From Setback to Success: How Persistence and Passion Made Her an IAS Officer

Success is often the result of unwavering determination and relentless passion, and the story of Aakriti Sethi, a young woman from Ambala, perfectly exemplifies this. Despite failing the UPSC prelims five times, she refused to give up. On her sixth attempt, Aakriti realized her dream and became an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, inspiring countless aspirants along the way.

Early Life and Education

Aakriti hails from Ambala, Haryana. After completing her early education, she graduated from Delhi University (DU). She initially joined a private company, never imagining that she would take the UPSC path. It was a suggestion from a relative that sparked her interest in civil services and led her to start her preparation journey.

The Struggle: 2017–2021

Aakriti appeared for her first UPSC exam in 2017, but unfortunately did not clear the prelims. Undeterred, she attempted again the next year, and again faced the same outcome. Over the course of five attempts, she repeatedly fell short of success. By 2021, after her fifth prelim failure, many would have felt defeated—but Aakriti chose to keep moving forward.

Family Support and Renewed Confidence

During these trying years, her father played a pivotal role, offering encouragement and strengthening her confidence. His guidance helped her maintain focus and resilience, reminding her that each setback was an opportunity to learn and grow.

Sixth Time Lucky: The IAS Achievement

Aakriti’s perseverance and passion finally paid off in 2022, when she made a fresh, disciplined start for her sixth attempt. With dedication, focus, and rigorous preparation, she successfully cleared the UPSC exams, securing rank 249 and earning her place in the IAS cadre.

An Inspiration to Youth

Aakriti’s success has made her father proud and serves as a beacon of hope for thousands of aspirants who hesitate to try due to fear of failure. Her journey demonstrates that failures are stepping stones, and with relentless effort, persistence, and unwavering belief in oneself, eventual success is possible.