https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

From Boardroom to Global Diplomacy: Wardah Khan Cracks UPSC Top 20 After Ditching Corporate Job

Wardah Khan cracked UPSC CSE 2023 in her second attempt. She secured AIR-18 in the examination, the results of which were declared on 16 April. She is looking forward to joining the Indian Foreign Service.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Wardah Khan’s remarkable journey from the bustling corporate world to the corridors of civil service success serves as an inspiration to many. Her story, marked by determination and passion, highlights the transformative power of following one’s dreams.

Hailing from Noida, Wardah’s pursuit of cracking the prestigious UPSC exam led her to achieve the 18th rank in the 2023 examination, a momentous accomplishment celebrated by her and her family.

Indian Masterminds presents her story to you.

DISCOVERING THE CALL TO CIVIL SERVICE

Wardah’s journey towards civil service began during her college days at Khalsa College, Delhi University. Fascinated by geopolitics, history, and politics, she actively engaged in debates and Mock United Nations sessions, unknowingly laying the groundwork for her future aspirations.

Despite her academic interests, the idea of civil services as a career path only crystallized later.

TRANSITIONING FROM CORPORATE TO CIVIL SERVICES

After a brief stint in the corporate world, Wardah realized her true calling lay in serving society and her country. Discontent with merely pursuing a corporate career, she made the courageous decision to pivot towards civil services.

Driven by a desire to make a tangible difference, she bid farewell to her corporate job and embarked on a rigorous preparation journey for the UPSC exam.

PREPARATION AND STRATEGIES

Wardah’s preparation strategy for the UPSC exam was marked by dedication and meticulous planning. Recognizing the importance of mastering fundamental resources such as NCERT textbooks and ‘Polity’ by Laxmikant, she prioritized building a strong foundation of knowledge.

Additionally, she stressed the significance of structuring syllabus outlines for mains and optional subjects, advocating for thorough note preparation before the exam cycle.

ACHIEVING SUCCESS AND SETTING GOALS

Wardah’s hard work and perseverance bore fruit when she secured the 18th rank in the UPSC exam. The announcement of her achievement filled her with disbelief and euphoria, validating years of dedication and sacrifice.

Looking ahead, Wardah aspires to serve in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), fueled by a passion to bolster India’s global standing and support the Indian diaspora on international platforms.

WORDS OF WISDOM AND ADVICE

Reflecting on her journey, Wardah shares valuable insights for aspiring UPSC candidates. Emphasizing the importance of mastering basic resources and meticulous planning, she encourages future aspirants to stay focused and disciplined in their preparation.

Wardah Khan’s journey from corporate professional to civil service achiever exemplifies the pursuit of passion and purpose. Her story inspires individuals to dare to dream and pursue their aspirations relentlessly. As she sets her sights on serving in the Indian Foreign Service, Wardah’s journey serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for aspiring civil servants across the country.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
NCST Holds Review Meeting with NHPC
NCST Holds Review Meeting with NHPC on Implementation of Safeguards for Scheduled Tribe Employees
MP CM Collector Award Niti Aayog
Sampurnata Abhiyan: Madhya Pradesh Leads NITI Aayog Campaign; Collectors from 8 Districts Win Gold
Mohan Yadav
MP CM Mohan Yadav Pushes for Sustainable, Community-Driven Rural Water Policy; Targets 100% Tap Coverage by March 2027
Ajay Bhadoo IAS
IAS Ajay Bhadoo Gets Extended Term as DGFT - What It Means & His Career Journey
THDCIL_Receives_ABMS_Certification_for_Integrity_and_Transparency
THDC India (THDCIL) Awarded ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Certification by BIS - Details Inside
Ministry of Environment
Environment Ministry Clarifies Petrol Vehicle Tender, Cites E-Vehicle Flexibility
Bokaro Steel Plant
PESB Selects Priya Ranjan to Head Bokaro Steel Plant, SAIL’s Key Production Unit
REC Limited wins ‘Best Design Thinking Award’ at 5th Distinguished NBFC (DNA) Awards
REC Limited Bags ‘Best Design Thinking Award’ at 5th Distinguished NBFC Awards
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr
Resisted Flawed Schemes, Transferred Thrice In Three Months, Found Solace In Writing
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
IAS SVR Srinivas on Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Tough Calls, and the Real Power of IAS Officers | Video Interview
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-08 at 5.25
Dharavi Redevelopment: IAS Minds Turning 100-Year-Old Slum into a Modern City | Video Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Minnu P M
“Lazy, Sleepy, Yet Determined”: Minnu P M’s Honest Take on Cracking UPSC
Minnu PM, once a clerk in Kerala Police, cleared UPSC with AIR 150 after five years of struggle. Her...
IPS Ashish Tiwari
From IIT and Investment Banking to Public Service, Meet IPS Ashish Tiwari 
Ashish Tiwari, IIT graduate and former investment banker, chose public service over global finance. As...
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-12 at 7.27
First Attempt IRS, Fourth Attempt IPS: The Relentless Pursuit of Jitendra Kumar Yadav Who Cracked UPSC 3 Times
IPS Yadav is originally from Chhattisgarh. He was first selected for the IRS through UPSC and later for...
Social Media
Masahiro Hara
From Go Board to Global Use, How QR Codes Changed the World: IRAS Officer Ananth Rupanagudi Spotlights Masahiro Hara’s Vision
IRAS officer Ananth Rupanagudi shared a video on Masahiro Hara, the inventor of QR codes, highlighting...
IFS Susanta Nanda Video
A Mother’s Duty: Tigress Watches Over Cubs Splashing in Waterhole — Heartwarming Video Shared By Retd. IFS Officer Susanta Nanda
A tender wildlife video shared by Retd. IFS officer Susanta Nanda shows a tigress keeping watch over...
Mohanmala
Kaziranga Mourns: Beloved Elephant Mohanmala Passes Away After Five Decades of Service
Kaziranga National Park mourns the loss of Mohanmala, a beloved elephant who served over 50 years as...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
NCST Holds Review Meeting with NHPC
NCST Holds Review Meeting with NHPC on Implementation of Safeguards for Scheduled Tribe Employees
MP CM Collector Award Niti Aayog
Sampurnata Abhiyan: Madhya Pradesh Leads NITI Aayog Campaign; Collectors from 8 Districts Win Gold
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-08 at 5.25
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT