Coming from a small town in Buxar, Bihar, Ms. Garima Lohia has made her family proud by cracking UPSC CSE 2022 with AIR 2. A bookworm from the beginning, she cracked one of the toughest exams in her second attempt.
In the first attempt, she couldn’t get through the Prelims but this time she made it into the toppers list. During an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, she shared her UPSC preparation, journey and strategy.
MOTHER’S PRIDE
Born in a family of two sisters and a brother, Ms. Lohia is the middle child. She lost her father in 2015 who was a businessman. After the unfortunate incident, her mother who is a homemaker took all the responsibility and have been the biggest support.
Giving all credit to her mother, this Delhi University Commerce graduate, said, “My mother has worked hard for this. She was there for me always. She used to be awake whole night, if I needed anything.”
Ms. Lohia did her class 10 from Woodstock school, Buxar and went to Banaras for class 12. She graduated from Delhi’s Kirori Mal College. Blessed with great writing skills, she was awarded by UN Forum for Best Essay on Women empowerment.
SELF STUDY
While she was in her last semester of her graduation, the pandemic hit and she came back to Buxar in March 20220. Due to the nationwide lockdown no coaching was available, so she decided to start preparation on her own.
“I only referred to the basic books and looked for materials online. Internet has helped me a lot. I even read newspapers online,” said the topper. After her basic was prepared, she did sign up for few Mains’ test series.
NIGHT OWL
Ms. Lohia, who loves to hear podcasts and teach young children, rarely studied during the day. She used to utilize night time for her studies as there is no disturbance. Sharing a unique thing about her, Varun Lohia (the brother) said to IM, “She has a habit of studying loudly. It would disturb everyone but we tolerated it (he laughs). I am glad that we accepted this habit of hers.”
Her optional was commerce and accountancy. She aspires to be an IAS and work in the field of Women Empowerment.
