IAS Vaishali Singh stands tall as a beacon of inspiration for many. In the UPSC exams of 2018, she achieved an impressive All India Rank of 8. Interestingly, becoming an IAS officer was not her initial dream. Vaishali’s original path was law, and she practiced it diligently. It was her time spent as a lawyer and her encounters with the underprivileged children that sparked a new ambition in her.
Born and raised in Faridabad, Haryana, Vaishali was academically inclined from her early days. Her academic prowess led her to Delhi, where she pursued her graduation. Once she completed her degree, she embarked on her legal career. However, the pressing issues faced by impoverished children that she witnessed during her legal career deeply moved her. That was the turning point when she realized that the UPSC platform could be instrumental in bringing about impactful changes for these children.
Her initial journey into the UPSC realm was not without its challenges. Vaishali faced a setback in her first attempt, failing to clear even the preliminary examination. However, true to her resilient spirit, she took this failure as a learning opportunity. Keeping her morale high and her vision clear, Vaishali meticulously prepared for her second attempt.
The results of her hard work and perseverance were evident when not only did she clear the UPSC exam in her next attempt, but she also secured an admirable rank, leading her straight into the prestigious IAS service.
Vaishali’s journey offers profound insights into the key elements of achieving success in the UPSC exams. According to her, hard work is undeniable, but it should be complemented with smart study techniques. She emphasizes the importance of crafting an effective strategy and underscores the critical role of time management in ensuring success.
Today, as an IAS officer, Vaishali is in a position where she can tangibly influence policies and bring forth changes that can positively impact the lives of those underprivileged children who initially inspired her journey. Through her story, she encourages aspirants not just to dream, but to align those dreams with a larger purpose that can make a difference in society.
