In the vast expanse of India’s talent pool, there arise some prodigies whose determination and zeal set them apart. One such story is that of Srishti, whose unyielding dedication to her dream culminated in her excelling at the UPSC examination right on her first try.
From a tender age, Srishti’s dream was crystal clear: she aspired to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Intriguingly, even after discerning the colossal challenge of cracking what’s considered India’s most demanding exam, she never wavered or got bogged down by the scale of her ambition. Instead of being daunted by its reputation, Srishti wore blinders, concentrating solely on her goal.
This unwavering focus began to manifest results when she embarked on her UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) preparation in the third year of her engineering course. Not many can fathom the level of commitment required to juggle an intense undergraduate program with UPSC preparations. Yet, by the culmination of her fourth year, Srishti not only secured her engineering degree but also clinched the fifth rank in the UPSC examination.
A significant aspect of Srishti’s success story was revealed during one of her interviews. She opined, “Diligence is common among aspirants. However, it’s the mental disposition that differentiates.” The alignment of one’s mental faculties, according to her, plays a crucial role in channelizing energies effectively. For Srishti, maintaining mental and physical well-being was pivotal. To avoid distractions and maintain this equilibrium, she took the bold step of deleting all her social media accounts prior to commencing her preparations.
Her journey, enriched with lessons, brought forth two cardinal tips for fellow aspirants. First, consistency is the backbone of any long-term goal. The preparation phase should not resemble a roller-coaster ride. Instead, it should reflect a sustained and steady effort. Second, and perhaps more profound, is the importance of self-belief. In the labyrinth of preparation, doubters may abound, but it’s imperative to remain steadfast in one’s self-confidence.
Concluding her insights, Srishti imparted a nugget of wisdom, which might as well be the cornerstone of her success: “Treat your first attempt as your last.” She emphasized not to use the initial attempt as a ‘trial run’. The key is to approach it with the mindset that it’s the only shot you have. This perspective, she believes, exponentially elevates the chances of success.
Srishti’s journey is a testament to the fact that with unwavering focus, consistent effort, and an indomitable spirit, dreams do come to fruition.
