A Journey of Focus, Faith, and Firsts
In a sea of UPSC aspirants, few rise with such quiet grace and determined resolve as Srushti Jayant Deshmukh, who secured All India Rank 5 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2018 in her very first attempt. A symbol of clarity, commitment, and confidence, her journey from a chemical engineering student in Bhopal to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) has inspired countless students, especially women, across India.
Early Life and Family Background
Srushti was born on March 28, 1996, in Kasturba Nagar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Her father, Jayant Deshmukh, is an engineer employed in a private company, and her mother, Sunita Deshmukh, is a schoolteacher. Raised in a modest, academically inclined family, Srushti was taught the values of discipline, simplicity, and self-belief early on.
She studied at Carmel Convent School, BHEL, Bhopal—where she consistently performed well, earning a 10 CGPA in Class 10 and an impressive 93.4% in Class 12 (Science stream).
From a young age, she showed keen interest in public issues, debate, and leadership activities, which hinted at her potential beyond the classroom.
Academic Journey: Engineering with a Purpose
After school, Srushti chose to pursue Chemical Engineering at Lakshmi Narain College of Technology (LNCT), Bhopal, affiliated with RGPV University. While engineering was a conventional path for many, Srushti had begun sensing that her real purpose lay elsewhere.
During her college days, she developed a growing interest in social impact, policy-making, and public welfare. That’s when the idea of preparing for the Civil Services Examination took firm root.
“Engineering gave me technical depth, but I wanted to serve society in a broader way. That’s what led me to UPSC.”
First Attempt, First Success: The UPSC Journey
Despite the high failure rate and reputation of UPSC as one of the toughest exams in India, Srushti cracked the exam on her very first attempt, securing AIR 5 at the age of 23. She was also the top female candidate in 2018, outshining thousands with her calm confidence and focused preparation.
She credits her success to consistency, daily discipline, and emotional stability rather than genius or long study hours.
Preparation Strategy: Smart Over Hard
Optional Subject – Sociology
Though from a science background, Srushti chose Sociology as her optional subject because of its relevance to real-world issues and overlap with GS papers.
She prepared using:
- IGNOU notes
- Nitin Sangwan’s summary
- Toppers’ answer copies and daily writing practice
Her focus was on clarity of thought, practical examples, and structured answers.
Daily Routine and Productivity Habits
Srushti didn’t believe in exhausting herself with 12-hour study schedules. Instead, she adopted a smart routine:
- 5–6 focused hours a day
- Early morning studies to boost retention
- Frequent breaks and active recall
- Maintained a handwritten planner to set daily goals
Managing Digital Distractions
While preparing, she chose to stay off social media almost entirely. She deactivated her Instagram account and limited phone usage to essential calls and online tests.
“Focus is not just about what you do—it’s also about what you deliberately avoid.”
Final UPSC Scores (CSE 2018)
| Paper | Marks |
|---|---|
| Essay | 113/250 |
| General Studies I | 120/250 |
| General Studies II | 111/250 |
| General Studies III | 115/250 |
| General Studies IV | 124/250 |
| Optional Paper I (Sociology) | 162/250 |
| Optional Paper II (Sociology) | 150/250 |
| Written Total | 895/1750 |
| Personality Test (Interview) | 173/275 |
| Final Total | 1068/2025 |
Interview Experience
Her UPSC interview panel asked her questions related to:
- Her engineering background
- Women’s safety and empowerment
- Social media influence on elections
- Administrative reforms
She answered with clarity, balance, and confidence—avoiding extremes and showcasing a mature understanding of governance.
Beyond Books: SVEEP Campaign and Role Model Status
After her selection, Srushti became the youth icon for SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) in Madhya Pradesh. She campaigned to raise awareness about the importance of voting among first-time voters.
Her visibility, presence on social media, and approachable tone made her a social inspiration, especially for women in STEM, aspiring civil servants, and students in tier-2 cities.
A Role Model for Young Women
What makes Srushti’s story even more powerful is the message of representation. In a system where women from small towns often hesitate to pursue high-profile leadership roles, she became a voice of empowerment.
She has spoken at various forums about:
- Breaking stereotypes in education and careers
- Balancing personal and professional goals
- The importance of mental health during preparation
Vision as an IAS Officer
As a young IAS officer, Srushti aspires to:
- Work in education, health, and environment with ground-level impact
- Implement policies that bring governance closer to citizens
- Ensure transparency and trust-building in public offices
- Use technology for inclusive service delivery
“As an administrator, I want to listen more than I speak. People need to feel heard before being helped.”
Advice for UPSC Aspirants
- Trust the process: You don’t need to be extraordinary—just consistent.
- Avoid distractions: Focus is your greatest asset.
- Choose optional wisely: Interest matters more than background.
- Don’t compare your journey: Each aspirant’s path is unique.
- Self-care is success-care: Stay mentally and emotionally fit.
Conclusion
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh IAS is not just a UPSC topper. She’s a trailblazer, reformer, and motivator. From managing engineering classes and UPSC notes side by side to becoming India’s top-ranked female candidate, her journey is a reminder that age, background, or first attempts don’t define potential—mindset does.
Her name is now synonymous with grace, grit, and girl power.
“If your why is strong, your how will always find a way.”
And Srushti found hers—now lighting the way for thousands more.
