Ayushi Pradhan, an exceptional young woman from Baripada, Odisha, has emerged as one of the most inspiring figures in the UPSC Civil Services Examination circuit. At just 26, Ayushi has made her mark by securing an impressive All India Rank of 36 in the UPSC CSE 2023, becoming one of India’s youngest female IAS officers!
EARLY LIFE AND FAMILY BACKGROUND
Born on December 2, 1997, in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, Ayushi Pradhan grew up in a family that valued education and perseverance. Her father, a bank manager, and her mother, a homemaker, always encouraged her to pursue her dreams.
From a young age, Ayushi was aware of the importance of building her own identity and contributing to society. Her family provided a supportive environment that nurtured her academic aspirations and fueled her desire to achieve something meaningful in life.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE FROM THE START
Ayushi’s academic journey was marked by excellence. She secured 93.5% in her Class 10 exams from St. Anne’s Convent School, setting the stage for her future successes. In Class 12, she continued her stellar performance with 93% marks from Mother’s Public School in Bhubaneswar.
Following her school years, Ayushi enrolled in the College of Engineering and Technology (CET) in Bhubaneswar, where she pursued a degree in computer engineering. While many of her peers would have chosen a conventional career path in engineering, Ayushi’s aspirations took a different turn.
THE SHIFT FROM MBA TO UPSC
Initially, Ayushi aimed for an MBA, a popular choice among students from her technical background. However, as she moved forward in her career, she realized that her true calling was in public service. She decided to leave her MBA dreams behind and focused on preparing for the UPSC CSE.
This decision wasn’t easy, but Ayushi was determined to carve her own path in the civil services, contributing to society in a way that was both impactful and fulfilling.
THREE ATTEMPTS, ONE GOAL
Ayushi’s UPSC journey wasn’t without challenges. In her first attempt, she reached the interview stage but missed the cut-off by a narrow margin of 13 marks. Undeterred by this near-miss, Ayushi persevered. In her second attempt, she secured AIR 334 and joined the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES). While this was a prestigious posting, Ayushi’s goal remained clear—she wanted to be an IAS officer.
In her third attempt, Ayushi worked while training for her IDES role and took the UPSC exam again. This time, her hard work paid off when she achieved AIR 36, securing her place in the IAS cadre. Despite the challenges of balancing a government job and UPSC preparation, Ayushi remained focused on her dream and achieved it at the age of 26.
A STRATEGY BUILT ON SELF-STUDY
What sets Ayushi apart is her approach to UPSC preparation. She chose to prepare while staying at home, relying on self-study. She meticulously watched videos on relevant subjects, made detailed notes, and solved previous years’ UPSC papers.
These efforts helped her understand the exam pattern and the important concepts thoroughly. Despite her background in computer engineering, Ayushi chose Anthropology as her optional subject—a field that was entirely new to her. The decision demanded extra effort and time, but Ayushi embraced the challenge and mastered it.
CURRENT ROLE AND FUTURE PLANS
Currently, Ayushi is an officer trainee at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie. Her rigorous training will prepare her for a career in public service, where she aims to work towards the welfare of society, especially the most vulnerable sections. Her years at LBSNAA will be crucial as she gears up for her future responsibilities as an IAS officer.
Ayushi’s journey is a clear reflection of the value of persistence and adaptability in the face of challenges. Her story serves as an example for those looking to break into the competitive world of UPSC, proving that with the right mindset and approach, even the toughest obstacles can be overcome.
