Areeba Nomaan, a 2022 batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, exemplifies the journey of dedication, strategic preparation, and perseverance. Born and raised in the Sultanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, she had an ordinary upbringing but harboured an extraordinary dream. Her story is not just about clearing the prestigious UPSC examination but about the lessons she learned along the way, which resonate deeply with many aspirants.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND EARLY INFLUENCES
Areeba completed her schooling in Sultanpur up to the 10th standard. Her life took a significant turn when she moved to Delhi for her 11th and 12th grades. Post-schooling, she pursued computer science engineering at Delhi University, showcasing her academic prowess in a technical field. Despite her science background, she chose sociology as her optional subject for the UPSC examination and is currently pursuing a master’s in sociology.
Her initial inspiration to join the civil service came from her family. “My father and grandparents often shared stories about collectors and SPs they admired. Their tales ignited a spark in me, though I didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of their responsibilities back then,” Areeba shared with Indian Masterminds. During her time at Delhi University, exposure to the civil services cell and interactions with alumni further solidified her resolve. A critical moment was her conversation with an SDM from her district, who encouraged her to pursue her dream wholeheartedly, even advising her against settling for an MBA if her heart was set on civil services.
THE JOURNEY TO SUCCESS
Areeba’s journey wasn’t without challenges. She cleared the examination in her fourth attempt. “I never lost faith in myself, even during my failed attempts. I knew I had given my honest efforts,” she says.
First Attempt: She missed the prelims cutoff by just six marks, which motivated her to push harder.
Second Attempt: She cleared the prelims with a significant margin but faltered in the mains due to a lack of structured preparation.
Third Attempt: Despite excelling in GS during the prelims, she couldn’t clear CSAT. “CSAT is about reaching as many questions as possible. Getting stuck on difficult ones cost me dearly,” she reflects.
Fourth Attempt: She focused on addressing her weaknesses, particularly CSAT, and maintained a disciplined approach to her preparation. This comprehensive strategy finally bore fruit as she cleared UPSC CSE 2021 with All India Rank 109.
PREPARATION STRATEGY AND INSIGHTS
Areeba emphasises the importance of consistency and structured preparation. “Prelims and mains require different mindsets. For mains, short notes, answer writing, and extensive practice are crucial,” she advises. She also warns against over-reliance on multiple resources. “Don’t fall into the trap of reading ten books once; instead, read one book ten times,” she suggests, echoing advice from past toppers.
For aspirants preparing for interviews, she highlights three pillars:
Knowledge: Go in with a strong grasp of your DAF and current affairs. Preparation is key.
Personality: The panel wants to have a meaningful conversation. Be presentable, humble, and engaging. Share examples and make your responses personal.
Attire: Be neat and clean. For men, a blazer and tie aren’t mandatory, but your overall appearance should be formal. For women, subtle colours and simple designs work best.
MESSAGE TO ASPIRANTS
To those preparing for the UPSC, Areeba stresses the importance of honesty and self-discipline. “Ask yourself if your efforts are genuine. Stick to the process, take one day at a time, and never lose hope,” she advises. She also urges aspirants to avoid distractions and stay focused on their goals.
“This exam is not about rocket science; it’s about organising vast syllabi into manageable chunks and maintaining consistency. Success comes when you meet your daily targets, not just when you dream about the final result,” she states.
CURRENT ROLE AND FUTURE ASPIRATIONS
Currently posted as an SP under training in Aligarh, Areeba is immersing herself in the nuances of her responsibilities. While it’s too early for her to initiate large-scale projects, she is learning the ropes by engaging with various departments. Her proactive approach ensures that she is well-prepared for her future roles.
