“Manzil mile ya na mile, ye to mukaddar ki baat hai. Hum koshish bhi na kare, ye to galat baat hai.” These powerful words resonate deeply with Neha Byadwal’s journey toward the UPSC exam. Success is rarely a straight line, and for Neha, it was a tale woven with perseverance, smart strategy, and the steadfast support of her family. Despite facing multiple setbacks and coming close to her goal on more than one occasion, Neha’s determination never wavered. After years of struggle, she finally achieved her dream in 2023, clearing the UPSC CSE and securing a coveted position as an IAS officer.
In this story at Indian Masterminds, we take you through her inspiring journey, where relentless effort, and the belief that giving up was never an option led her to triumph.
THE CHALLENGE OF THE UPSC
Neha’s UPSC journey was one of highs and lows. Hailing from a small town in Chhattisgarh, she faced several obstacles that seemed to loom large in the beginning. The prospect of joining the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) seemed like a distant dream, especially for someone coming from a modest background. However, Neha’s spirit was indomitable.
Her story truly begins with her belief that the destination—becoming a civil servant—wasn’t just about the job, but about the ability to serve the nation. “There is always a way if you are determined enough to find it,” Ms. Neha said while speaking on a media platform reflecting about her journey. She knew it wouldn’t be easy, but she was willing to put in the hard work.
In her first attempt, Neha came incredibly close to success. After months of preparation, she just missed the cut-off by a few marks. While this was a bitter blow, she took it with grace, using it as the motivation to give her all in the subsequent attempts.
STRATEGIZING FOR SUCCESS
Neha’s strategy was one of meticulous planning. She didn’t just study hard; she studied smart. Her first lesson in her UPSC journey was understanding the importance of structured preparation. “It’s easy to get lost in the sea of books and material,” she remarked. “What matters is how you manage your time and focus your energy.”
She divided her study plan into phases: mastering the basics, revising the core concepts, and then tackling previous years’ papers for the final phase. But perhaps the most significant part of her strategy was her focus on current affairs. Neha firmly believed that staying updated with ongoing events was crucial for both the General Studies paper and the interview stage. “The exam is not just about memorizing facts; it’s about applying knowledge,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of optional subjects, and Neha took the time to carefully choose hers. Instead of opting for a subject that was trending or recommended by others, she picked something that genuinely interested her and aligned with her long-term goals. This made the study process enjoyable, rather than just another mountain to climb.
Neha’s ability to maintain consistency, even on tough days, is what set her apart. Even when the pressure mounted and self-doubt crept in, she kept pushing herself forward. “It’s okay to have a moment of weakness,” Neha says, “but you can’t afford to stay down for long. Every time you rise, you grow stronger.”
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THE ROLE OF FAMILY SUPPORT
What truly propelled Neha was the unwavering support of her family. Coming from a modest background, her parents were both her anchors and her biggest cheerleaders. Her father, a school teacher, instilled in her the value of education from a young age. Neha remembers how, despite their busy schedules, her parents would find time to talk to her about her dreams, offering words of encouragement and practical advice.
“They never let me feel alone in this journey. Whenever I felt discouraged, they reminded me of why I started in the first place,” Neha recalled. It was her mother who would prepare her favorite meals to calm her nerves during stressful times and would stay up late with her to ensure she had everything ready for the next day. “Their belief in me was my strength,” Neha added.
Her family’s sacrifices were evident. Neha knew that every rupee spent on her books, coaching, and resources was a step closer to realizing her dream. They never once complained about the costs, understanding the value of their investment in her future. Neha often mentioned how much her parents sacrificed to support her dreams and how their encouragement kept her motivated through tough times.
OVERCOMING SETBACKS
In her first attempt, after nearly a year of intense preparation, Neha was devastated when she missed out on a few marks. “I knew I had given it my best, but the results weren’t in my favor,” she said. However, this defeat wasn’t the end—it was merely a stepping stone.
Rather than succumbing to disappointment, Neha used the setback as an opportunity to reassess her approach. She revised her strategy, tweaked her study material, and worked on improving her writing skills. Determined not to leave any stone unturned, she increased the time spent on mock tests and focused heavily on improving her answer writing.
With her family’s continued support and her newly sharpened focus, Neha attempted the UPSC again, with full confidence. And this time, her efforts bore fruit. She secured a rank that not only fulfilled her dream of becoming an IAS officer but also proved to her that perseverance always pays off.
A DREAM REALIZED
From missing the cut-off by a few marks to finally securing a coveted spot in the Indian Administrative Services, Neha’s journey is a shining example for those who believe in the value of hard work and resilience. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring civil servants, showing them that no dream is too big and no hurdle too high to overcome.
