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From Boardroom to Global Diplomacy: Wardah Khan Cracks UPSC Top 20 After Ditching Corporate Job

Wardah Khan cracked UPSC CSE 2023 in her second attempt. She secured AIR-18 in the examination, the results of which were declared on 16 April. She is looking forward to joining the Indian Foreign Service.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Wardah Khan’s remarkable journey from the bustling corporate world to the corridors of civil service success serves as an inspiration to many. Her story, marked by determination and passion, highlights the transformative power of following one’s dreams.

Hailing from Noida, Wardah’s pursuit of cracking the prestigious UPSC exam led her to achieve the 18th rank in the 2023 examination, a momentous accomplishment celebrated by her and her family.

Indian Masterminds presents her story to you.

DISCOVERING THE CALL TO CIVIL SERVICE

Wardah’s journey towards civil service began during her college days at Khalsa College, Delhi University. Fascinated by geopolitics, history, and politics, she actively engaged in debates and Mock United Nations sessions, unknowingly laying the groundwork for her future aspirations.

Despite her academic interests, the idea of civil services as a career path only crystallized later.

TRANSITIONING FROM CORPORATE TO CIVIL SERVICES

After a brief stint in the corporate world, Wardah realized her true calling lay in serving society and her country. Discontent with merely pursuing a corporate career, she made the courageous decision to pivot towards civil services.

Driven by a desire to make a tangible difference, she bid farewell to her corporate job and embarked on a rigorous preparation journey for the UPSC exam.

PREPARATION AND STRATEGIES

Wardah’s preparation strategy for the UPSC exam was marked by dedication and meticulous planning. Recognizing the importance of mastering fundamental resources such as NCERT textbooks and ‘Polity’ by Laxmikant, she prioritized building a strong foundation of knowledge.

Additionally, she stressed the significance of structuring syllabus outlines for mains and optional subjects, advocating for thorough note preparation before the exam cycle.

ACHIEVING SUCCESS AND SETTING GOALS

Wardah’s hard work and perseverance bore fruit when she secured the 18th rank in the UPSC exam. The announcement of her achievement filled her with disbelief and euphoria, validating years of dedication and sacrifice.

Looking ahead, Wardah aspires to serve in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), fueled by a passion to bolster India’s global standing and support the Indian diaspora on international platforms.

WORDS OF WISDOM AND ADVICE

Reflecting on her journey, Wardah shares valuable insights for aspiring UPSC candidates. Emphasizing the importance of mastering basic resources and meticulous planning, she encourages future aspirants to stay focused and disciplined in their preparation.

Wardah Khan’s journey from corporate professional to civil service achiever exemplifies the pursuit of passion and purpose. Her story inspires individuals to dare to dream and pursue their aspirations relentlessly. As she sets her sights on serving in the Indian Foreign Service, Wardah’s journey serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for aspiring civil servants across the country.


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