https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Sulochana Meena: The 22-Year-Old Who Conquered UPSC from a Small Village

At just 22, Sulochana Meena became an IAS officer, achieving an All India Rank of 415 in her first attempt, inspiring countless young aspirants from rural India.
Indian Masterminds Stories

At just 22, Sulochana Meena has accomplished what many dream of but few achieve – cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her first attempt. She secured an impressive All India Rank of 415 in the 2021 UPSC results, making her the youngest IAS officer from her village of Adalwada, a small town in Sawai Madhopur district, Rajasthan. Her inspiring journey from rural Rajasthan to the elite ranks of the Indian Administrative Service is one to proudly share about.

A DREAM SET IN CHILDHOOD

Sulochana’s ambition to become an IAS officer was clear from a young age. Growing up in a small village, she was always determined to bring about positive change in her community and beyond. While many around her considered other career paths, Sulochana remained steadfast in her goal of becoming a civil servant. Her early determination set the stage for her success.

EDUCATION AT DELHI UNIVERSITY – A STEPPING STONE

After completing her schooling in Rajasthan, Sulochana moved to Delhi to pursue her undergraduate studies. She enrolled at Delhi University and completed her BSc in Botany. It was during her college years that her focus shifted entirely to preparing for the UPSC exams. While others around her followed different career paths, Sulochana knew she had to start early and prepare rigorously to achieve her goal.

HARD WORK AND SMART STRATEGIES

Sulochana’s preparation for the UPSC exam began in earnest after her graduation in 2020. She meticulously gathered the necessary study materials, starting with core textbooks like Lakshmikant for Polity, Spectrum for History, and NCERT books. To supplement her learning, she also turned to YouTube, watching videos from successful candidates like IAS Kanishka Kataria. These videos helped her understand the nuances of UPSC preparation and develop a study strategy that worked for her.

She also developed a habit of reading newspapers daily, analyzing the current events, and thinking about the possible questions that could be derived from them. This practice helped her stay updated on the latest developments and sharpened her analytical skills, which proved to be valuable during the exam.

CONSISTENCY AND DISCIPLINE

Sulochana’s preparation was characterized by consistency and discipline. She committed herself to studying for 8-9 hours a day, staying focused on her goal without distractions. Her study sessions were a mix of reading, writing practice, and revising key concepts regularly. She understood the importance of time management and staying true to her plan, ensuring that she made steady progress each day.

SUCCESS IN FIRST ATTEMPT – A MOMENT OF PRIDE

When the UPSC 2021 results were announced, Sulochana’s name stood out. She had cracked the exam in her very first attempt, securing AIR 415. Her achievement made headlines in her village, where she became a symbol of hope and inspiration. Her hard work had paid off, and she had earned a place among the nation’s brightest young civil servants.

SERVING AS AN IAS OFFICER

Sulochana’s work as an IAS officer began in Medininagar, Jharkhand, where she quickly gained recognition for her innovative approach. She introduced a five-day court proceeding schedule, compared to the usual two days, leading to a significant reduction in the number of pending cases in her court.

This initiative not only improved the efficiency of the judicial system but also demonstrated her commitment to making a real difference in her new role.

A MESSAGE FOR ASPIRING CANDIDATES

Sulochana’s story proves that success is within reach for those who are committed and willing to put in the effort. Her journey from a village girl to an IAS officer is proof that with determination, discipline, and focus, one can overcome any obstacle. She has shown that it is possible to achieve one’s dreams, no matter how big, through hard work and persistence.

For those preparing for the UPSC, Sulochana’s path offers valuable lessons: stay focused on your goals, keep learning, and most importantly, never give up on your dreams. Her success story is an inspiration to countless aspiring civil servants across the country.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Haryana gov resized
Haryana Set to Promote Two IPS Officers to Director General of Police
Complaint
Complaint Filed Against Senior IPS Officer for Sending Inappropriate Messages
Jammu and Kashmir Government
Three IAS Officers Assigned New Postings in J&K; Check Names Here
IAS Officers Indian Administrative Services
Senior IAS Officer Rajendra Ratnoo Opts for Voluntary Retirement
SEBI
SEBI Appoints 3 New Executive Directors: Amit Pradhan, Avneesh Pandey & Sanjay Purao Take Charge
Lateral_entry_resized
No Reservation in Lateral Govt Job Entries, Centre Tells Rajya Sabha Citing Single-Post Rule
DelhiPolice
Top-Level Shake-Up in Delhi Police: 3 IPS Officers Reassigned Amid Security Concerns; Chahal Named DG, Civil Defence
mp
MP’s ₹3 Lakh Crore Infrastructure Boom: 255 km Greenfield Highway, ₹5,500 Cr Tiger Corridor Among Key Road Projects
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
Puducherry
Scientific, Strategic, and Sustainable: How Dr Arulrajan is Transforming Puducherry’s Ecology
Haryana gov resized
Haryana Set to Promote Two IPS Officers to Director General of Police
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