IAS Topper Ridiculed by Friends for Preparation, But She Proved Them Wrong
The Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is renowned as one of India's most challenging exams, a coveted dream for countless aspirants. Amid the sea of hopefuls, some stand out with their unwavering determination and hard work. Nandini KR, the UPSC 2016 topper and Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, is one such exceptional individual. Despite facing skepticism from her peers, she conquered this arduous examination. In this article, we delve into Nandini's remarkable journey, filled with ups and downs.
Early Life and Education
Nandini KR, hailing from Kolar district in Karnataka, is the daughter of a teacher. Her educational journey began at a government school, where she laid the foundation for her future accomplishments. Her relentless pursuit of excellence in academics resulted in an outstanding achievement of 94.83 percent marks in her 12th-grade examinations.
Nandini's academic voyage continued as she pursued engineering at the prestigious MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology. Her educational qualifications eventually led her to secure a position in the Public Works Department department of Karnataka.
The Ascent towards UPSC
Nandini's interest in civil services was sparked by witnessing the transformative impact of government initiatives. This motivation prompted her to embark on her UPSC preparation journey.
In 2013, Nandini attempted the UPSC exam for the first time but faced the initial setback of failing to clear the UPSC Prelims. Undeterred by this setback, she chose to persevere and took the exam again in 2014. This time, her diligence bore fruit, securing an impressive All-India Rank of 642 and a role in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in December 2015.
Although achieving success as an IRS officer was a significant accomplishment, Nandini had her sights set on an even grander dream – the prestigious IAS post. She resolved to intensify her preparations by enrolling in a coaching center in Delhi.
Triumph Over Adversity
The path to becoming an IAS officer was filled with challenges for Nandini. Despite her determined efforts, she faced repeated failures in her UPSC attempts. Notably, on her third try, she battled dengue just before the mains exam and, unfortunately, had to skip it due to her medical condition.
Despite these trials, Nandini's unwavering dedication and resilience prevailed. In a remarkable turn of events, she clinched the top spot in the UPSC 2016, securing the All India's No. 1 rank. Astonishingly, when the UPSC 2016 results were announced, she was already working as an IRS officer in Faridabad.