Latest news with #UPSCCivilServicesExamination
India.com
4 days ago
- General
- India.com
Meet Surabhi Gautam, Girl Who Overcame English Barrier And Went On To Crack TCS, ISRO, BARC And Other Prestigious Exams
photoDetails english 2936664 The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of India's most prestigious competitive exams, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. It recruits candidates for top government posts like IAS, IPS, IFS, and others. The exam consists of three stages—Prelims, Mains, and Interview—and requires thorough preparation, analytical thinking, and a deep understanding of current affairs and general studies. Updated:Jul 25, 2025, 01:51 PM IST Inspiring story of IAS officer Surabhi Gautam 1 / 7 English today is seen not just as a language but as a mark of status and a vital skill. Many people struggle with fluency, which can lead to communication barriers. One such example is IAS officer Surabhi Gautam, who once faced humiliation in class due to her weak English. Hailing from a village in Satna, Madhya Pradesh, Surabhi was academically brilliant from an early age. Appeared in 10th and 12th exams without coaching 2 / 7 Surabhi comes from a small village where coaching centres are hard to find. Without any coaching or tuition, she appeared for her 10th and 12th board exams and scored over 90 percent in both, relying only on self-study and school support. Her father worked as a lawyer in the civil court, and her mother was a teacher. Communication Skills 3 / 7 The first day of college was tough for Surabhi Gautam, despite being a university topper. Coming from a Hindi-medium background, she struggled with English and was mocked in class for her lack of fluency. On her very first day, she faced ridicule for not being able to introduce herself in English. Determined to improve, she made a habit of learning 10 new English words daily to strengthen her communication skills. Could'nt understand English 4 / 7 One day, a teacher asked Surabhi a physics question in English. She couldn't fully understand the question and ended up giving an incorrect answer. The teacher then doubted whether she had genuinely passed Class 12. This incident shook her confidence deeply and made her consider leaving college and going back home. Topped the university 5 / 7 Determined to strengthen her English skills, she borrowed engineering books in English from the library. She wrote down difficult words on slips of paper and pasted them all around her room. Gradually, her immersion was so deep that she even began dreaming in English. She appeared for her semester exams in English and topped the university in her very first semester. Journey at TCS 6 / 7 After earning her engineering degree, Surabhi Gautam began her professional journey at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), founded by the late industrialist Ratan Tata. Although the job offered stability and a good salary, she chose to leave it behind to pursue her true passion — a career in civil services. Competitive exams 7 / 7 Surabhi Gautam went on to achieve top ranks in eight prestigious competitive exams, including those conducted by ISRO, BARC, IES, and UPSC. After completing her engineering, she briefly worked at BARC. In 2013, she topped the Indian Engineering Services (IES) exam, and in 2016, she fulfilled her dream by becoming an IAS officer, securing the 50th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
India.com
5 days ago
- General
- India.com
Meet woman, a 40-year-old mother of two, cracked UPSC CSE to become IAS with AIR..., she is now...
IAS NIsa Unniranjan (File) IAS Nisa Unniranjan Success Story: The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the toughest recruitment tests in the country and each year there are dozens of inspirational stories of successful aspirants who scratched and clawed their way to crack the formidable exam and realised dream of becoming an IAS officer. However, the heartwarming success story of IAS Nisa Unnirajan is truly unique as she cleared the UPSC CSE at the age of 40, while taking care of her two young daughters, as well as managing her job and her home. Let us find out more about her inspiring journey. Who is IAS Nisa Unnirajan? A resident of Kerala, Nisa Unnirajan decided to take a crack at the UPSC examination at 35, which is rare as most unsuccessful aspirants bid adieu to UPSC dreams after the age of 30. But Nisa's path was far towards success anything but rosy as she had manage her household responsibilities, job, and take care of her two daughters Nandana (11), and Thanvi (7). However, the brave woman did not lose hope, and diligently managed all aspects of her daily life. She would prepare her children for school in the morning, take care of the house, work her day job, and later engross herself in preparation for UPSC at night. Nisa's husband, Arun, a software engineer by profession, and her in-laws, stood behind her like a rock and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. 'My husband and in-laws supported me at every step. This would not have been possible without them,' she says. How Nisa Unnirajan cracked UPSC? Apart from her daily responsibilities, Nisa Unniranjan suffered from a debilitating health condition, a serious hearing issue, which she turned into her strength. In an interview, Nisa revealed that she was inspired by Kottayam's sub-collector Ranjit, who overcame a similar condition to become an IAS officer. Nisa Unniranjan attended coaching classes in Thiruvananthapuram, but it was her unique strategy that ultimately led to success. Detailing her UPSC preparation strategy, Nisa revealed that she used to read success stories about UPSC toppers and watch their motivational videos on YouTube. Additionally, she divided syllabus topics into smaller parts to minutely study them in detail, and made notes which helped quickly revise any given topic she previously studied. Ultimately, Nisa Unniranjan's perseverance and dedication paid off when she cracked the UPSC CSE 2024 in her seventh attempt with a respectable All India Rank (AIR) of 1000. She was 40 at the time. Currently, IAS Nisa Unnirajan is posted as the Assistant Audit Officer at the Principal Accountant General's office in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
