There is a famous saying: “God’s plan will always be greater and more beautiful than all your disappointments.” Sometimes, we may feel in control of our destiny, but no matter how hard we try, it can change at any moment. The key is to always give 100% dedication to whatever we do. This story is a perfect reflection of that truth.
Taruni Pandey never dreamed of becoming a civil servant. From childhood, she had her heart set on becoming a doctor. But destiny had a different path in store for her. In her second year of medical school, her life took a drastic turn. After battling dengue, typhoid, and cerebral malaria, she faced a tragic accident, slipping down a hill and injuring her leg. These health challenges forced her to leave her dream of becoming a doctor behind.
In 2016, another tragedy struck her family – the loss of her brother-in-law, a brave CRPF commandant. Supporting her sister through this difficult time, Taruni accompanied her to meetings with various bureaucrats to explore job opportunities. During these visits, she saw firsthand the powerful impact one dedicated bureaucrat could have on the lives of many people. Inspired by this realization, Taruni decided to shift her focus and pursue a career in civil services, determined to serve the nation in her own way. Today, she is an officer in the Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts & Finance Service (IP&TAFS). Her story is a true example of dedication and honesty, proving that if you truly want something, persistence, and self-belief can make it possible.
Indian Masterminds spoke with Ms Pandey, a 2022 batch IP&TAFS officer, to gain deeper insights into her inspiring journey.
JOURNEY SO FAR
She began her preparation in 2019, right after her graduation. However, in 2020, just four days before her first attempt, she contracted COVID-19 and was unable to sit for the exam. Although the exam schedule was delayed that year due to the pandemic, she had only six months to prepare for her next attempt. This would also be her final attempt, as she was approaching the upper age limit of 32 for general category candidates.
In the UPSC CSE 2021, she not only appeared for the exam but also cracked it, securing an impressive AIR-14 in the reserve list. She is currently posted at the National Communication Academy – Finance (NCA-F) in New Delhi and is undergoing her foundation course in Hyderabad.
Offering advice to aspirants, she said, “Aspirants should prioritize their mental and emotional well-being while preparing for the exam. It’s crucial to focus on developing the right skill set. Once you identify your strengths and work accordingly, success will follow, regardless of your background. Create your own strategy based on your strengths, and avoid copying others. Trust yourself.”
UPSC INTERVIEW SUGGESTIONS
She did not attempt any mock tests for the interview. Reflecting on her experience, she admits, “At that time, I didn’t have much knowledge about the UPSC interview process, but I always tried to stay true to myself.” Offering advice to aspiring candidates, she said, “Always be honest in the interview. The interviewers are highly experienced and intelligent, so trying to deceive them with fabricated stories or hiding the truth is impossible. Some candidates exaggerate their achievements in their DAF (Detailed Application Form), but the interviewers can spot such discrepancies immediately. So, only include what you can genuinely justify in your DAF. They can catch even the smallest inconsistencies.”
She also shared valuable tips on attire for the interview: “Dress smartly – it matters a lot. Your clothes don’t need to be bold or extravagant, but they should be neat and professional. For example, some girls wear sarees for the first time and struggle to carry them confidently. If you plan to wear something like that, practice beforehand. The way you walk, sit, and present yourself is just as important as your answers.”
Taruni emphasized that the hype created by coaching institutes about the interview can be intimidating for aspirants, but the interviewers are not as scary as they’re often made out to be. “Relax and stay calm,” she advised. “Language is not a barrier either.”
When asked why they wanted to become a bureaucrat, she urged aspirants to give an honest and thoughtful response. “The typical answer, ‘I want to help people,’ isn’t enough. It’s fine if you genuinely want to help, but explain your motivations in a sincere and detailed way.”
BACKGROUND
She describes herself as a blend of three states: West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand. Her ancestors hail from Arrah, Bihar, but her family now resides in Jamtara, Jharkhand. She was born and raised in West Bengal.
Her father was a civil servant in the Jharkhand State Civil Service and retired as a District Husbandry and Animal Officer. Her mother works as a teacher in a government school. She has a brother and a sister.
Taruni completed her basic education up to the 10th grade in Chittaranjan, West Bengal, before moving to Jamtara for her 12th grade. She initially pursued an MBBS degree from Sikkim but had to leave it after the second year due to health issues. In 2019, she graduated with a degree in English Literature from IGNOU, and she later went on to complete her post-graduation in the same field from the same university.
“Sometimes in life, you will face problems, but never let frustration take over. Give yourself time to reflect and think about the next path for you. I took some time to compose myself,” she added.
UPSC PREPARATION
She never attended any coaching classes for her preparation. Instead, she utilized the internet and social media to guide her studies at home. She made her own notes by watching YouTube videos and kept revising and refining them. Rather than relying heavily on standard textbooks, she focused on creating handwritten notes while watching videos. A key part of her strategy was to work on eliminating wrong answers.
Before diving into her preparation, she made sure to thoroughly understand the syllabus. She set daily targets for herself, aiming to complete a set number of chapters each day. Her optional subject was Public Administration and Public Affairs, in which she scored 269 marks.
She reflected, “From a young age, I never relied on coaching classes, not even for my board exams. I’ve always trusted in the power of self-study.”
Her interview experience was positive; the board was cordial, yet they questioned her thoroughly. She was asked about everything from her background and delayed education to current affairs. One of the board members asked, “You completed your 12th in 2009; why did you take so long to finish your graduation?”
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