In the quiet village of Paju Khurd in Haryana’s Jind district, celebration erupted the moment the UPSC results were declared. The reason? One of their own, Simran Kharb, had secured All India Rank 66 in the country’s most prestigious examination, the Civil Services Exam.
The daughter of Jagbir Kharb, an Income Tax Officer posted in Shimla, Simran’s success story is not just about cracking an exam; it’s about fulfilling a father’s long-held dream. From dusty village roads to Delhi’s coaching classrooms, her journey was powered by belief, discipline, and the burning desire to make her family proud.
FROM SAFIDON’S SCHOOL DESKS TO DELHI UNIVERSITY CLASSROOMS
Simran completed her schooling in a private school in Safidon, a town not far from her village. After that, she moved to Delhi, where she pursued her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Delhi University. It was during this time that she seriously began preparing for the UPSC exam.
Her path was far from easy. After two unsuccessful attempts, most would have given up or settled for something else. But Simran was determined to give it one more shot. Her third attempt proved to be the turning point, catapulting her into the top 100 ranks in the nation.
THE POWER OF ROUTINE AND SIMPLICITY
Living alone in Delhi, Simran followed a self-disciplined schedule that became the backbone of her preparation. She studied in focused sessions – 9 am to 1 pm, then again from 2 pm to 5 pm, 6 pm to 8 pm, and the final, most intense session from 9 pm to 2 am.
In between, she allowed herself small breaks, sometimes watching a serial after lunch. It was never about studying 18 hours a day. Instead, it was about studying smart, staying consistent, and not allowing stress to take over.
Her approach combined balance with hard work, which helped her stay fresh, focused, and motivated through months of preparation.
PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF
Simran’s third attempt was not just an exam; it was a test of patience, mindset, and inner strength. Having faced disappointment twice before, it would’ve been easy to lose confidence. But she chose to learn from every mistake, refine her approach, and move forward with a sharper focus.
Her family stood like a pillar behind her, never letting her forget what she was capable of. Their belief became the wind beneath her wings.
FOCUS, FRIENDS, AND THE MOBILE PHONE
One key message Simran shares with other aspirants is about the importance of company and technology. For her, the mobile phone was a powerful tool, not a distraction. She used it to access study material, stay updated, and improve her knowledge. But she also knew where to draw the line.
Similarly, she surrounded herself with positive, driven people who encouraged her instead of pulling her down. That made all the difference in staying emotionally strong throughout the journey.
FROM IPS TO IFS: EVOLVING ASPIRATIONS
Initially, Simran had her sights set on becoming an IPS officer. But as she delved deeper into her studies and began to understand global affairs more closely, her ambitions evolved. Now, she dreams of serving the nation as a diplomat in the Indian Foreign Service, representing India on international platforms.
It’s a shift that reflects not just her growth as a candidate but also her maturity as an individual who now sees service through a wider lens.
ONE GIRL. ONE FAMILY. ONE HISTORIC MOMENT.
Simran is the only child of her parents, which made this success even more personal for the Kharb family. From their roots in Paju Khurd to their current life in Sonipat, every step was taken with care, sacrifice, and love.
Today, her success belongs not just to her or her family; it belongs to every small-town girl who is told to dream within limits. Simran’s journey is a reminder that neither background nor failure defines your future.
