When Aditi Chhaparia speaks about success, there is no dramatic flourish—only clarity, balance, and quiet conviction. Securing All India Rank 97 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, Aditi has joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and is currently undergoing professional training at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service in Delhi. Her journey reflects disciplined preparation, thoughtful decision-making, and a mature understanding of what the civil services can—and cannot—offer.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Aditi Chhaparia hails from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Her early schooling was split between a convent school in her hometown and later a boarding school environment. She completed both her Class 10 and Class 12 from Mayo College Girls’ School, Ajmer, an institution known for its academic rigour and emphasis on holistic development.
Her family background exposed her to two distinct worlds. Her father is a businessman in Gorakhpur, giving her firsthand insight into entrepreneurship, market uncertainty, and long working hours. Her mother, on the other hand, runs an NGO and is also an Art of Living teacher, deeply involved in social work and spirituality. This blend of professional pragmatism and social engagement shaped Aditi’s worldview early on.
After school, Aditi moved to Delhi to study at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), where she pursued Economics Honours, graduating in 2022. The academic exposure at SRCC sharpened her analytical thinking and strengthened her interest in public policy, global economics, and governance.
“My academic background helped me think structurally, but preparation for UPSC required much more than just conceptual clarity—it demanded discipline and consistency,” Aditi shared in an exclusive interview with Indian Masterminds.
WHY CIVIL SERVICES?
Coming from a business family and armed with an economics degree from one of India’s top colleges, Aditi had several career options. Yet, the corporate route never fully appealed to her.
She explains that what drew her to the civil services was the variety and scope of work. Unlike conventional career paths, the civil services promised exposure to diverse sectors, geographies, and challenges—something she valued deeply.
“I wanted a career where the nature of work keeps changing and pushes you to grow constantly,” she reflects.
For Aditi, the civil services were not about status or certainty, but about engaging with complex problems across domains and contexts.
CHOOSING THE INDIAN FOREIGN SERVICE
While many aspirants prioritise the IAS, Aditi was clear about her preference for the Indian Foreign Service. Her reasons were both professional and personal.
The Foreign Service, she felt, offered unmatched exposure to global affairs, diplomacy, and international negotiations. Its strong academic orientation and emphasis on continuous learning aligned well with her interests. Her curiosity about cultures, geopolitics, and international systems made IFS a natural fit.
“The Foreign Service allows you to engage with the world intellectually and practically at the same time,” Aditi notes.
UPSC JOURNEY
Aditi appeared for her first UPSC attempt in 2023. While she cleared the exam, she was placed on the reserve list and was allotted the Indian Railway Protection Force Service (IRPFS). Though it was a commendable achievement, she knew she could do better.
The major gap, she realised, lay in answer writing for the Mains examination.
In her second attempt in 2024, Aditi made one decisive change: she prioritised daily writing practice. Between Prelims and Mains—roughly 90 days—she wrote answers every single day, covering both General Studies and her optional subject.
“Writing daily for at least two hours completely changed my comfort level with the Mains exam,” she shares.
Instead of enrolling in multiple test series, she focused on self-evaluation. She analysed toppers’ answer copies, identified structural patterns, and incorporated those elements into her own writing. This approach improved not just content, but also clarity, presentation, and time management.
A SELF-DRIVEN PREPARATION STYLE
Aditi did not follow the conventional coaching-heavy route. She opted for selective, subject-specific guidance rather than a full-time coaching programme. More importantly, she relied heavily on self-accountability.
She stayed off social media entirely, using only YouTube and WhatsApp for essential academic purposes. “I knew my own tendencies, and staying away from social media was necessary for me to stay focused,” she says candidly.
At the same time, she acknowledges that different strategies work for different individuals and discourages blanket advice.
THE UPSC INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE
In both her attempts, Aditi’s interview revolved largely around economics, her Detailed Application Form (DAF), and current affairs. The 2024 interview, however, included some unexpected questions.
One panel member asked her about her favourite rock band, a detail she had mentioned in her DAF. Another questioned the relevance of studying Shakespeare and literature in school, leading to an engaging discussion on the broader value of humanities education.
These questions tested not just knowledge but perspective and articulation—areas where Aditi felt her academic and personal reading habits helped.
LIFE AT THE SUSHMA INSTITUTE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Following the completion of her foundation course at LBSNAA, Aditi began her professional training as an IFS officer in Delhi. Although she is still in the early stages, the curriculum already reflects the breadth of the service.
Classes cover international law, maritime law, European politics, diplomacy, and strategic thought, including sessions on Kautilya’s Arthashastra and its relevance to contemporary foreign policy.
“The training is designed to give us a strong conceptual base before we step into real-world diplomatic roles,” she explains.
ADVICE FOR UPSC ASPIRANTS
Aditi is careful not to romanticise the UPSC journey. She openly speaks about the mental pressure and emotional strain that preparation can bring.
Her advice is rooted in balance.
“This exam should not become the centre of your entire existence,” she emphasises.
She encourages aspirants to stay disciplined and sincere while maintaining hobbies, friendships, and emotional support systems. According to her, mental detachment is as important as hard work.
“Look at civil services as one career option among many—if it works out, that’s wonderful; if not, life still offers plenty of meaningful paths,” Aditi says.
What sets Aditi Chhaparia apart is not just her rank or service allocation but her measured outlook. She does not frame UPSC as a life-defining verdict, nor does she view success as a finish line. Instead, she approaches it as a professional opportunity—one that demands commitment but also perspective.
