Mudita’s Transformative Journey to UPSC: Triumph Through Adversity

May 6, 2024

4 Minutes

Introduction

Mudita, a young woman from a humble town in Rajasthan, faced significant obstacles from her birth as the third of four daughters in a family that initially received her with disappointment. Undeterred, she embarked on a remarkable journey that culminated in her success as a civil servant.

Educational Foundations

Mudita’s educational journey began at Meerabal Mandir School, where she excelled academically until eighth grade. Despite facing societal stigma surrounding female education at her government secondary school, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of knowledge.

Early Career and Obstacles

Inspired by the achievements of Indian astronaut Kalpana Chawla, Mudita initially aspired to become an Aeronautical Engineer. However, her attempts to gain admission into IIT proved unsuccessful. Unfazed, she shifted her focus to medicine after completing her 12th grade with both Maths and Bio subjects.

Undeterred by the uncertainties surrounding the relatively new NEET exam, Mudita dedicated herself to studying, translating NCERT textbooks from English to Hindi due to her limited English proficiency.

Medical Journey and Administrative Calling

Mudita pursued her MBBS at a government medical college, where she actively engaged in extracurricular activities and served as the literary secretary of the student council. This experience ignited her interest in administration.

Civil Services Aspiration and Preparation

After graduating from medical school, Mudita decided to pursue her long-held dream of serving as a civil servant. Commencing her preparation journey in 2019, she balanced her studies with her medical internship.

Defying prevailing beliefs that Hindi as a medium of instruction would limit her chances of success, Mudita chose Hindi as her preferred language.

COVID-19 and Career Transitions

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unforeseen challenges to Mudita’s preparation. Due to patient care uncertainties, she temporarily shifted her focus to securing employment as a Medical Officer. However, she narrowly missed the cutoff, leaving her disheartened.

Renewed Determination and Obstacles

With unwavering belief in her abilities, Mudita resumed her preparation in 2021. However, health and personal issues once again tested her resolve. Despite pressure from her family and financial concerns, she remained determined.

Prelims Success and Mains Challenges

In 2022, Mudita cleared the Prelims exam but faced incomplete preparation for Mains. Seeking support, she joined a Mentorship Program under the guidance of Vikas Sir.

Under his mentorship, she honed her answer writing skills and effectively prepared for the Mains exam. Amidst uncertainties, she maintained a positive outlook and focused on the task at hand.

Interview Preparation and Triumph

The interview phase presented unique challenges. Mudita faced physical and mental health issues that threatened to derail her preparation. However, driven by her determination, she persevered and gave her all in the interview.

Lessons and Advice for Aspirants

Throughout her journey, Mudita encountered numerous obstacles and setbacks, yet emerged from each with renewed strength and resilience. Her experiences provide valuable lessons for aspiring civil servants:

For Girls and Parents

• Encourage female education and support girls in pursuing their dreams.
• Invest in children’s education as a testament to love and belief in their potential.

For Aspirants

• Create a comprehensive study plan and adhere to it consistently.
• Seek guidance from experienced mentors for support and motivation.
• Surround yourself with positive influences that uplift and inspire.
• Avoid distractions and focus on studies.
• Embrace constructive criticism for performance improvement.
• Maintain mental and physical well-being, seeking professional help when necessary.
• View obstacles and setbacks as opportunities for growth.

For Hindi Medium Candidates

• Master your chosen language and strive for proficiency in English.
• Utilize resources and support available for Hindi medium students.
• Do not let language limitations hinder your aspirations.

For CSAT

• Take CSAT preparation seriously, even with a non-mathematical background.
• Practice regularly to improve your Mathematics and Reasoning abilities.

Conclusion

Mudita’s journey to UPSC exemplifies the transformative power of determination and perseverance. Overcoming adversity, embracing challenges, and seeking support when needed, she achieved her goal of becoming a civil servant. Her story serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to achieve their dreams with unwavering belief and the knowledge that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.