Padmini Sehrawat’s journey to becoming an IRS officer is anything but ordinary. While preparing for one of the toughest exams in the country, she was also managing a demanding career and navigating the challenges of pregnancy. In her second attempt, Padmini not only cracked the UPSC but did so with a stellar rank, showing that with the right approach and focus, it’s possible to achieve great things, even under pressure.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, the officer shared details about her preparation and struggles.
A DECISION TO SHIFT GEARS
Padmini’s career began in the private sector, where she worked with ICICI Bank. However, she knew that her aspirations lay elsewhere. “I realized that to achieve what I truly wanted, I needed to make a significant change. The private sector job didn’t give me the flexibility I needed to pursue my UPSC preparation, so I decided to take the plunge,” she shares.
After resigning from her job, Padmini made a strategic shift to the Ministry of Tourism, a role that allowed her to take weekends off and focus more on her studies. Despite her busy schedule, Padmini found ways to maximize her time.
“Even when work demanded late hours, I made sure to squeeze in as much study time as I could. My evenings became sacred for studying,” she told Indian Masterminds.
PRIORITIZING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Amidst her hectic schedule, Padmini was also pregnant during her preparation phase. This added an extra layer of complexity, but she didn’t let it derail her progress.
“I made sure to take daily breaks to manage my health. A 25-minute break during the day for a walk or rest was essential. I also focused on eating well and staying hydrated,” she explains.
For her, maintaining physical health was as important as preparing mentally for the exam. She credits this balance for helping her stay productive.
THE PREPARATION PROCESS
Padmini was meticulous in her preparation strategy. She understood that effective time management and the right resources would make all the difference. “I limited the number of resources I used. Instead of drowning in too many books, I focused on what was essential and relevant,” she says.
One of her key strategies was ensuring multiple revisions of each subject. “I did at least five revisions of each subject, with a focus on high-return areas like quality and modern history,” she adds.
She also chose unconventional resources that worked best for her. For example, instead of using traditional geography books, she relied on specific sources like TMFIS. “Each source had to align with the UPSC syllabus and provide comprehensive yet concise content,” she notes. This streamlined approach helped her avoid the confusion that many aspirants face when overloaded with too much information.
SHIFTING STRATEGY FOR THE RIGHT RESULT
In her first attempt, Padmini chose a finance and strategy optional subject. While she worked hard, the subject didn’t yield the results she hoped for. After analyzing her performance, she decided to switch to Commerce and Accountancy for her second attempt, a subject she felt had better overlap with her management background.
“I learned from my first attempt that the optional subject was crucial. It was important to pick one that not only suited my strengths but also had good overlap with other subjects in the syllabus,” she shared with Indian Masterminds.
This switch proved to be a key factor in her success in the second attempt, where she secured an impressive rank.
THE BALANCING ACT
One of the most challenging aspects of her journey was managing both family responsibilities and preparation. “There was a lot to juggle—studies, work, and family. I had to cut back on social gatherings, and that meant missing out on birthdays and events. But my family understood my priorities, and that support was invaluable,” she says.
The ability to balance these demands came down to one core principle: time management. Padmini kept her study schedule tight and focused, even when her family needed her attention.
She emphasizes, “It’s not about doing everything at once but about managing your time well. The little sacrifices you make today will pay off in the long run.”
WORDS OF WISDOM FOR ASPIRANTS
Reflecting on her journey, Padmini has some advice for future aspirants: “Success in UPSC comes down to your consistency and your ability to stay focused. Everyone has their own path; some may take longer, but if you’re dedicated, it will work out.”
She also underscores the importance of taking care of one’s health during preparation. “Don’t neglect your well-being. A healthy body supports a sharp mind.”
Padmini’s story is a blueprint for success that goes beyond exam preparation—it’s about how to balance priorities, manage challenges, and stay true to one’s vision.
