Civil Service

Choosing the right optional subject for the UPSC exam is crucial, as it contributes 500 marks to the total 1750 in the Mains. Excelling in this area can significantly impact your ranking and serve as a key differentiator. Aryendra Kumar shares six essential tips for mastering geography.

In Varanasi, the efforts of IAS officers S Rajalingam and Himanshu Nagpal to combat malnutrition have transformed thousands of lives — renovating Anganwadi centres, providing nutritional support, and setting up mini Nutritional Rehabilitation Centres, reducing severe acute malnutrition from 24,820 to just 316 in three years.

Discover the inspiring journey of IAS Srishti Dabas, who defied early setbacks, family struggles, and societal expectations to secure an All India Rank of 6 in the UPSC. Her story proves that no challenge is too great when driven by purpose.

In Varanasi, IAS officer Akshat Verma turned discarded clothes from Ganga ghats into a sustainable solution. Teaming up with Hope Welfare Foundation, local women transformed these textiles into 1 lakh eco-friendly bags, tackling pollution, creating jobs, and promoting sustainability.

Kajal Jawla, while working a full-time corporate job and managing a new marriage, achieved her dream of becoming an IAS officer. Her journey of successful UPSC preparation showcases impeccable time management, strategic leave usage, and disciplined study practices.

Parth Chavda overcame personal and academic challenges to clear the UPSC exam in 2023. Emphasising the importance of NCERT books in building a strong foundation, the IRS officer attributes his success to disciplined study, resilience, and the strategic use of these essential resources.

In 2018, Saurabh Bhawania secured AIR 113 in UPSC while managing a full-time job and fatherhood. With three months to UPSC Prelims, he shares expert tips on smart study strategies, effective practice, and key techniques to ace the exam.

In 2018, Akshay Agrawal returned from Singapore to India, leaving behind a prosperous career to pursue his childhood dream of becoming an IAS officer. Interestingly, he cleared the UPSC exam on his first attempt and secured AIR 43. His secret: the invaluable insights from previous year questions.

Tripti Bhatt, inspired by a meeting with Dr A P J Abdul Kalam in Class 9, nurtured a dream of serving the nation. From turning down offers from ISRO to choosing IPS over IAS, her journey holds a mirror to what it takes to follow one’s calling.

In Odisha’s Ganjam district, the Nirikhyana initiative, led by Dibyajyoti Parida IAS, provides free ultrasound scans to rural pregnant women, bridging healthcare gaps and reducing maternal and neonatal deaths. This has helped reduce neonatal deaths to half in just two years.