The sudden and severe heart attack that took Prerna Singh’s father’s life when she was just 13 years old marked a turning point in her young life. The unexpected loss was devastating, turning her world upside down in a matter of minutes. Her father, a veterinary doctor with the government of Jharkhand, had been the family’s pillar of strength and security. In his absence, Prerna and her mother were left to navigate the emotional and financial challenges that followed.
While speaking with Indian Masterminds, Prerna, who cleared UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 271, shared her journey in detail.
OVERCOMING PERSONAL CHALLENGES
The impact of her father’s demise was profound. Prerna’s mother, a clerk in the veterinary department of the Jharkhand government, had to step up as the sole breadwinner. “The financial burden was immense, and the emotional turmoil was overwhelming. My mother’s strength and resilience during those trying times became the bedrock of our survival and progress,” Prerna shared. Despite the societal pressures and financial constraints, her mother supported Prerna through schooling and beyond.
Prerna completed her 12th grade at Delhi Public School, Ranchi. Her academic journey took her to Miranda House, Delhi University, where she graduated with a degree in Sociology. Her passion for social work then led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work from Jamia Millia Islamia. These academic achievements were not just milestones but also stepping stones that shaped her future aspirations.
PROFESSIONAL BEGINNINGS
After completing her education, Prerna joined Vedanta Balco, as an HR professional. Her posting in Korba, Chhattisgarh, provided her with a unique perspective on corporate life and the workforce’s ground realities. She worked there for a year before realizing that her true calling lay elsewhere. “In 2020, I decided to quit my job and prepare for the civil services, a dream that had lingered in the back of my mind since childhood.”
EARLY ASPIRATIONS
The seeds of her civil service aspiration were sown early by her father. Before his untimely demise, he had introduced her to the concept of a District Collector and the impactful work a DC could do. This rudimentary understanding of the role, coupled with her innate sense of right and wrong, laid the foundation for her future aspirations. Remembering a childhood incident, Prerna shared, “I saw someone throwing garbage on the road and remarked that it was not right. My father explained that proper systems and someone called a District Collector could address such issues.”
RIGORS OF CSE PREP
Prerna’s journey through the civil services examination was fraught with setbacks. She failed to clear the prelims by a mere two marks in her first attempt. On her second attempt, she missed the mark by 20 marks. The third attempt was particularly heartbreaking, missing the CSAT cutoff by just one mark. “ If anything in the entire journey was very heartbreaking, it was my third attempt,” she said.
These failures took a toll on her confidence, leading to moments of self-doubt and contemplation of alternative career paths. “It was during this low point that I sought three therapy sessions. The sessions helped me organize my thoughts, build a structured approach to the preparation, and develop a backup plan.” Therapy also provided her with the mental resilience needed to face the rigors of the UPSC journey.
A GLIMMER OF HOPE
A serendipitous encounter during a job interview for a CSR position rekindled her determination. The interviewer, recognizing her potential, encouraged her to give the civil services another try. “This stranger’s faith in my abilities reignited my resolve.” By the time she received an acceptance letter from the London School of Economics for a degree in public policy, she had already cleared the prelims for her fourth attempt. Choosing to focus on Mains preparation, she pushed forward with renewed vigor.
MOTHER’S SUPPORT AND SUCCESS
Throughout her journey, her mother’s unwavering support was her anchor. From financial backing to emotional encouragement, her mother stood by her side through every challenge. Friends and family also played crucial roles, offering support and confidence boosts when she needed them most. Prerna finally cleared UPSC CSE 2023 in her fourth attempt, with All India Rank 271.
ADVICE FOR ASPIRANTS
Reflecting on her journey, Prerna emphasizes the importance of having a personal reason for pursuing civil services. “It’s crucial to understand why one wants to take this path rather than just following the crowd,” Prerna said. She advises aspirants to consider other opportunities as well, given the uncertain nature of the UPSC exam. Her journey underscores the significance of having a backup plan, maintaining mental health, and seeking support when needed.
