Pujya Priyadarshini’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. After graduating with a B.Com degree in Delhi and furthering her studies in Public Administration at Columbia University, New York, Pujya set her sights on the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Despite a promising career opportunity post-graduation, she was determined to fulfill her dream of joining the IFS. Her initial attempt at the UPSC exams in 2013 did not yield the desired results, leading to a three-year break before she decided to try again in 2016. Although she made it through the Prelims and Mains, the interview round proved to be a stumbling block, resulting in another unsuccessful attempt.
Refusing to be discouraged, Pujya made her third attempt in 2017, only to face disappointment once more. It was a challenging period, filled with self-doubt and contemplation. However, with the support of her family and friends, she decided to give it one last try. Her dedication and hard work finally bore fruit in 2018 when she achieved an impressive AIR-11 rank, realizing her dream of becoming an IFS officer.
Pujya’s journey underscores the importance of not giving up in the face of failure. She advises UPSC aspirants to embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and to continue pursuing their goals with determination and focus. Her story is an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with resilience and perseverance, achieving one’s dreams is indeed possible.
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