Daijiworld Media Network - Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, Aug 4: Shruti Sharma, a native of Bijnore in Uttar Pradesh, became a symbol of perseverance and dedication by securing All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2021 — but her journey to the top was not a straight road.

Shruti began her academic path in Delhi, attending Cambridge Primary School until class 5 and later continuing at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya. A bright student from the start, she pursued her undergraduate degree in history at St Stephen’s College, Delhi University, and later enrolled in a master’s programme in modern history at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Her turning point came when she joined the Residential Coaching Academy at Jamia Millia Islamia — a decision she credits for giving her the much-needed push towards serious UPSC preparation.

Her first attempt at the exam, however, ended in disappointment. A language medium issue forced her to write her Mains in Hindi, and she missed the interview call by just one mark. “That moment was painful,” she said, “but it made me determined to come back stronger.”

And she did. In her second attempt, Shruti refined her strategy: starting from NCERTs, making her own notes, limiting study materials, focusing on newspapers, and emphasizing quality over quantity in her study hours. “It is not about the number of hours; it is about how well you study,” she says. “Stay patient and consistent. Do what works for you, not what others say.”

What sets Shruti apart is not just her rank, but her independent approach. She trusted her instincts over popular opinions, which ultimately paid off.

Shruti’s remarkable achievement is now an inspiration to thousands of aspirants, especially young women across the country. Her journey proves that resilience, smart strategy, and self-belief can turn even the smallest setbacks into stepping stones to success.