The Civil Services Examination is hailed as one of the most challenging competitive examinations in India. Every year, numerous aspirants strive to clear this exam, pinning their hopes on a future in the esteemed Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Among these hopefuls was Sarjana Yadav, an officer of the 2019 batch, whose story stands as a testament to tenacity and perseverance.
Hailing from a modest background, Sarjana embarked on her academic journey by pursuing an engineering degree from Delhi University. It was post her graduation that she was bitten by the UPSC bug and decided to tread the path that many dared to venture.
Though many aspirants often rely on the expertise of coaching institutes to guide their preparation, Sarjana chose a different path. However, the road to success was not without its bumps. Initial failures did weigh her down, but instead of succumbing to the pressures, Sarjana channelized them into further motivation. She took a bold step of quitting her job, dedicating herself completely to UPSC preparations. Her unwavering determination bore fruit when she secured the All India 126th rank in her attempt in 2019.
Her journey offers invaluable advice to other UPSC aspirants. Sarjana underscores the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to resources. “Instead of delving into a plethora of books, choose a few comprehensive ones. Reread them, ensuring your foundation is strong,” she suggests. Additionally, Sarjana highlights the power of technology in today’s age. “Google is your friend. Be it tutorials, videos, or academic articles; the internet is a treasure trove that can help clarify any doubts and enhance your understanding,” she opines.
In the grand mosaic of UPSC success stories, Sarjana Yadav’s tale shines brightly, illuminating the path for many others and highlighting that with dedication, even the toughest of battles can be won, even without formal coaching.