Each candidate who successfully clears UPSC Civil Services Examination has a unique story. Their struggle with setbacks on the road to success inspires and motivates thousands of aspirants who dream of cracking the exam someday. Likewise, all the 761 candidates who found success in the 2020 UPSC examination has similar tales to narrate. One of them is Ms. Kajal Singh, who is from Fatehpur Kalan village of Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh.
Her story, like many others, proves yet again that when it comes to success, nothing can beat hard work and dedication. And family support is important to stay focused on your goals, especially during the low phases. Indian Masterminds takes a look, today, at Ms. Singh’s life, struggles, and her final triumph in UPSC exam.
GROWING UP
Ms. Singh, who hails from Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh, comes from a farmer’s family where studies were not given that much importance. However, her mindset was different, as she wanted to clear the UPSC exam and become a prestigious civil service office one day. She did lack basic guidance in the early days, but, nevertheless, she decided to walk all alone on the road to UPSC.
She studied in her district till the 4th standard only and had left for Vanasthali in Rajasthan to complete her remaining schooling. After completing 12th from Kota, she took admission in Delhi University to study Electrical Engineering.
Soon after graduating, Kajal started preparing for the UPSC examination. She joined a coaching centre and, also, practiced self-study.
FACING FAILURES
She appeared for the first time in the year 2017, and could not get through the very first stage, which is the Prelims. This continued till two more years, and it was very disheartening for her, as she could not even get through the first stage of the examination.
She appeared for the Indian Engineering Service (IES) in 2019 and secured 13th rank. She also found success in the UPPCS exam in the year 2020, securing 46th rank. However, this is not what Kajal wanted deep in her heart. This was not what she was working so hard for. She badly wanted to clear UPSC Civil Services Examination.
ACHIEVING SUCCESS
In 2020, she again appeared for the UPSC examination. This time she not only cleared the prelims but also the mains and interview stages, to get an All India Rank of 202.
With that rank, she was eligible to enter Indian Police Service (IPS) and finally achieved what she had been dreaming of since a very young age. As a child, she always wanted to become an officer and bring change in the society. And now, as an IPS officer, she has all the wherewithal to work towards bringing positive changes in the places she is posted. Despite initial setbacks, she is finally living her dream!