India.com
17-07-2025
- General
- India.com
Meet Ansar Shaikh: Son Of Auto Rickshaw Driver Who Cleared UPSC CSE At 21 In First Attempt With AIR...Got Married To....Who Looks Like An Actress
photoDetails english 2932965 Updated:Jul 17, 2025, 11:00 AM IST Youngest IAS Officer 1 / 7 The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination annually to select candidates for prestigious roles such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and others. The exam takes place in three stages. Clearing it at a young age is a rare achievement, and one remarkable example of this is Ansar Shaikh. Ansar's struggles 2 / 7 Ansar Shaikh, the son of an auto-rickshaw driver, cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination at the young age of 21. Coming from a humble background, his father earned a living by driving an auto, while his mother worked as a farm labourer. In 2023, Ansar tied the knot with Waiza Ansar credits his success to the unwavering support of his family. Despite facing many challenges, he secured an impressive All India Rank of 361 in the 2016 IAS Examination at just 21 years old. Ansar's challenges 3 / 7 Ansar encountered numerous challenges during his early life. His brother had to drop out of school in Class 7 and work at a garage to support the family financially, while his sister was married off at the young age of 15. Despite these hardships, Ansar remained focused and dedicated to his studies, eventually clearing one of the world's toughest exams. Ansar's graduation 4 / 7 Ansar began his academic journey with remarkable achievement, scoring an impressive 91% in his Class 10 exams. He later pursued and completed his undergraduate studies at Pune set his sights on the UPSC exam, one of India's toughest competitive tests, and chose Political Science as his optional subject. He decided to take the Mains exam and the interview in Marathi. With a well-structured preparation strategy, he remained focused and disciplined, which played a crucial role in his success. Financially disadvantaged background 5 / 7 Ansar hails from a small village in Maharashtra's Marathwada region and comes from a financially disadvantaged background. His father was an auto-rickshaw driver, and his mother worked as a farm labourer. Despite the hardships, his family always placed his education first, which played a key role in helping him reach his goal. He is currently serving as the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) in Cooch Behar, West Bengal. UPSC exam coaching 6 / 7 After completing his graduation, Ansar fully dedicated himself to preparing for the UPSC exam. With strong support from his friends and coaching institute, he managed to stay focused despite the challenges. His determination and hard work paid off when he cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination on his first attempt in 2016, securing an All India Rank of 361. Ansar and Waiza love story 7 / 7 Ansar and Waiza tied the knot on December 24, 2023. On their nikah day, Waiza looked stunning in a blush pink sharara.
Hans India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Alternate career options for UPSC aspirants looking to restart journey
Each year, thousands of youngsters spend several years preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. It is a process that demands discipline, focus, and a strong sense of purpose. But for those who eventually decide to step away from the exam, whether after one attempt or five, the next step often feels unclear. This is because the exam became a central part of their identity. And once that phase ends, the question of 'what now?' can be difficult to answer. This is not because there are no options, but because it is hard to reimagine yourself outside the frame you have operated in for years. Why it is not really a restart There is a common misconception that moving on from UPSC means starting from zero. But preparation for the civil services develops valuable abilities: understanding complex ideas, structuring arguments, staying consistent over long periods, and communicating clearly under pressure. These are traits that modern employers look for, especially in fast-paced, problem-solving roles. The challenge is a lack of industry exposure and direction. We work with many professionals who have come from exam-focused backgrounds, including UPSC aspirants. And one thing we have consistently seen is that once people are placed in the right environment, one that simulates real-world challenges and offers timely feedback, their learning curve is fast. Let us look at some roles that align well with the skills former aspirants already have: ♦ Digital marketing and content strategy: These are structured, analytical domains that require clarity of thought, storytelling, and data interpretation, areas where former aspirants often excel. ♦ Sales and business development: For those who enjoy problem-solving and relationship-building, sales roles offer rapid career progression and exposure to core business functions. ♦ Teaching, mentoring, and EdTech: Especially relevant for those who want to help others navigate competitive exams or contribute to learning ecosystems. ♦ Policy, development, and CSR roles: Think tanks, NGOs, and CSR teams in companies often look for people who understand policy structures and bring a disciplined approach to research and execution. ♦ Product and operations roles in startups: For those who like solving real-world problems, these roles reward rigour, process thinking, and ownership. The skill shift What often differentiates a successful career transition is not additional theory, but exposure to how real work happens. Many UPSC aspirants are used to studying and absorbing knowledge. But in professional settings, action matters more than answers. That is where outcome-focused programs come in. You need to work on