Daijiworld Media Network - Rourkela
Rourkela, Mar 14: The path to clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination, widely regarded as one of the toughest exams in India, demands resilience, patience and unwavering determination. The inspiring journey of IAS officer Sanjita Mohapatra stands as a powerful example of how persistence can turn repeated failures into remarkable success.
Hailing from Rourkela in Odisha, Sanjita completed her schooling before pursuing mechanical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. It was during her engineering years that she developed the ambition to join the civil services and contribute to the nation.
After graduating, she began preparing for the UPSC examination. However, the road ahead was far from easy. In her first three attempts, she was unable to clear the preliminary examination. Despite the setbacks and disappointment, she refused to abandon her goal. During this period, she briefly took up a job in a company while continuing her preparation.
In her fourth attempt, which she took while working, she faced another failure. Determined to give her dream one more serious push, Sanjita decided to resign from her job and dedicate herself fully to her studies.
Unlike many aspirants, she prepared without joining any coaching institute. Instead, she relied on NCERT books, online study materials and newspapers to strengthen her preparation.
During this phase of preparation, Sanjita also got married. Her husband Biswa Ranjan Mundari, who works as a manager at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), along with her in-laws, extended full support and encouragement throughout her journey.
Years of perseverance and disciplined preparation finally paid off. In 2019, on her fifth attempt, Sanjita Mohapatra successfully cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination with an All India Rank (AIR) of 10, turning her dream of becoming an IAS officer into reality.
Her journey from repeated setbacks to one of the top ranks in the country continues to inspire countless UPSC aspirants across India.