“It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
Some stories do not just inspire, they shake you awake. The journey of IAS Avdhija Gupta (AIR 43, UPSC 2024) is one such powerful narrative – a story of resilience forged through repeated failures, silent tears, unwavering discipline, and unbreakable self-belief. From failing the UPSC Preliminary Examination three consecutive times to emerging as one of the top rankers of the country, Avdhija’s success is not accidental. It is earned – day by day, mistake by mistake, and attempt by attempt.
This is not merely the story of cracking an exam. This is the story of becoming an Indian Administrative Service officer through patience, perseverance, and purpose.
Journey So Far: From Repeated Failure to National Glory
Avdhija’s UPSC journey reads like a screenplay filled with struggle, suspense, and finally, triumph. After completing her graduation in 2020, she committed herself fully to the Civil Services Examination. What followed were three heartbreaking years – 2021, 2022, and 2023, where she failed to clear the Prelims, each time missing the cutoff by a narrow margin.
For many aspirants, one or two failures are enough to shatter confidence. But she stayed. She stayed with her books, her dream, and her belief.
She recalls, “Every time the results came out, I would cry. But the very next day, I would open my books again. I treated failure as data – where did I go wrong, what do I need to fix?”
In 2024, her fourth attempt, something changed. There was no panic, no desperation – only calm clarity built from years of learning. She cleared Prelims, wrote an excellent Mains, performed confidently in the Interview, and finally secured All India Rank 43 in UPSC 2024 – all without any formal coaching. She has been allotted the Gujarat cadre.
Background and Roots: Growing Up Across India
Born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, her childhood was shaped by constant movement. Her father had a transferable government job, which meant the family lived in different parts of India. Her mother hails from Bihar, adding to her culturally rich upbringing.
- 10th Grade: Rajasthan
- 12th Grade: Kolkata
- Higher Education & Home: Pune, Maharashtra
Schools changed. Cities changed. Friends changed. But one thing remained constant – her dedication to education.
She believes this “all-India upbringing” gave her adaptability, empathy, and perspective – qualities that later reflected strongly in her DAF-based interview answers and her understanding of governance in a diverse country like India.
Academic Foundation: History as Strength
She completed her graduation in History from Loreto College, University of Kolkata, one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in History.
She says, “A new environment and new challenges everywhere – this is what prepared me for the uncertainties of UPSC.” History was not just her academic subject; it became her strategic weapon.
The Biggest Struggle: Failing Prelims Three Times
The hardest phase of Avdhija’s journey was undeniably the Prelims stage. Failing thrice – and that too by slim margins – tests not just knowledge, but identity and self-worth.
Yet, she refused to let failure label her. Instead of changing optional subjects, chasing new resources, or blaming luck, she diagnosed her mistakes:
- Weak elimination logic
- Inconsistent mock performance
- Overthinking on exam day
Each failure refined her approach. She learned to respect the exam instead of fearing it.
Turning Point: Fourth Attempt, Calm Mindset
The fourth attempt (2024) was a turning point – not because she studied more hours, but because she studied better.
There was:
- No haste
- No fear
- No comparison
Only one clear goal — “I will not return empty-handed.”
That calm mindset, combined with years of preparation, delivered extraordinary results.
UPSC Preparation Strategy
Prelims: After three failures, Avdhija relied heavily on Previous Year Questions (PYQs) to understand UPSC’s thinking. Mock tests were used to improve decision-making and time management rather than just scores. Consistency, she says, mattered more than intensity.
Mains: She followed a disciplined answer-writing routine, especially for GS-2, where she scored 117 marks. Feedback from ForumIAS and VisionIAS test series helped refine structure, content balance, and relevance.
History Optional: Scoring 303 marks (Paper 1: 150, Paper 2: 153), Avdhija used –
- Self-made notes
- Repeated PYQ practice
- Focused map work using Rashid Yasin’s materials
- Limited, well-revised resources from Self Study History
Interview: She prepared through multiple mock interviews with mentors, focusing on composure, clarity, and authenticity rather than scripted answers.
UPSC Interview Questions: What the Board Asked
Avdhija appeared for her Personality Test in early 2025. Her interview was wide-ranging and deeply rooted in her DAF and academic background.
History & Education-Based Questions
- Why she chose History as her optional subject
- Relevance of History in modern administration
- Questions on archaeological sites like Rakhigarhi
- Architectural significance of Red Fort and Qutub Minar complex
DAF & Personal Background
- Being born in Jabalpur and settling in Pune
- Experience of living in multiple states
- Influence of her father’s transferable job
- Cultural exposure due to her mother’s roots in Bihar
Hobbies & Interests
- Rock music and its cultural impact
- Role of literature in contemporary society
- Her interest in visiting historical places across India
Situational & Opinion-Based Questions
- Handling administrative challenges
- Ethical dilemmas
- Views on governance, economics, and current affairs
Her calm demeanor, structured thinking, and honesty left a strong impression on the board.She also emphasized authenticity, including greeting the board with “Namaste”, reflecting her values and cultural grounding.
Message to Aspirants
Her message is simple yet profound – “I didn’t give up even after failing Prelims three times. Every time I thought – there is one more chance. If I can do it, you can too. Just don’t take failure personally. Learn from it and move forward.”
She advises aspirants to:
- Seek internal motivation, not temporary inspiration
- Limit resources, revise more
- Build a system that works on worst days
- Stay authentic and ethical
A Salute to Perseverance
At just 25 years of age, she is all set to begin her training at LBSNAA. Her journey proves that UPSC is not magic – it is a test of patience, discipline, and self-belief.
From failing three times to securing AIR 43, her story reminds every aspirant that defeat is never final unless you give up yourself.
Avdhija Gupta – you truly deserve our salute.
