Juggling a full-time job with rigorous UPSC exam preparation seems like an insurmountable challenge, yet for Aparna Ramesh of Karnataka, it became a narrative of remarkable success.
A Balancing Act
Aparna, who was simultaneously managing her job commitments, faced the immense challenge of finding balance. In her words, managing time was the biggest hurdle. Yet, her spirit remained unbroken, demonstrating her resilience and determination.
Strategic Study Approach
One of the hallmarks of Aparna’s preparation strategy was her keen ability to prioritize. She meticulously selected and focused on relevant subjects, ensuring she didn’t get overwhelmed by the vast UPSC syllabus. Despite her demanding job, she carved out moments of focused study whenever she could, maximizing her efficiency.
A Grueling Routine
Commitment to her dream saw Aparna maintain a strict routine. She would rise early, dedicating the wee hours from 4:00 to 7:00 am for her studies. Post her job, she’d dive back into her books for another 2 to 3 hours. Weekends were intensive, with Aparna committing up to 8 to 9 hours for study sessions.
The Initial Setback
Success didn’t come easy. In her first attempt, despite her tireless effort, Aparna couldn’t crack the UPSC exam. However, instead of getting disheartened, she treated this setback as a learning curve. She was firm in her decision—if not successful in her subsequent attempt, she’d revert to her profession as an architect urban planner.
Triumph in the Second Round
With renewed vigor and learnings from her past attempt, Aparna embarked on her second UPSC journey in 2020. This time, the universe reciprocated her hard work. Her strategic preparation and indomitable spirit bore fruit as she secured the impressive 35th rank all over India.
Aparna Ramesh’s story stands as an inspiration. Her journey underscores the importance of persistence, the ability to strategize, and the sheer will to succeed, even when faced with constraints and setbacks. It reminds every aspirant that with unwavering focus and hard work, every challenge can be turned into a stepping stone towards success.
