Born in the bustling city of Chittaranjan, West Bengal, IAS Taruni Pandey’s life story is nothing short of inspiring. Having spent her schooling years in Jamtara, Jharkhand, she’s a testament to the fact that our surroundings don’t define our destiny but our will and dedication do.
A Glimpse of Her Roots
Jamtara, though notorious for its cybercrimes and even being the backdrop for a gripping web series, is where Taruni’s foundational values were laid. It’s here that her parents, Dr. Arun Kumar Pandey and Neeta Tripathi, brought her up, instilling the importance of education and determination.
Educational Journey
While Jamtara was instrumental in shaping Taruni’s early years, she pursued her higher education, securing both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English Literature from the esteemed Indira Gandhi National Open University.
Aspiration to Heal
Driven by a dream to serve and heal, Taruni embarked on the journey to become a doctor. But, as life often throws curveballs, health issues forced her to abandon her MBBS studies during her second year. It was a pivotal point in her life, leading her to reassess her goals.
Finding a New Path
After experiencing the functioning of government offices and discerning the significant impact civil servants can have, Taruni’s aspirations pivoted from medicine to administration. The allure of UPSC beckoned her.
In 2020, when she first aimed to take the UPSC Prelims, destiny had another test in store – she contracted Covid just four days before the exam. But adversity only strengthened her resolve. In 2021, with age restrictions looming due to her general category status, she attempted the UPSC Prelims. This wasn’t just another exam for Taruni; it was her last shot.
Self-made Success
Refusing to tread the conventional path of enrolling in coaching centers, Taruni turned to the vast expanse of online resources. Platforms like YouTube became her virtual classrooms. Her dedication bore fruit when she not only cleared the UPSC Civil Services Exam of 2021 but secured an impressive 14th rank.
IAS Taruni Pandey’s journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing that with determination and the right resources, even the loftiest of dreams can be achieved.
