Khushhali Solanki’s journey to securing AIR-61 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023 is a story of determination, setbacks, and personal battles. Born and raised in Bikaner, Rajasthan, she had always been academically inclined. After completing her BTech in Civil Engineering from NIT Surat, she set her sights on one of the toughest exams in the country. But beyond the textbooks, mock tests, and revision schedules, Khushhali’s path was filled with emotional struggles and moments of doubt. When the weight of expectations became overwhelming, she found comfort in conversations with her two beloved pets, who unknowingly became her silent supporters through the toughest times. She has got West Bengal cadre and is now under-training.
A DREAM ROOTED IN PURPOSE
Born and raised in Bikaner, Khushhali was an academically bright student. After completing her BTech in Civil Engineering from NIT Surat, she found herself drawn to the idea of serving the nation through the civil services. The decision to pursue UPSC was not just about prestige or power; it was about making a meaningful impact.
However, as every aspirant knows, the UPSC journey is not a smooth ride. It is filled with uncertainties, self-doubt, and emotional turmoil. For Khushhali, the path to success was anything but easy. She faced setbacks, personal struggles, and moments where giving up seemed like the only option.
A TASTE OF REALITY
Khushhali’s first attempt at UPSC was an eye-opener. Like many bright aspirants, she started with enthusiasm but soon realized the vastness of the syllabus and the unpredictable nature of the examination. Despite her diligent efforts, she couldn’t clear the Mains. The failure hit her hard, but instead of letting it define her, she decided to learn from it.
“I underestimated the importance of answer writing and revision,” she admitted. “But more than that, I realized that mental strength was as crucial as knowledge”, she said while speaking on a media platform
THE BATTLE WITH DEPRESSION
Her second attempt was marked by extreme emotional distress. She reached the interview stage, only to fall short of the final selection. The disappointment was overwhelming, plunging her into self-doubt and depression. She began questioning her capabilities, and the fear of another failure loomed large.
It was during this phase that her two pets—a dog and a cat—became her silent companions and healers. Whenever she felt overwhelmed, she would talk to them, pouring out her frustrations and fears.
“They never judged me. They never told me I wasn’t good enough. In their eyes, I was always worthy of love and comfort,” she shared. “At a time when I felt alone and burdened by expectations, they reminded me to live in the moment.”
Her pets became her emotional anchors, helping her navigate through the darkest days. She found solace in their presence, and slowly, she began rebuilding herself.
A STRATEGIC COMEBACK
Determined to turn things around, Khushhali approached her third attempt with renewed focus and an altered strategy. She completely relied on online resources, carefully selecting materials that aligned with her preparation style. She emphasized multiple revisions, mock tests, and rigorous answer-writing practice.
More importantly, she worked on her mental resilience. She adopted meditation, started journaling, and continued confiding in her pets whenever the pressure felt unbearable. She learned to embrace failures as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.
“I started focusing on the process rather than the result. Every day, I reminded myself why I started this journey,” she said.
THE TURNING POINT
After missing out in her second attempt, Khushhali knew she had to make changes. Instead of letting disappointment consume her, she analyzed her weaknesses. She fine-tuned her strategy, focusing more on revision, taking more mock tests, and learning from her past mistakes. More importantly, she worked on maintaining a healthier mindset, allowing herself short breaks, engaging in small moments of joy, and leaning on her support system—both human and animal.
Her persistence paid off in her third attempt. She approached the exam with renewed confidence, and this time, she made it. Securing AIR-61 in UPSC CSE 2023 was not just about clearing an exam; it was about overcoming the self-doubt and emotional struggles that had once threatened to derail her dreams.
MOMENT OF TRIUMPH
When the UPSC results were announced, Khushhali could hardly believe her eyes—AIR-61. The moment was surreal. The years of struggle, the countless sacrifices, and the unwavering faith had finally paid off.
Her family, who had stood by her through every high and low, erupted with joy. But amidst all the celebrations, she took a moment to sit with her two pets, gently stroking them, whispering, “We did it.”
A MESSAGE TO ASPIRANTS
Khushhali’s story is not just about academic excellence; it is about mental strength, resilience, and finding support in the unlikeliest of places. Her message to aspirants is simple yet profound:
“This journey will test you in every possible way. There will be days when you feel like giving up, but remember why you started. Find your source of strength—be it family, friends, or even pets. You are stronger than your failures.”
Her journey from self-doubt to self-belief serves as an inspiration for thousands of aspirants. In a world where success stories often focus only on the results, Khushhali Solanki’s story is a powerful reminder that true success lies in the journey itself.
