Achieving success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a dream for many, but only a few can overcome challenges with unwavering dedication. IAS Ambika Raina’s journey is a perfect example of hard work, persistence, and making bold decisions. Her story is truly inspiring, from leaving a promising job in Switzerland to cracking UPSC on her third attempt.
Early Life and Education: A Strong Foundation
Ambika Raina hails from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Being the daughter of an Army officer, her upbringing took her across various states in India. This diverse exposure shaped her personality and broadened her perspective, which proved valuable in her UPSC preparation.
- Educational Background:
Ambika pursued her undergraduate degree in Architecture from CEPT University in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Her passion for learning and excellence was evident from an early age. - Experience Abroad:
While completing her graduation in 2020, Ambika secured an internship at a reputed firm in Zurich, Switzerland. This was a remarkable achievement, showcasing her potential on a global platform.
Bold Decision: Leaving Switzerland for UPSC
Despite having a secure career path abroad, Ambika made a bold decision to leave her job in Switzerland and return to India. Her goal was clear – to crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination and serve the nation.
This decision was not easy. It required courage to leave a comfortable life and dedicate herself to one of the toughest competitive exams in the country. But Ambika was determined to prioritize her dreams over everything else.
The Journey of UPSC Preparation
Ambika’s journey to success wasn’t smooth. She faced failures in her first two attempts but refused to give up. Instead, she learned from her mistakes and refined her preparation strategy.
First Two Attempts: Learning from Failure
- Ambika initially focused heavily on books and theoretical knowledge but lacked emphasis on mock tests.
- She realized that her approach wasn’t fully effective and needed to be more practice-oriented.
Turning Point: The Third Attempt
- For her third attempt, Ambika shifted her strategy to focus extensively on mock tests and previous years’ question papers.
- She devoted 70% of her preparation to mock tests, which helped her evaluate her strengths and weaknesses.
- Solving previous years’ question papers gave her a better understanding of the exam pattern and types of questions.
Lessons from Ambika Raina’s Strategy
- Understand Your Mistakes:
After every attempt, Ambika analyzed what went wrong and worked on improving those areas. - Mock Tests Are Crucial:
She credits a major part of her success to practicing through mock tests. Regular practice helped her manage time better and gain confidence in answering questions. - Adapt and Improve:
Ambika changed her preparation approach based on her experiences, showing the importance of flexibility in strategies. - Consistency Is Key:
Despite setbacks, she maintained consistency in her preparation and never gave up.
Role of Determination and Focus
Ambika’s story highlights the importance of staying focused on your goals. Her journey teaches that:
- Taking risks for what you truly want is worth it.
- Success may take time, but persistence will always pay off.
- Hard work, combined with the right strategy, can help overcome any obstacle.
Life as an IAS Officer
Today, Ambika Raina serves as an IAS officer, contributing to India’s governance and economic development. Her responsibilities include managing government finances, implementing policies, and working towards the betterment of society.
Her story inspires countless UPSC aspirants to believe in themselves and work tirelessly to achieve their dreams.
Ambika Raina’s journey from a secure job in Switzerland to success in UPSC is a testament to the power of determination, learning, and perseverance. Her story continues to motivate and guide many who aspire to make a difference through civil services.
