Aayushi Bansal secured All India Rank 7 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, marking a significant milestone in a journey characterised by resilience, strategic evolution, and deep-rooted purpose. Her story—from academic brilliance and corporate success to a determined pursuit of public service—is not just inspiring; it is instructive for aspirants at all stages.
Early Life, Education, and Personal Foundation
Aayushi hails from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. She completed her schooling at Carmel Convent School, where she topped Class 10 with a perfect 10 CGPA, and then achieved 96.8 percent in Class 12 from Delhi Public School, RK Puram in New Delhi. She earned a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, graduating in 2020, and was honoured with the institute’s Gold Medal for Best All-Rounder Student.
Her academic journey embodies a blend of excellence and balanced engagement—she was not only a high scorer but also a student leader, having initiated the first female street play team and served as a Student Senator at IIT. These experiences laid the groundwork for her interest in governance and societal issues.
A Personal Journey Marked by Loss and Determination
Aayushi endured a profound personal loss when her father passed away in a road accident when she was just ten years old. Her mother, Radha Bansal, an LIC employee, became her sole pillar of support. Aayushi often credits her mother’s resilience for the emotional strength she brought into every phase of her journey.
Multiple Attempts: Learning, Evolving, Succeeding
Aayushi’s UPSC story spans three full-fledged attempts:
- 2022 (First Attempt): Secured AIR 188, currently serving in IPS training.
- 2023 (Second Attempt): Improved markedly to AIR 97.
- 2024 (Third Attempt): Reached new heights with AIR 7, reflecting years of refinement and focus.
Her journey underscores a powerful truth: UPSC success often unfolds not through sudden leaps, but through steady, iterative improvement.
Professional Stints Giving Shape to Purpose
After graduating, Aayushi worked at Goldman Sachs during an internship in 2019 and later joined McKinsey & Company in a full-time role. However, by mid-2021, she made a decisive shift—leaving her promising corporate career to pursue UPSC full-time. This leap of faith underscored her commitment to public service.
An Unexpected Optional: Sociology as an Anchor
Against the grain of her engineering background, Aayushi chose Sociology as her optional subject. She believed its concise syllabus complemented General Studies and offered clarity in themes like social justice, gender, and governance. Her growing interest in theatre and societal themes further deepened her engagement with the subject.
Preparation Strategy: Structure, Reflection, Consistency
Her preparation evolved across distinct phases:
Prelims Preparation
- Built foundations with NCERTs and standard texts.
- Regular practice through mock series and error logs.
- Monthly current affairs compilations to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Mains Preparation
- Daily answer-writing discipline with structured formats.
- Extensive use of charts, diagrams, examples, and reports in answers.
- Weekly essays with multidimensional analysis.
- Revision of static and current content in cyclical intervals.
Interview Preparation
- Mock sessions at coaching platforms to simulate real scenarios.
- Thorough preparation on personal DAF with emphasis on engineering, social interests, and professional journey.
- Focus on depth, clarity, emotional intelligence, and calm demeanour.
Mental Balance and Holistic Growth
Aayushi maintained a purposeful balance:
- Cultivated interests in theatre related to social themes and maintained physical fitness through swimming.
- Recognised the importance of mental well-being and self-care to sustain through the rigours of preparation.
- Received continued emotional and moral support from family, which she often cites as foundational to her routine and perseverance.
Traits That Shaped Her Success
- Resilience: Three attempts, each marked by steady growth, culminating in AIR 7.
- Strategic Awareness: Selections like Sociology and tactical breaks from corporate life showcased foresight.
- Intellectual Curiosity: Blending engineering logic with sociological depth gave her answers clarity and breadth.
- Emotional Poise: Her interview style was marked by composure and maturity beyond her years.
Lessons for Aspirants
- Iterative improvement matters: Use each attempt to refine strategy and mindset.
- Align optional with interest: Aayushi’s Sociology choice highlights the power of alignment with one’s personality.
- Practice answer-writing daily: Structured, analytical content is critical for Mains success.
- Balance rigor with repose: Mental health matters as much as syllabus coverage.
- Own your story in interviews: Authenticity backed by preparation shines through.
Legacy: Redefining Possibilities for Women Aspirants
Aayushi is part of a remarkable trend in 2024: women holding three of the top seven ranks. Her journey—from IIT to McKinsey, from IPS to IAS in training—broadens the narrative around women’s roles in public leadership today.
Conclusion
Aayushi Bansal’s climb from rank 188 to rank 7 across three UPSC CSE attempts is a compelling narrative of perseverance, strategy, and self-actualisation. Her story affirms that UPSC success is often a marathon, not a sprint—and that each setback can be fuel for greater success.
As her status transitions from aspirant to administrator, her blend of analytical depth, social insight, emotional intelligence, and lived resilience offers a roadmap for thousands of future civil servants.
