The sterile silence of the hospital ward couldn’t mask Neha Rajput’s growing restlessness. Six years at Mumbai’s KM Hospital had ignited a passion for healing, but her stethoscope felt like a single stitch on a gaping social wound. Yearning for a wider impact, Neha, a 25-year-old doctor from Maharashtra, dared to dream beyond medicine. This is the story of her audacious first attempt at the UPSC CSE 2023, a journey etched in grit and hope, culminating in a phenomenal All India Rank 51.
She spoke to Indian Masterminds and shared her journey.
A HEART FOR HEALING, A MIND FOR CHANGE
Growing up in Maharashtra, Neha harbored a deep desire to serve the nation. This led her to pursue MBBS at the prestigious KEM Hospital in Mumbai, where she spent six years immersed in the world of medicine.
While treating patients ignited a passion for healing in her, Neha soon realized that the impact she craved extended beyond individual interactions. She yearned to address systemic issues at the root cause, leading her to explore the world of civil services.
“Post Covid, I realized that I wanted to do something that provided me the satisfaction of working on a larger scale and helping people on a bigger level. That’s when the idea of becoming a civil servant got sown inside me. As my internship in the medical field concluded, I shifted to prepare for the UPSC CSE,” she told Indian Masterminds.
STRIKING A BALANCE: SELF-STUDY AND SMART CHOICES
Despite her demanding medical studies, Neha began her UPSC preparation. Recognizing the time constraint, she opted for a tablet course instead of traditional coaching.
Anthropology, with its shorter syllabus and overlap with medical science, emerged as the perfect optional subject. It offered an exciting new avenue for learning while complementing her existing knowledge.
CHALLENGES FACED
However, the preparation wasn’t without its challenges. Consistency, a key ingredient for success in UPSC, proved to be a hurdle. Neha documented her journey through journaling, seeking solace and motivation from self-help books. Artistic expression, particularly drawing and painting, became her emotional and mental anchor during the arduous preparation phase.
“I am happy that I received great support from my family, friends, and other peer groups, which helped me get through it,” she shared.
To solidify her understanding, Neha enrolled in multiple mock test series for the Mains exam. This self-driven approach, fueled by her unwavering determination, propelled her towards her goal.
THE INTERVIEW: A SURPRISE TURN
The interview round, which typically focused on a candidate’s chosen field of study, presented an unexpected twist for Neha. The questions veered heavily towards her medical background, throwing her initial strategy off course. However, her strong foundation in medical science and her quick wit helped her navigate the session confidently.
“There was a question where a member had asked me to give creative writing on why a person should choose medical in post-graduation over civil services, and I had managed to crack a joke there. Although it was a tough question for me, it lightened up everyone’s mood and helped me as well, which was the fun part,” shared Neha.
A DREAM REALIZED, A FUTURE UNFOLDING
The results day arrived, and with it came a wave of disbelief. When Neha saw her name on the UPSC list at Rank 51, she had to recheck multiple times to process the reality. This wasn’t just an achievement; it was the culmination of a year-long struggle, sacrifice, and dogged dedication.
“I asked my mom to check my rank and then a few of my friends too. It took me a while before I could actually process that it was indeed my name on the list, and that too on the 51st rank!” Neha told Indian Masterminds.
TIP FOR ASPIRANTS
A useful tip that Neha would like to give to the upcoming aspirants is, “Let UPSC be an opportunity, not an end goal. Let it be a platform for you to do the things that you have always wanted to do. That’s the way you will get through it. And even if you don’t, in life you will find another platform to do so.”
With her sights set on the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), Neha’s plans focus on improving the health and education sectors of the country.
