23 October 2026
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Hackathon Winner Becomes UPSC Trailblazer

Richa Kulkarni from Hyderabad secured AIR-134 in UPSC CSE 2022. A Computer Science Engineering graduate, she cracked the exam in her first attempt. She also emerged as winner in Smart India Hackathon and JP Morgan Chase Hackathon
Indian Masterminds Stories

In the realm of civil service examinations, where determination meets diligence, Richa Kulkarni stands as a shining example of perseverance and accomplishment. Hailing from the vibrant city of Hyderabad, Telangana, Richa has etched her name in the annals of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022 results, securing an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 134.

Her journey from being a Computer Science Engineering graduate to emerging as a formidable force in the civil services arena is a testament to her unwavering commitment and exceptional abilities.

EARLY LIFE

Born to illustrious parents, Jayant Kulkarni, a respected Professor, and Bharati Kulkarni, a Senior Deputy Director, Richa inherited a strong foundation of education and values. She completed her Computer Science Engineering degree from the esteemed Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology in Hyderabad, setting the stage for her remarkable trajectory in the realm of UPSC CSE.

Richa’s journey into the world of civil services commenced even before her graduation. Balancing the rigours of engineering studies with her aspiration for a career in civil services, she embarked on her UPSC preparation journey. This unique approach exemplified her tenacity and foresight, setting her apart as a trailblazer.

CLEARED IN THE FIRST ATTEMPT

After completing her undergraduate studies, Richa took a bold step and appeared for her first attempt at the UPSC CSE in 2022. Richa’s resolute spirit bore fruit as she defied the odds and emerged victorious, clinching a remarkable achievement by securing a desired rank on her very first attempt!

OPTIONALS

Richa’s choice of optional subject, Political Science & International Relations, reflects her nuanced understanding of global affairs and governance.

This choice resonates with her pursuit of knowledge beyond the confines of her academic background and underscores her comprehensive approach to the challenges of the civil services examination.

ALL-ROUNDER

However, Richa’s achievements are not confined to the realm of academics alone. Her insatiable thirst for knowledge led her to participate in various competitions, where she showcased her multifaceted talents.

She secured the third prize in the prestigious Smart India Hackathon, a testament to her prowess in applying technological solutions to real-world problems. Adding to her laurels, she clinched the first prize in a Hackathon organized by JP Morgan Chase, attesting to her analytical acumen and innovation.

HOBBIES AND PASSION

Beyond her academic and technological feats, Richa’s interests reveal the depth of her personality. A connoisseur of effective communication, she takes a keen interest in public speaking, which is a skill highly regarded in the realm of civil services. Moreover, her inclination towards writing poetry showcases her sensitivity and creativity, a facet that adds a unique layer to her multifarious personality.

Richa Kulkarni’s journey from Hyderabad to securing AIR 134 in UPSC CSE ’22 exemplifies the power of relentless determination, strategic planning, and the pursuit of excellence. Her story inspires countless aspirants to believe in their abilities and persistently strive towards their goals, even in the face of challenges.

She stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the younger generation, proving that with the right mix of dedication and ingenuity, dreams can indeed transform into reality.


Indian Masterminds Stories
Join our WhatsApp Channel
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
PFC logo resized Power Finance Corporation Ltd
PFC Incorporates Northern Region Power Transmission Limited for Grid Compensation Project 
pnb
PNB Wins Excellence Award, Secures First Runner-Up Position in Risk & Resilience Under EASE₹ise 8.0
Indian Railways Coal Loading Growth
Indian Railways Records 22.5% Growth in Coal Loading in October 2026, Dispatches 87 More Rakes Daily 
GYANDEEP Hindi Library
Defence Secretary Inaugurates Hindi Library ‘GYANDEEP’ at Sena Bhawan Under Special Campaign 6
India Post
India Post Crosses ₹4,000 Crore Quarterly Revenue for Two Consecutive Quarters, Records 24% Growth in H1 FY27
NALCO CVOs
NALCO Hosts CVOs’ Meet in Bhubaneswar to Strengthen Preventive Vigilance and Ethical Governance
BHEL_resized
BHEL Appoints Manepalli Sridhar as Director (Human Resources) Until August 2028 
K
Who Is K. Phanindra Reddy? Retired IAS Officer Appointed TNRERA Chairperson in Tamil Nadu
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
How India Plans to Boost Tourism, Create Jobs and Ease Overcrowding : Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on the Road to 2047
Dr Saket Badola IFS
Beyond Tigers and Safaris: How Corbett Literature Festival Wants to Change the Conservation Conversation
PK Jena
Why Technology Cannot Replace Human Connection in Governance: P.K. Jena
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Mavis tak
From Dropping Out of School to Becoming an IPS Officer : How a Father’s Unwavering Support Helped Mavis Tak Achieve Success
For Mavis Tak, becoming an IPS officer once seemed like a distant dream. Despite financial struggles...
Bhikan Rojekar UPSC
He missed MBBS by 1 mark in 2016; Maharashtra’s Bhikan Rojekar secures UPSC AIR 812
Bhikan Rojekar secured AIR 812 in UPSC CSE 2025 in his third attempt. Read how the son of a farm labourer...
Umar Janj UPSC CAPF
15+ Failures Couldn’t Stop Him: Umar Janj Secures AIR 160 in UPSC CAPF 2025
After multiple SSB setbacks, a CAPF interview miss by 12 marks and more than 15 failures, Umar Janj secured...
CSR NEWS
NLC India CSR Dispensary
NLC India Builds ₹1.23 Crore Dispensary in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram Under CSR Initiative
Inaugurated on October 17, 2026, the new facility at Sri Ramakrishna Math in Keelanagachi aims to strengthen...
MGL CSR initiative
MGL Donates 30-Seater Hydraulic-Lift Bus to NIEPID Davangere Under MGL Saksham CSR Initiative
Inaugurated by MGL Vice President Sanket Dhotre on October 15, 2026, the accessible bus is expected to...
EIL CSR-
Engineers India Distributes Assistive Devices to 55 Divyangjans in Gurugram Under CSR Initiative
EIL’s CSR initiative provides motorised tricycles, hearing aids, wheelchairs and other aids to promote...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
PFC logo resized Power Finance Corporation Ltd
PFC Incorporates Northern Region Power Transmission Limited for Grid Compensation Project 
pnb
PNB Wins Excellence Award, Secures First Runner-Up Position in Risk & Resilience Under EASE₹ise 8.0
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Dr Saket Badola IFS
PK Jena
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT