One of the best modern Urdu poets, Bashir Badr writes, ‘Hum bhi dariya hain, humein apna hunar maloom hai; Jis taraf bhi chal padenge rasta ho jayega’, which loosely translates to “We are like rivers, we know our specialties, wherever we go, paths will be created.”
These lines fit Aishwarya Dubey’s journey. A gold medalist in her graduating years, she cracked the UPPCS exams on her very second attempt and ranked within the top 10 candidates.
Her dream job though is becoming an IAS officer and she has already cracked the UPSC CSE- 2022 Mains and just waiting for her interview next month.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Ms. Aishwarya Dubey said, “There might be slightly more challenges for girls but nothing insurmountable that cannot. be achieved with hard work.”
On her first try, she could not even clear her prelims, but in the second, she turned out to be one of the toppers, and the second one from Agra, besides Divya Shekhawat. “You do your bit and everything else will work out,” said Ms. Dubey.
SECOND-TIME LUCKY
In 2021, she gave her first PCS exams, when she failed, it hurt but it also made her aware of her weaknesses, she said. “So, without wasting any time, I restarted from the beginning with a new strategy again and executed it much better the second time,” Ms. Dubey said.
She gave her first UPSC attempt in CSE-2021 and could not clear even prelims. But in UPSC CSE-2022, she not only clears the prelims but Mains too.
Hailing from a middle-class family, Aishwarya’s four-year journey of civil services preparation is inspiring. Her father has retired from a private job, while her mother is a homemaker. She has a younger brother, who is doing a private job.
EDUCATION
Ms. Dubey has done her entire education in Agra. She completed her higher secondary from St. Clare’s Senior Secondary School, Agra Cantt. Her BSC-MSC, integrated course, in Computer Science was from Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra, and she even was awarded a Gold Medal.
PCS PREPARATIONS
It was during her final year of post-graduation that she decided to prepare for the Civil Services. She started coaching for it in 2019. Then there was the Covid-19 outbreak that halted everything.
It impacted Aishwarya’s preparation too. She could not go for her studies outside. She focused on self-studying.
In her eight months of coaching, she could complete only her foundation course before the pandemic struck.
She also gave a few mock tests for her Mains and interviews in a few coaching centers.
She gave her exam in English and had Sociology as optional.
REGULAR SHORT TARGETS
She set small targets and focused more on books than videos. Aishwarya’s focus was on regular study rather than counting hours.
“Still I was studying a good 10 hours daily during my preparations. Both social media and mobile phones were off-limits,” she said.
Her resources were limited and NCERT was an essential part. “Revision and re-revision is the key, she said, adding that “Right now, I am preparing for UPSC CSE Interview and I am following the same strategy.”
MANTRA
Her “Guru-Mantra” for all aspirants is: “Make your own strategy and prepare according to it.”
During her interview, she was asked questions related to dowry, rural India and moral values. She was given a situation where she had to deal with a dowry case, she solved it by invoking moral values and counseling.
“Do not go for civil services under any kind of social pressure. Pursue it only if you want and have passion for it,” said Aishwarya to aspirants, who should trust themselves and work hard.
“Believe in your dreams, as faith can move mountains,” says this PCS topper before signing off.