actual projects, get feedback, and understand how teams solve problems in real-time. This is the approach we have built at Kraftshala, where learners get to apply concepts, make mistakes, improve, and eventually build proof of work. It is also what gives companies the confidence to hire people who may not have a 'traditional' background but the ability to learn and contribute. Mindset over résumé One of the most common concerns we hear is: Will companies hire me after a career gap? And the answer is: yes, but not automatically. What matters is how you have used your time and how you present your transition. Recruiters today are more open to unconventional journeys, if there is clarity, initiative, and proof of capability. Internships, freelance work, thoughtful content, and real contributions go a long way in showing that you are repositioning. Moving forward is not giving up Choosing to stop preparing for UPSC is a choice to build something different. The instinct that led you to prepare in the first place, a desire to contribute meaningfully, to grow, to build a respected career, can still be fulfilled. Many of our students come from similar backgrounds. Nilanjana, for instance, spent three years preparing for UPSC before switching gears to marketing. With the right direction and exposure, she quickly built a portfolio and now works with leading brands. There are many such stories, not because people lowered their ambitions, but because they redirected them. In conclusion The time you spent preparing for UPSC was not wasted. It just needs to be reframed. You have built a strong foundation. Now it is about picking the right environment to apply it. Careers are not built in a straight line. And they do not need to begin with a rank. They begin when you decide to re-engage, with clarity, intent, and the willingness to learn in a new context.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Meet Gujarat IAS officer Arpit Sagar, who fined NHAI official over potholes on NH47
IAS officer Arpit Sagar has recently garnered nationwide praise for taking firm action against poor road conditions in Gujarat. She made headlines after imposing a penalty on a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official due to the presence of potholes on National Highway 47 (NH47), connecting Ahmedabad to Godhra, as reported in NBT. Her bold move has not only earned public admiration but also set a new precedent for government accountability. IAS Officer Takes Bold Action Against Potholes Serving as the District Collector of Mahisagar, Gujarat, Arpit Sagar issued a fine to an NHAI officer after numerous complaints about pothole-ridden roads. The poor condition of NH47, a major route in the state, had long frustrated daily commuters and residents. Under the Mahisagar Road Safety Committee, Sagar imposed a daily fine of Rs 500 from 18 June to 7 July, holding the officer accountable until the potholes are properly filled. This is the first time an IAS officer in Gujarat has taken such decisive action against the NHAI over potholes. Her actions are being lauded by citizens and officials alike, especially those who have long suffered due to bad roads and lack of maintenance. Arpit Sagar's Move Comes Amid National Focus on Road Quality Arpit Sagar's actions come at a time when the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, led by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, is already under scrutiny. Recently, the Project Director (PD) of Palanpur was suspended due to poor road conditions on the Jamnagar-Amritsar highway. The contractor responsible was also penalised. Sagar echoed similar strict measures, making it clear that the fine will continue to increase daily until the potholes are repaired. Arpit Sagar's Journey: From Bareilly to Bureaucracy Originally from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, Arpit Sagar cleared the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2015, earning her place in the Indian Administrative Service. She completed her degree from NIT Prayagraj, and later chose to pursue a career in civil services to contribute towards public service. Before being appointed as Collector of Mahisagar district, she served in Vadodara as a Deputy Commissioner in the Municipal Corporation. She also held the post of District Development Officer (DDO) in Valsad and was later replaced by Neha Kumari in Mahisagar. Award-Winning Officer Recognised for Development Work In December last year, IAS officer Arpit Sagar received the Best District Development Officer (DDO) Award, a testament to her dedication and administrative excellence. During the same awards event, IAS Shalini Agarwal was recognised as the Best Collector. These accolades reflect the positive impact Arpit Sagar has had on governance and infrastructure development. A Family of Achievers: IAS, IRS and Engineers Arpit Sagar's family is nothing short of inspirational. Her father, Chandrasen, and mother, Meena Devi, raised five daughters, all of whom have achieved notable success. Her elder sister, Arjit Sagar, is an IRS officer. Alongside Arpit, Akriti Sagar is also an IAS officer, while the younger sisters Anshika and Ankita are accomplished graphics engineers. In an emotional interview, her father said, 'I feel blessed that all my five daughters have reached such high positions. Our family is known for having IAS daughters, and that fills my heart with pride.' Personal Life of Arpit Sagar IAS officer Arpit Sagar is married to Vipul Tiwari, who is based in Chhattisgarh. Despite the distance, she manages both her personal and professional responsibilities with utmost dedication and efficiency. Arpit Sagar, as an IAS officer, has demonstrated that firm leadership and accountability can make a real difference. Her brave decision to fine an NHAI officer for the worsening potholes on NH47 shows her commitment to public welfare and road safety. Citizens and fellow officers are celebrating her as a model administrator who is not afraid to take action when needed. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
