“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” – Colin Powell
In the sacred city of Pushkar, where devotion meets determination, a young woman has etched her name into history – not with privilege, but with perseverance. Ankita Parashar, a name now synonymous with resilience and triumph, has secured All Rajasthan Rank 2 in the prestigious Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) 2023 examination.
Her story is not just about a rank. It’s about a promise – a daughter’s vow to her dying father, a silent struggle against odds, and a glowing example of what it means to turn dreams into destiny.
Indian Masterminds interacted exclusively with Ms Ankita to learn more about her inspirational journey and how she balanced her studies with her government job. Despite being at the Deputy Chief Minister’s office during the interview, she graciously gave us her time.
Journey So Far: From Classroom to Command
Ankita began her professional life as a Second Grade Teacher at the Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Pushkar. There, she first experienced the transformative power of education, but something deeper called out to her – the desire to create impact at the administrative level.
Her path wasn’t a straight one. It took four attempts to crack the RAS exam –
- 1st & 2nd Attempt: Cleared Prelims, but couldn’t make it past the Mains.
- 3rd Attempt: Selected into the RAS Allied Services and posted as a BDO (Block Development Officer) in Dudu, Jaipur.
- 4th Attempt (2023): Historic success – secured 2nd rank in all of Rajasthan.
Her journey was a masterclass in patience, persistence, and purpose.
Background: A Promise Made in Grief
Born and raised in Pushkar, a spiritual town in the Ajmer division of Rajasthan, Ankita grew up in a family rooted in service and values. Her father, the late Satyanarayan Parashar, was a dedicated worker in the government medical service. Despite battling cancer, he nurtured one dream – for his daughter to become an administrative officer.
As he lay gravely ill eleven years ago, he looked into his daughter’s eyes and said, “You will become an RAS officer one day.”
Ankita, a teenager then, replied with unwavering conviction: “Papa, I will definitely fulfill your dream.”
Today, that promise has blossomed into one of Rajasthan’s greatest success stories.
Her mother, Manju Parashar, a third-grade government teacher in Pushkar, stood strong through every hardship, becoming Ankita’s pillar of strength. Her brother, Vikas Parashar, serves at the Pushkar government hospital, continuing the family’s legacy of public service.
Preparation Strategy: The Art of Balancing Dreams and Duty
What sets Ankita apart is not just her result but how she achieved it.
Despite holding a full-time government job, Ankita relied mostly on self-study. She attended coaching classes only for guidance, as full-time preparation wasn’t an option.
“It was self-study and a bit of guidance from coaching,” she said. “I prioritized my time and focused on key areas. Teaching helped me revise many subjects.”
Even as she worked as a teacher and later as a BDO, she never let her dream fade. Her strategy included –
- Smart Time Management
- Targeted Answer Writing Practice
- Utilizing Teaching as Learning
- Taking Study Leave Around Exams
She was released from her teaching post in July 2024, allowing her to devote more focused time to her final, successful attempt.
The Interview: Confidence Meets Clarity
Ankita recalls her interview experience as both thoughtful and challenging. The panel focused primarily on –
- Her professional background
- Current affairs
- Her reasons for transitioning from BDO to RAS
- Her approach to administration and leadership
One question stood out to her –
- “How would you like to identify yourself?”
This introspective query, she says, made her think beyond ranks and designations. For Ankita, the answer was clear – a responsible officer who uplifts lives and honors her father’s legacy.
Turning Points: The Making of a Topper
Several key moments shaped Ankita’s journey –
- Father’s Death: A tragedy that became her mission.
- First Two Failures: Helped her identify her weaknesses.
- BDO Posting (3rd Attempt): Gave her real administrative experience and strengthened her resolve to aim higher.
- Switch from Teacher to Officer: Allowed her to transition fully into administrative mindset.
- Fourth Attempt (2023): The perfect blend of experience, maturity, and motivation.
Message to Aspirants: Believe. Persist. Succeed.
To thousands of RAS aspirants, Ankita’s journey offers one resounding message –
“If you have a dream, and if you are truly dedicated to it, it will definitely come true. The journey may be hard, but your struggle will one day get a name.”
She urges aspirants, especially young women, to never underestimate their potential.
“Circumstances will never be perfect. But if you’re determined, the path becomes your own. Don’t wait for the right time. Start where you are, with what you have.”
An Epitome of Women Empowerment
In a society where many women are still told to limit their ambitions, Ankita Parashar is a revolution in motion. Her success is not just a personal victory, but a symbol of women’s empowerment in Rajasthan and beyond.
From a teacher in Pushkar to a top-ranked officer of RAS, she embodies the strength of dreams, the power of promises, and the beauty of never giving up.
“I want girls to never underestimate their dreams,” Ankita says. “Your circumstances do not define you – your courage does.”
A Legacy Begins
Ankita Parashar is no longer just a name from Pushkar – she is now an icon for every student, every daughter, every dreamer. She turned grief into grit, struggles into stepping stones, and a father’s wish into a lifelong legacy.
Her appointment as a RAS Officer is not the end – it’s the beginning of a journey where she will now serve the people of Rajasthan, with the same dedication she once gave to her books and classrooms.
In a world that often doubts the dreams of small-town girls, Ankita Parashar roared back with a rank.
And to that, all of Rajasthan says:
“Well done, daughter. You didn’t just pass the exam – you passed the test of life.”
