Shruti Sharma’s Journey to Becoming an IES Officer – A Triumph of Resilience and Determination

May 8, 2024

3 Minutes

Shruti Sharma, currently holding the esteemed position of Assistant Director in the Ministry of Defence, embarked on a remarkable journey to reach her current role. Her path was not without its challenges, but she triumphed through them, demonstrating unwavering perseverance, determination, and an unyielding refusal to surrender.

Childhood and Family Influences

Growing up in a family with strong entrepreneurial inclinations, Shruti witnessed firsthand the value of business acumen. However, the emphasis within her family was primarily on practical commercial pursuits rather than higher education. Despite this, she harbored a burning desire for learning and academic excellence.

Growing Up with Aspiration for Independence

Nurtured by her father’s encouragement to strive for academic achievement, Shruti began to appreciate the importance of self-reliance and independence. She yearned to be capable of making her own decisions and navigating life on her own terms.

College Challenges and Emotional Turmoil

Upon entering college to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Technology, Shruti faced difficulties in her studies, initially receiving failing grades. However, with the unwavering support of her companions, she rallied, persevered, and overcame her academic struggles.

A profoundly challenging event occurred in 2013 when Shruti’s father was diagnosed with a debilitating liver disease that eventually claimed his life. Amidst her grief and the weight of his deteriorating condition, Shruti experienced intense stress and sadness. Yet, she found within herself a renewed determination to prove her worth and accomplish something meaningful.

Balancing Loss and Preparation

In the midst of her father’s illness, Shruti dedicated herself to preparing for the GATE examination in 2014. On the day of the exam, her father’s condition deteriorated, leaving her emotionally distraught. Nonetheless, she persevered, completing the exam and securing a respectable rank of 1000.

The emotional toll of her father’s illness prevented Shruti from pursuing further educational opportunities or securing employment in a reputable company or public sector undertaking. With unwavering determination, she decided to take a year off to focus on preparing for the GATE exam a second time.

In 2015, as her father’s health continued to decline, he sadly passed away, leaving Shruti devastated and questioning her path. However, her resolve remained unwavering.

Pursuing the Dream of UPSC Service

Despite the overwhelming grief and loss she had endured, Shruti remained committed to her goal of qualifying for the UPSC exam. Her efforts in 2015 came close to success, but she fell just two marks short of the qualifying cutoff. In 2016, she attempted the exam again, only to miss the cutoff by a mere seven marks.

The passing of her father had shaken Shruti’s confidence and left her doubting her abilities. However, she refused to succumb to despair. With the unwavering support of her friends, she resolved to fill out the UPSC form for the final time, determined to give it her all.

15 Days of Intense Preparation

With only 15 days remaining before the exam and the vast UPSC syllabus looming before her, Shruti recognized the seemingly impossible task ahead. Yet, she refused to allow discouragement to prevail.

She immersed herself completely in her preparation, dedicating every ounce of energy and sleeping a mere two hours each night. Her unwavering focus was to maximize her efforts and leave no stone unturned in those crucial 15 days.

Facing the UPSC Exam

On the day of the UPSC exam, Shruti found herself overwhelmed by emotions and uncertainty. However, she drew strength from her unwavering goal of never giving up and summoned her determination to overcome any challenge.

Despite the daunting conditions, she persevered and completed the examination. The results were a testament to her unwavering hard work and indomitable spirit. She had finally achieved her dream of becoming an IES officer.

A Message of Encouragement

Shruti’s remarkable journey underscores the profound importance of never surrendering to adversity. No matter how daunting the obstacles or difficult the circumstances, she firmly believes that the spirit of perseverance and determination can triumph.

Succumbing to despair is the easy path, the one that leads to unfulfilled dreams and a life of regret. By choosing the path of perseverance and refusal to surrender, individuals open themselves up to infinite possibilities and the realization of their aspirations.

Shruti Sharma’s story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of resilience and the paramount importance of never doubting one’s own abilities. Regardless of the hurdles life presents, success awaits those who embrace the indomitable spirit of never giving up.