Medha Sinha’s path to becoming an Indian Forest Service officer (IFS) reads more like a captivating novel than a traditional civil service exam success story. It’s a tale brimming with ambition, resilience, and the unexpected twists that life can throw. Speaking with Indian Masterminds Medha shared about her journey.
Fresh out of Hindu College, a wide-eyed Medha, like countless others, fell for the allure of the UPSC exam – the “toughest exam” and the gateway to a prestigious career in public service. Armed with a strong academic record, she embarked on her journey, blissfully unaware of the challenges that lay ahead.
FATHER’S SUPPORT
A rude awakening awaited her. Her initial underestimation of the exam’s rigor resulted in a string of failures at the crucial mains stage. Discouraged and questioning her very capabilities, Medha plunged into a period of self-doubt. It was during this dark phase that her father emerged as a beacon of hope. He, recognizing her masked vulnerability, offered a powerful piece of advice: “कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते, मा फलेषु कदाचन्” (focus on your actions, not the fruits). These words from the Bhagavad Gita became her guiding light. “I would have spiraled deeper into this negativity, if not for my father, who has always been my anchor and who saw my fragility despite the facade,” Medha shared.
Embracing a new approach, Medha diversified her pursuits. She landed a coveted job as a probationary officer (PO) at the State Bank of India (SBI) and even secured a full merit scholarship for an MBA at the prestigious Indian School of Business (ISB) in Hyderabad. In 2022, amidst her MBA studies, success struck again – she cleared the BPSC exam, bagging a rank of 24 and a position in the Bihar Administrative Service (BPSC).
The experience of working in Bihar solidified a crucial realization: public service was indeed her calling. With renewed determination, she returned to the UPSC arena, this time with a wealth of life experiences in tow. “And, so, after all this time, I plucked up my courage and decided to give the exam one more try,” Medha shared with Indian Masterminds.
PRELIMS STRATEGY
Medha’s strategy for the UPSC prelims was practice-intensive. She relied heavily on mock tests and foundational books for civil services and diligently followed The Hindu newspaper. Her practice paid off, as she scored 103 in GS1. For CSAT, her finance background helped her avoid extensive preparation, though she acknowledged the increasing difficulty of the section. Her tip for aspirants is to solve previous years’ questions within a time limit.
For the mains, she opted for online coaching for her optional subjects (forestry and geology) due to her work commitments. However, she stresses the importance of developing a clear and visually appealing writing style, incorporating diagrams and charts for enhanced impact.
Medha’s excellence in the general English paper was notable, achieving one of the highest scores. “Incorporating inspirational lines from renowned authors, such as Rabindranath Tagore, can leave a positive impression on examiners, indicating a familiarity with good literature,” she added.
WISE WORDS
Her advice to future aspirants resonates with empathy: “Face this exam with confidence; you have it in you.” She acknowledges the shared struggle of UPSC aspirants, offering a message of solidarity and reminding them that the knowledge gained throughout the process is invaluable.
Medha’s triumph, achieved with an All India Rank 13 in the UPSC IFS 2023 exam, is a testament to her spirit and the transformative power of perseverance. It’s a story that transcends mere exam success – it’s a journey of self-discovery, adaptation, and ultimately, achieving one’s true purpose.
“I realize now how the trials and tribulations of life have forged me into a kinder individual and a better officer. It has been a special journey, and, looking back, I would change nothing about it,” she said in conclusion.
