There is a famous saying that “Be inspired by others’ ways but don’t follow their ways; instead create your own way and follow your own way!’ Priyangi Mehta always did just that. She cracked BPSC-2022 with rank 1 in her very first attempt. In fact, she might also become an IAS officer this year as she has cracked UPSC CSE-2023 Mains as well. She did it all with self-study.
Since her childhood, Priyangi has always been clear about what she to do and how to do it. She listens to everyone’s advises but always does what she feels is right for herself. That’s why, she got success with minimal resources with her own strategies.
Hers is a guiding story from which all aspirants can draw inspiration from, that if they want to achieve something, then, they must just follow their own instincts, and do it with all honesty.
Indian Masterminds interacted with Priyangi Mehta to know more about her inspiring journey.
JOURNEY SO FAR
She started her preparation after graduation in 2022. BPSC-2022 was her first attempt and she cracked it with Rank 1. She got the Revenue Officer post as it was her first preference. There was no SDM post in BPSC-2022.
Meanwhile, she also gave two attempts in UPSC. In CSE 2022, she could not crack prelims as she had just started her preparation. But, in her second attempt in 2023, she cracked mains and reached the interview. Her interview will possibly be held in March this year.
She said, “Obviously, the journey of Civil Services is a long one, there were many ups and downs. But, as much as there was struggle, I have learned even more. It was entirely a very positive experience for me.”
BACKGROUND
She hails from Patna where her father Mithilesh Kumar runs an electronic repair shop. Her mother is a homemaker, and she has two younger sisters.
Her father also dreamt of joining civil services, but could not do it. Now, Priyangi has fulfilled his dream. Priyangi’s grandfather worked as a clerk in the Bihar secretariat.
She studied till 12th in Patna. Then, she moved to Banaras and did her graduation (BA) in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 2022.
She dreamt of joining Civil Services even before joining graduation. Perhaps, that is why, she did her 12th in Humanities from Bihar Board.
CIVIL SERVICE PREPARATION
Her preparation was focussed on multiple approaches as she prepared state civil and UPSC together. Her strategy was unique as it was her own. She never joined any coaching institute and prepared by herself. However, she took guidance from many teachers.
She is an avid reader of newspapers and Yojana Magazine, which helped her a lot. She never counted hours while studying, instead she focussed on being fully dedicated to her study. Her sources were minimal. She made notes of every topic for prelims and mains.
She focused on answer writing and solving tests and PYQs. She cautions against copying others’ writing style as she feels that every aspirant must have their own style and stick to it. She also gave mock tests which were useful for her.
She said, “I made very few diagrams. I did not follow any stereotype in my answer writing. I broke all stereotypes. And I still got very good marks. Therefore, develop your own style. There is no prototype of writing a good answer. Answers are very personalized things.”
Her optional was Political Science in UPSC. In BPSC, nowadays optional is objective.
INTERVIEW
Her interview was a friendly one, but, still, she was grilled properly. It ran for almost 20 to 25 minutes. She was asked questions from her educational background to current affairs.
There were questions from political theories like Hobbes ideology, John Locke ideology and Rousseau theory. She was also asked questions on Political Amendments.
Apart from this, she was asked about prohibition, tourism, and industries in Bihar. A board member also asked her a question on India-Bhutan relationship. Another member asked her how India can counter China’s inculpate policies against the country?
SUGGESTIONS
Giving suggestions for aspirants, she said, “Everyone’s journey is different. So, never blindly follow anyone. What works well for me may not be right for you. Therefore, make your own strategy and follow it honestly. Don’t be a part of the crowd. Just find what suits you and go ahead.”
FUTURE AIM
Revealing her plans for the future, she said that there is a lack of industrial development in Bihar, hence she wants to work on this, as revenue and taxation can help in increasing the ease of doing business. “As a revenue officer, I want to contribute to the industrial development of Bihar,” she said in conclusion.
