Daijiworld Media Network – Mussoorie
Mussoorie, Jun 5: The UPSC Civil Services Examination is often dubbed India’s toughest. While many take years to crack it, some rise above the odds, one attempt at a time. Tapasya Parihar, a determined young woman from a small village in Madhya Pradesh, is one such name that stands as a beacon of resilience and perseverance. A farmer’s daughter who once couldn’t clear the prelims, Tapasya came back stronger and secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 23 in her second attempt — earning the coveted title of IAS officer.
Humble Beginnings, Unshaken Dreams
Hailing from the serene village of Jowa in the Narsinghpur district, Tapasya was born into a grounded yet supportive farming family. Her father, a farmer by profession, and her family’s simple lifestyle played a major role in shaping her grit and humility. She completed her schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, showing academic promise early on. But it was in Pune, at the renowned ILS Law College, where Tapasya’s ambition to join the civil services truly took root.
After earning her law degree, she set her sights on the UPSC — a dream that would test her resolve, patience, and strength.
A Setback That Fueled Her Fire
Tapasya’s first attempt at the UPSC Civil Services Exam ended at the preliminary stage. For many, that could have been disheartening — but for Tapasya, it became her driving force. She reassessed her preparation strategy, joined coaching, and doubled down on her efforts. Her second attempt, in 2017, was nothing short of a triumph — she cracked the exam with AIR 23, becoming one of the top-ranked candidates in the country.
She was allotted the Tamil Nadu cadre, where she began her journey as an IAS officer with the 2018 batch.
Love and Life at LBSNAA
Tapasya’s story does not end with her professional success. While undergoing training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, she met Garvit Gangwar, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer. The two bonded over shared values and aspirations, eventually tying the knot. Following their marriage, Tapasya was transferred to the Madhya Pradesh cadre, allowing her to serve in her home state alongside her partner.
An Inspiration in Every Sense
Today, Tapasya’s journey continues to inspire UPSC aspirants across the nation. From a rural background to the corridors of power, she represents every young dreamer who has faced setbacks but chose to rise again. Her story is a living example that success is not about how quickly you get there — but how determinedly you continue, no matter how tough the road may be.
For young women across India, especially those from rural backgrounds, IAS Tapasya Parihar remains a shining symbol of hope — a reminder that no dream is too big when backed by persistence, purpose, and self-belief.