Daijiworld Media Network - Bihar
Bihar, Mar 2: Kumud Mishra’s success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, securing an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 69, stands as a powerful example of perseverance, consistency, and strategic preparation. Her journey reflects how determination and disciplined effort can transform setbacks into stepping stones toward success.
A Political Science graduate from Lucknow University, Kumud Mishra is the daughter of a retired army officer and completed her schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Himachal Pradesh and Lucknow. Growing up in a disciplined environment, she imbibed the values of hard work and dedication from an early age, which later became the foundation of her UPSC preparation.
Her UPSC journey was marked by steady progress and resilience. She had earlier secured AIR 259 in the Civil Services Examination and was allocated to the Indian Revenue Services (IRS). Instead of settling, she continued her preparation with renewed focus, determined to improve her rank and achieve her larger goal in the civil services.
Kumud’s preparation strategy revolved around daily discipline, rigorous mock tests, and consistent self-assessment. She followed a structured approach, which helped her maintain regular practice, receive feedback, and refine her answer-writing skills. Her optional subject was political science and international relations, aligning closely with her academic background and strengthening her conceptual clarity.
She attributed her improved performance to meticulous planning, strategic mentoring, and sustained hard work over time. By analysing her previous attempt and working on her weak areas, she ensured steady improvement in every stage of the examination.
Speaking about the personality test, Kumud described the interview as a 30-minute experience that included unexpected questions on topics such as cryptocurrency, the Israel-Hamas war, and rural development. Her calm approach, awareness of current affairs, and balanced responses played a key role in her final success.
Kumud Mishra’s journey from AIR 259 to AIR 69 is a motivating reminder that success in UPSC is not always about a single attempt but about consistency, learning from failures, and unwavering determination. Her story continues to inspire countless aspirants to stay disciplined, trust the process, and keep striving until they achieve their goals.