KKN Gurugram Desk | Cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is often portrayed as a battle won only by full-time aspirants. However, Pooja Priyadarshini’s UPSC journey breaks this myth wide open. Despite setbacks, full-time employment, and emotional lows, she rose to secure All India Rank 11 in UPSC CSE 2018 and opted for the prestigious Indian Foreign Service (IFS) over IAS.
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Her journey is not just a tale of academic excellence, but a profound lesson in resilience, time management, and mental strength.
From SRCC to Columbia: An Academic Powerhouse
Born to a family of civil servants, Pooja was always familiar with the gravity and dignity of public service. She pursued her undergraduate degree from Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi, one of India’s most reputed institutions for commerce. Her academic journey then took her to the United States, where she completed a Master’s in Public Administration from Columbia University, New York.
By her final year of graduation in 2013, she had already made up her mind to attempt the UPSC CSE, India’s most competitive examination. However, her first attempt was made with incomplete preparation — a decision that cost her selection.
Managing a Job and UPSC Preparation: A Tough Balancing Act
After her master’s, Pooja joined a private sector firm, taking on a demanding job that required full-time commitment. But her dream of becoming a civil servant didn’t fade. She continued preparing alongside her job, sacrificing weekends, social outings, and leisure to focus on her studies.
Her second attempt in 2016 brought her closer than ever before. She successfully cleared the Prelims and Mains, and reached the UPSC Interview round, a feat only a small percentage of aspirants achieve. Yet, her name was absent from the final merit list — it appeared only in the Reserve List, falling short of final selection.
This near miss proved to be both an achievement and a heartbreak.
2017: The Most Difficult Year of Her Life
The emotional fallout from her 2016 setback was significant. Despite preparing harder for the next cycle, Pooja failed to clear even the Prelims in 2017. The psychological blow was severe, and for the first time, she questioned her capability.
But this is where her background and inner circle played a crucial role. With both her parents serving as civil servants, Pooja had grown up witnessing the responsibilities and honor that came with public service. Her family stood firmly by her side, helping her reflect on what went wrong and motivating her to start again.
A Fresh Approach: Learning from Mistakes
Rather than letting failure define her, Pooja analyzed her past mistakes. She identified gaps in her preparation strategy, especially in managing revision schedules, mock tests, and answer writing practice.
She also made adjustments in her job responsibilities, ensuring better control over her daily routine. What made her journey unique was the fact that she never quit her job — instead, she learned to balance it better.
This time, the preparation was not just about books but about discipline, focus, and emotional resilience.
UPSC 2018: From Rock Bottom to AIR 11
In 2018, Pooja gave her third serious attempt with renewed focus and refined strategy. The result? Not only did she clear the exam, but she also secured the 11th rank at the national level — a phenomenal achievement by any standard.
What surprised many was her choice to join the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) over the more sought-after Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Her international exposure and interest in diplomacy influenced her decision, and today she serves as a diplomat representing India on the global stage.
Key Lessons from Pooja Priyadarshini’s UPSC Journey
Pooja’s story holds valuable lessons for all UPSC aspirants, especially those who are working professionals or have faced repeated failures.
1. It’s Okay to Fail — But Not to Quit
Her journey proves that failing even at the interview stage doesn’t mean the end. Persistence is more important than immediate results.
2. Job and UPSC Can Go Together
Contrary to popular belief, Pooja shows that it’s possible to manage a full-time job and UPSC preparation, provided one masters time management and sets priorities.
3. Family and Mental Support Matter
In moments of despair, her family’s encouragement became the turning point. Mental strength is just as vital as academic ability.
4. Self-Evaluation is Critical
Instead of repeating old mistakes, Pooja took a strategic approach by reviewing her failures and building a custom preparation plan.
Timeline: Pooja Priyadarshini’s UPSC Journey at a Glance
| Year | Attempt | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1st Attempt | Failed due to incomplete preparation |
| 2016 | 2nd Attempt | Reached Interview round; Reserve List |
| 2017 | 3rd Attempt | Failed Prelims; emotional setback |
| 2018 | 4th Attempt | Secured AIR 11 and chose IFS |
Today, A Diplomat Representing India
Having chosen the Indian Foreign Service, Pooja is now part of India’s diplomatic corps, representing the nation at international platforms. Her success is not just a personal victory, but an inspiration for thousands of aspirants who believe that UPSC is only for those who can study full-time.
Pooja Priyadarshini’s story is more than a UPSC success — it’s a masterclass in grit, focus, and hope. Her rise from multiple failures to All India Rank 11 proves that dreams delayed are not dreams denied.
Her life reminds us that the Civil Services Exam isn’t just about intellect, but about the ability to rise, again and again, no matter how many times you fall.
