12 November 2026
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UP Girl’s One-Way Ticket to UPSC Gets Her Rank 62 in CSE 2022

Gonda’s Vaishnavi Paul cleared UPSC CSE-2022 with AIR-62 in her fourth attempt Her response to a hypothetical question during the interview round displayed her exceptional confidence She says that she never felt like quitting despite failures as UPSC was a one-way journey for her
Indian Masterminds Stories

Vaishnavi Paul, a 26-year-old girl hailing from the town of Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, has earned the 62nd rank in the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022. The daughter of a local businessman, Aditya Paul, Vaishnavi’s achievement has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for her family, community, town, and aspiring civil servants across the nation.

Indian Masterminds brings to you the success story of this girl from Gonda who didn’t entertain any thought of quitting even after three failed attempts.

BIG ACHIEVEMENT

The streets of Gonda erupted with joy and pride as news of Vaishnavi’s remarkable achievement spread like wildfire. Residents and well-wishers flocked to her residence, extending their heartfelt congratulations and celebrating her outstanding success. Vaishnavi’s journey to this momentous achievement was not without its share of challenges, but her unwavering determination and unshakable self-belief paved the way for her triumph.

Vaishnavi’s aspiration to join the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) was ignited during her early years, as she avidly read newspapers that acted as windows to the world. Her commitment to her goal was unswerving, and she channelled her energies into her studies and preparation, determined to make her dream a reality.

“I didn’t feel like quitting ever! UPSC was a 1-way journey for me,” Vaishnavi told media.

EDUCATION

With a strong educational foundation, her path to success was already well-laid. After completing her secondary education at Fatima School in her hometown, she set her sights higher and embarked on a journey to Delhi for her further studies. Her academic prowess shone as she earned a degree in economics from the renowned Lady Shri Ram College. Currently, she continues to expand her intellectual horizons at Jawaharlal Nehru University, further enriching her knowledge and perspectives.

THE DEFINING MOMENT

Vaishnavi’s journey to securing the 62nd rank in the UPSC CSE was marked by resilience and perseverance. Her success did not come overnight; it was the culmination of four dedicated attempts, each one a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal.

The defining moment arrived during the interview round, where she displayed exceptional poise and confidence. When faced with a hypothetical scenario involving a lack of coordination between a former District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Vaishnavi’s response was a testament to her strategic thinking and optimistic approach. Her answer exemplified her readiness to tackle real-world challenges with a constructive and solution-oriented mindset.

Confidently, she responded that she would initiate a fresh professional relationship with a positive approach in order to address the lack of coordination.

SUPPORT

Beyond her individual accomplishments, she remains grounded and credits her success to the unwavering support of her parents, teachers, and friends. She believes that a dream, when nurtured within a supportive network, can flourish into reality through a combination of hard work and fearlessness.

Vaishnavi Paul’s remarkable journey from the bylanes of Gonda to the roads of the civil services has become an inspiring tale that resonates far beyond her community. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, self-belief, and the unwavering support of loved ones. As she prepares to embark on her journey as an IAS officer, her achievement stands as a shining example for all those who dare to dream and strive for excellence.


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