night Shifts at RBI, Supported Her Single Mother, & Still Secured AIR 6 in India's Toughest Exam

IAS Srishti Dabas’s journey is one of resilience and strength. Born on October 13, 1998, in Rani Khera village, she recalls, “Instead of celebrations, my birth was met with disappointment because I was a girl.” Her parents soon separated, leaving her mother to raise her alone while facing life’s toughest challenges.

“Watching her struggle, I made a promise. I wouldn’t just change her life, I would fight against injustice for the entire nation,” she says.

This willpower led her to set her sights on the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). Despite the overwhelming circumstances, including juggling a full-time job at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), she remained undeterred. 

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“It wasn’t easy. Late nights, early mornings, endless sacrifices. But I refused to give up,” she says. Her hard work paid off when she secured an All India Rank (AIR) 6, marking the beginning of her journey as IAS Srishti Dabas. “Today, my mother doesn’t just hold her head high, the entire nation does,” she proudly states.

Her academic achievements reflect her dedication. She excelled at Ganga International School in Delhi, where she topped the CBSE Class 12 board exams in 2016-17 with an impressive 96.33%. Later, she completed her BA in Political Science from Indraprastha College, followed by an MA in Political Science from IGNOU. Outside her studies, Srishti is also a skilled Kathak dancer.

When offering advice to those facing initial setbacks, Srishti encourages candidates to aim high, possess immense self-confidence, and study with determination.

Edited by Megha Chowdhury