Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi (MS)

New Delhi, Oct 18: Clearing the UPSC examination is often a challenging journey that involves intensive coaching and years of preparation. Yet, in 2018, Saumya Sharma achieved an extraordinary feat by passing the examination on her very first attempt and securing the ninth position nationwide, all while having only four months of self-preparation.

What makes Saumya's success even more remarkable is her journey from losing her hearing ability at the age of 16 to becoming a UPSC topper.

Saumya, an alumnus of the prestigious National Law School, had consistently excelled academically. When she decided to pursue her dream of cracking the UPSC examination in 2017, she had only four months to prepare. Undaunted by the tight timeframe, she demonstrated unwavering determination and focus to pass one of India's most challenging exams on her first attempt, at the age of 23.

Another noteworthy aspect of Sharma's achievement is that she chose not to take the examination under the specially-abled category, despite being eligible due to her hearing disability. Instead, she competed in the general category. During the mains exam, Saumya battled high fever and extreme physical discomfort but managed to reach the examination center and successfully complete her papers.

Saumya enjoys a significant following on Instagram with 249,000 followers. Currently, she serves as the CEO of Nagpur Zilla Parishad in Maharashtra. Her husband, Arpit Chandak, is also an IPS officer and holds the position of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in Nagpur city.