“The path to triumph is often paved with tiny defeats – each one a lesson in strength, focus, and endurance.”
From a young age, Shatakshi Pandey harbored a singular dream – to join the civil services and serve the people. Even as she pursued engineering, excelled academically, and later went to Europe on a prestigious scholarship, the call of civil services never left her. No matter where life took her, the desire to fulfill her childhood ambition quietly but persistently shaped every decision she made.
Upon returning to India, she devoted herself entirely to her goal. Years of disciplined study, self-doubt, near misses, and relentless effort tested her patience and resilience, but she refused to give in. With each setback, she rose stronger, sharpening her focus and determination, until she finally claimed her place among the toppers.
Her perseverance culminated in a remarkable triumph: Rank 6 overall and Rank 1 among women in CGPSC (Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission) – 2024. From long nights of self-study and rigorous answer writing to balancing a teaching stint at a government school, Shatakshi’s journey is a roller coaster of discipline, courage, and unwavering resolve – a story that inspires every aspirant to pursue their dreams against all odds.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Ms Pandey said, “It’s all about hard work, consistency, effort, determination, and smart work. Every setback is just a step closer to success. My journey has truly been a roller coaster.”
Early Life and Background
She hails from Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. She completed her schooling at Maharshi Vidya Mandir Mangla and later studied 11th and 12th at DAVCCL Bilaspur. Her passion for learning led her to pursue B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering from BIT Durg, where she distinguished herself academically by clearing GATE in her final year.
Following her undergraduate success, she pursued an M.Tech on scholarship at CV Raman Institute, Bilaspur, marking her academic journey with excellence. During her M.Tech, she also began her preparation for the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC), setting the foundation for her future success.
Her father is a businessman, and she comes from a supportive family that encouraged her academic and professional ambitions.
Journey So Far: A Roller Coaster of Persistence
Shatakshi’s CGPSC journey began in 2022, appearing for the 2021 PSC prelims. Her path was far from smooth:
- 2022 Prelims: Missed clearing by 1.4 marks
- 2023 Prelims: Failed again, missing by 2.4 marks
- 2024 Prelims: Failed once more
Despite these narrow misses, she remained steadfast. From 2023 onward, she focused heavily on Mains preparation, dedicating her months from November to February for Prelims practice. Finally, in 2025 (for the 2024 PSC), she cleared the Prelims by a comfortable margin, scoring 35 marks above the cutoff.
Her first attempt at the Mains and Interview turned out to be a historic success, achieving high marks across all seven subjects and culminating in Rank 6 overall. This journey, as she describes it, was a “roller coaster ride full of ups and downs”, a vivid reflection of her relentless persistence.
Preparation Strategy: Smart, Focused, and Disciplined
Her preparation evolved over the years, with 2024 being the most disciplined phase –
Daily Routine
- Woke up late morning, began study sessions around 11–12 PM
- Morning session till 2–2:30 PM
- Light lunch and half-hour nap
- Evening study till 5:30–6 PM, followed by tea break
- Dedicated time for answer writing and MCQs practice
Prelims Focus: Solved photocopied MCQ papers at home, self-assessed using answer keys, and tracked positive/negative marks ratio
Interview Preparation: Simple, focused on personal journey, hobbies, and experiences, including her Erasmus+ scholarship study in Czech Republic, her tenure as a contractual computer teacher at Swami Atmanand College, and insights into New Education Policy
Her approach underscores consistency, quality content, and targeted preparation. She emphasizes – “It’s all about hard work, consistency, effort, determination, and smart work.”
Biggest Struggle: Prelims Hurdle
The Prelims exam proved to be her most formidable challenge. She reflects, “When you fail by one or two marks repeatedly, it feels like a mental barrier rather than a lack of knowledge. It’s about overcoming fear and negative thoughts.”
Her repeated narrow misses taught her precision, confidence, and resilience, crucial traits for any aspirant.
Turning Points
Several moments defined Shatakshi’s success –
- Focus on Mains from 2023 onward: Even while failing Prelims, she ensured that her core understanding of the subjects deepened.
- Prelims success in 2025: Scoring well above the cutoff, which boosted confidence and set the stage for her Mains triumph.
- Interview preparation through personal experiences: Leveraging her Erasmus+ scholarship, teaching experience, and cultural knowledge made her stand out.
Balancing Work and Preparation
Between 2023–2024, she worked as a contractual computer teacher at a government school in Bilaspur. Despite the job, she never took a break from her studies, demonstrating that with discipline and focus, aspirants can balance work and preparation effectively.
Lessons and Advice for Aspirants
She emphasizes two pillars for clearing CGPSC or similar competitive exams –
- Answer Writing Practice: Regular and structured practice is key to performing in Mains.
- Quality Content: Study standard books and reputable sources rather than random materials.
She concludes with a motivational message – “Every aspirant must believe in hard work, consistency, and smart work. Do not let failures shake your resolve; keep moving forward.”
Inspiring Mindset: From Engineering to Civil Services
Even with a stellar academic background, including GATE success and an Erasmus+ scholarship in Europe, she never wavered from her civil services dream. She explains:
“From the beginning, my inspiration was towards the civil services. I never sat for placements or MNC interviews because I knew my path lay in serving the public.”
Her journey reflects a blend of vision, patience, and determination, turning setbacks into stepping stones for success.
Shining example of Resilience & Smart Strategy
Shatakshi Pandey’s CGPSC-2024 success story is a shining example of resilience, smart strategy, and unwavering focus. From failing Prelims by a hair’s breadth multiple times to finally emerging as the female topper, her journey proves that true perseverance triumphs over obstacles. Her story will inspire countless aspirants to dream big, work hard, and believe in themselves.
