In the realm of India’s esteemed civil services examination, the story of Abhilasha Abhinav stands as a beacon of perseverance and triumph. Hailing from Patna, the capital city of Bihar, Abhilasha etched her name in the annals of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) history by securing the 18th rank in the 2017 examination. This feat not only made her a topper but also a source of inspiration for many aspiring civil servants.
Abhilasha’s journey to success wasn’t a straight path. Prior to her remarkable achievement in 2017, she had already cleared the UPSC exam but was allocated the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) due to her lower rank. Unfulfilled by this outcome, Abhilasha, driven by her relentless spirit, decided to reappear for the exam. This decision bore fruit magnificently as she not only cleared the exam again but also dramatically improved her rank, becoming a direct topper.
The backdrop of Abhilasha’s success story is as compelling as her achievements. In her hometown, societal norms often dictate that women should prioritize marriage over career aspirations. In this traditional setting, Abhilasha had to exert extra effort to persuade her parents to defer her marriage and support her educational pursuits. This challenge, however, only added to the luster of her success.
Abhilasha’s eventual selection vindicated her parents’ decision to prioritize her education over early marriage. They realized the merit in supporting their daughter’s ambitions. Abhilasha’s journey, like many others’, was strewn with personal struggles and societal pressures. In her candid interviews with Knowledge Track, she openly discussed the various challenges she faced, including balancing her studies with other life aspects.
Academically, Abhilasha was a bright student from the beginning. She topped her district in the 10th standard and continued her streak of academic excellence by scoring over 80 percent in her 12th standard examinations. Following her schooling, she pursued a B.Tech degree and subsequently began working in a corporate environment. It was during this phase of her life that she embarked on her UPSC preparation journey.
Remarkably, Abhilasha chose to continue working while preparing for the UPSC exams. She managed to juggle her professional commitments with her rigorous preparation across all three attempts. Her approach serves as an encouragement to other aspirants who are in a similar situation. Abhilasha’s story underlines the importance of valuing the luxury of time and using it judiciously, especially for those who are fortunate enough to prepare for such competitive exams without the burden of a job.
Her story is a testament to the fact that with determination, hard work, and the right mindset, one can overcome societal barriers and personal challenges to achieve their dreams. Abhilasha Abhinav’s journey in the UPSC examination serves as an inspirational narrative for countless individuals who aspire to excel in their respective fields, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
