Failed 5 times in UPSC, but didn't give up, became IAS officer with 11th rank in last attempt

Becoming an IAS officer is a dream for many, and Nupur Goyal, who hails from Narayala in Delhi, realized this dream in the 2020 UPSC batch. Her story is nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing numerous challenges, Nupur's journey to becoming an IAS officer showcases the power of determination and persistence.

Early Life and Education

Nupur completed her 12th grade from DAV School in Narayala. She pursued her engineering degree from Delhi Technological University (DTU) and later completed her master's in Public Administration from IGNOU. Nupur's journey towards the civil services was influenced by her uncle, who aspired to be an IAS officer himself but couldn't succeed. Her determination to achieve success in this examination was unwavering.

The UPSC Roller Coaster Ride

Nupur's journey with the UPSC exams had its highs and lows, beginning in 2014. In her first attempt, she cleared both the prelims and mains, but she faced disappointment in the interview round. Her second attempt in the following year did not lead to clearing the prelims either. This pattern continued for several more attempts, with Nupur not giving up.

She reached the interview stage in her fifth attempt but still did not make it to the final list. Such repeated failures can dishearten anyone, making them consider giving up. However, Nupur persevered and did not lose hope.

Balancing Work and Aspirations

During this journey, Nupur secured a job at the Intelligence Bureau (IB) as an Intelligence Officer. Despite her career in IB, her dream of becoming an IAS officer remained unfulfilled. Her resilience and unwavering spirit kept her going.

In her sixth attempt, Nupur gave her all. As they say, "The one who tries never fails." Nupur's dedication and determination finally paid off. In her last attempt, she successfully cleared the UPSC examination and secured the coveted position of an IAS officer.

The Achiever

In the 2019 Civil Services Examination, Nupur Goyal achieved an All India Rank of 11. Her journey is a testament to the fact that the UPSC examination is not just a test of knowledge but also a test of one's determination and willpower.