“Success belongs to those who keep walking even when the road offers no sign of arrival.”
For many aspirants, two failed attempts can become a reason to stop dreaming. But for Nikita Verma, they became the reason to fight harder. Hailing from Ghaziabad, she turned disappointment into determination and secured All India Rank 30 in UPSC CSE 2025 in her third attempt. What makes her journey truly inspiring is that after failing to clear Prelims twice, she finally crossed every stage – Prelims, Mains, and Interview – in one determined run, proving that patience, self-belief, and relentless effort can change everything.
Indian Masterminds interacted with Ms Verma to understand her inspiring journey, the strategy that worked for her in this successful attempt, and the message she wants to share with UPSC aspirants.
Her Background: Roots of Excellence
She was born and brought up in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Her father works with the Delhi Government as a Deputy Secretary, providing a stable and inspiring environment for learning and growth. From an early age, Nikita exhibited a keen interest in understanding the dynamics of politics and international affairs.
She pursued her undergraduate degree in BA (Honours) Political Science from the University of Delhi, followed by post-graduation from the same prestigious institution. Her academic choices seamlessly aligned with her passion, laying a strong foundation for her UPSC optional subject: Political Science & International Relations (PSIR).
Her hobbies, which include learning Bharatanatyam and analyzing current national and international affairs, reflect a well-rounded personality, blending cultural depth with intellectual curiosity.
Journey So Far: A Road Paved With Determination
Nikita’s UPSC journey is one of resilience. Her success in 2025 came on her third attempt, marking a significant milestone in her life.
“My mantra for success in this exam can be summarized in three words: persistence, patience, and perseverance.”
Her first two attempts were challenging, as she failed to clear the Prelims, even though her CSAT scores were consistently good. Instead of being disheartened, Nikita used each setback as a learning experience. She analyzed her mistakes, redefined her strategies, and continued her preparation with renewed vigor.
It was in her third attempt that she finally cleared the Prelims, followed by success in the Mains and Interview, culminating in her remarkable AIR 30.
The Biggest Struggle: Facing Repeated Failures
The greatest challenge Nikita faced was the repeated inability to clear the Prelims in her first two attempts. She admits:
“In both my previous attempts, I hadn’t cleared the Prelims. But I never gave up. My mindset was simple: I would continue to work and refine my strategy until I succeeded.”
Her struggles weren’t just academic—they were emotional and mental. Every aspirant knows the weight of repeated failures, the self-doubt, and the temptation to give up. Yet, Nikita’s determination and belief in herself turned these trials into lessons, strengthening her resolve rather than breaking it.
Her Preparation Strategy: Meticulous and Methodical
Nikita’s preparation was a combination of strategic planning, consistent revision, and focused understanding of the syllabus:
- Core Strategy: She focused on understanding the structure and demands of each paper, analyzing previous years’ question papers to anticipate the pattern and type of questions.
- Static Portion Mastery: Her knowledge of History, Geography, and Political Science was meticulously revised multiple times, ensuring a solid grasp of the static syllabus.
- Current Affairs: Nikita kept a strong hold on current events, both national and international, leveraging her interest in geopolitics to link facts to concepts in her optional and General Studies papers.
- Optional Advantage: Being a Political Science graduate, she leveraged her subject expertise for PSIR, seamlessly connecting her academic learning with the UPSC syllabus.
Through consistent effort, note-making, and rigorous revision, she built confidence that prepared her for Mains once Prelims was cleared.
Interview Insights: Confident, Composed, and Informed
The UPSC interview can be unpredictable, but Nikita’s preparation and clarity of thought helped her shine:
- Questions were centered on her DAF (Detailed Application Form) and her optional subject, PSIR, focusing on geopolitics, international relations, and current affairs.
- She was also asked about local issues, such as air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region during the winter season, showcasing the interviewers’ interest in candidates’ awareness of practical problems.
- Personal interests like Bharatanatyam also featured in the discussion, reflecting the interviewers’ effort to understand her personality beyond academics.
Nikita’s ability to remain calm, articulate, and knowledgeable ensured a successful outcome in this final and crucial stage.
Message for Aspirants: Strategy, Belief, and Consistency
Nikita Verma’s advice for future UPSC aspirants is both practical and motivational:
She said, “UPSC is dynamic and unpredictable, but if you formulate the right strategy, you can bring it under control. Understand the paper’s demands, study previous years’ papers, and focus on both Prelims and Mains. The key is persistence, patience, and perseverance.”
She emphasizes that while the exam may seem daunting, dedicated preparation, self-belief, and a positive mindset can help aspirants navigate the toughest challenges.
Key Takeaways: Lessons From Nikita’s Journey
- Never Give Up: Repeated failures are not defeat—they are lessons.
- Strategize Smartly: Analyze previous papers and understand the exam pattern.
- Leverage Your Strengths: Use your academic background and interests as your preparation advantage.
- Balance & Consistency: Combine rigorous study with hobbies and personal interests to maintain mental balance.
- Focus on Current Affairs: Connect concepts to real-world events for better understanding and retention.
Nikita Verma’s story is not just about cracking the UPSC; it is about turning adversity into opportunity, embracing challenges, and demonstrating that disciplined effort always pays off. Her journey inspires countless aspirants across India, proving that with persistence, patience, and perseverance, even the loftiest goals are within reach.
