A Tale of Perseverance and Purpose
In the realm of India’s civil services, few stories resonate as profoundly as that of Shruti Sharma IAS. Securing All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2021, her journey from a history student to the esteemed Indian Administrative Service is a testament to determination, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to public service.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born in Delhi in 1996, Shruti hails from Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh. She completed her early education at Cambridge Primary School and later at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, both in Delhi. Her academic prowess led her to pursue History Honours at the prestigious St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. Furthering her academic journey, she enrolled in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for a Master’s in Modern History. However, her passion for civil services prompted her to focus entirely on UPSC preparation, leading her to join the Residential Coaching Academy at Jamia Millia Islamia.
The UPSC Journey: Trials and Triumph
Shruti’s path to success was not without challenges. In her first attempt, due to an issue with the medium of instruction, she had to take the Mains examination in Hindi, missing the interview call by just one mark. Undeterred, she analyzed her shortcomings, refined her strategy, and approached her second attempt with renewed vigor. Her perseverance paid off when she topped the exam in 2021.
Preparation Strategy
- Optional Subject: Shruti chose History as her optional subject, aligning with her academic background.
- Study Routine: She emphasized consistency over long hours, focusing on quality learning rather than the quantity of study time.
- Answer Writing: Recognizing the importance of articulation, she practiced answer writing diligently, focusing on clarity, structure, and time management.
- Mock Tests: Regular participation in mock tests helped her assess her preparation levels and identify areas for improvement.
- Current Affairs: She stayed updated with daily news, making concise notes to aid in revision and answer enrichment.
Shruti also highlighted the importance of limiting study materials to avoid confusion and emphasized the need for self-understanding to focus on one’s strengths and weaknesses.
UPSC CSE 2021 Performance
Shruti’s meticulous preparation culminated in an impressive performance:
- Essay (Paper-I): 132
- General Studies-I (Paper-II): 119
- General Studies-II (Paper-III): 128
- General Studies-III (Paper-IV): 108
- General Studies-IV (Paper-V): 139
- Optional-I (History) (Paper-VI): 150
- Optional-II (History) (Paper-VII): 156
- Written Total: 932
- Personality Test: 173
- Final Total: 1105
Beyond Academics
Shruti’s profile is enriched with diverse experiences:
- Cultural Enthusiast: She enjoys exploring different cultures, reading books, and watching movies.
- Language Learner: Her curiosity drives her to learn new languages and understand diverse cultures.
- Social Contributor: Shruti aims to bring positive changes to society and is eager to learn new things to contribute effectively.
Vision as an IAS Officer
Shruti aspires to:
- Enhance Education: Implement policies that improve access and quality of education.
- Empower Women: Advocate for women’s rights and create opportunities for their socio-economic upliftment.
- Strengthen Governance: Promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public administration.
Conclusion
Shruti Sharma’s journey underscores the power of perseverance, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment. Her story serves as an inspiration for countless aspirants, proving that with dedication and resilience, achieving the pinnacle of success in the UPSC examination is attainable.
