Daijiworld Media Network - Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, May 9: Proving that determination and disciplined self-study can overcome even the toughest challenges, Damanpreet Arora, serving as district panchayat raj officer (DPRO) in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district, secured All India Rank (AIR) 103 in the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Originally from Chandigarh, Damanpreet completed her graduation in civil engineering from Punjab University. She was posted as DPRO in Bijnor in December 2024.

Her administrative experience and deep understanding of civil services played a key role in helping her achieve success. Her mother is a homemaker, while her father serves as an officer in the Punjab government. Her younger brother works in a private company.

Damanpreet said she began preparing for the UPSC examination during her college days in 2017 itself. Even after being selected for the PCS in 2020, she did not give up on her dream of clearing UPSC. She continued her studies alongside her demanding government job. This was her third attempt at the examination.

Earlier, she had also cleared the Haryana Civil Services examination, but did not join service there as she remained focused on her goal of succeeding in UPSC.

She credited her success to her parents, brother, and the Bijnor administration. According to her, the district magistrate and chief development officer extended support whenever she needed time for studies and readily approved leave whenever required.

One of the most remarkable aspects of her journey is that she achieved success without joining any coaching institute. She prepared entirely through self-study.

Damanpreet shared that she was not someone who could wake up very early in the morning, so she planned her daytime schedule carefully to manage both work and studies effectively.

Her dream has always been to join the Indian Administrative Service, and this rank has brought her very close to achieving it.

Her success story has become an inspiration for young aspirants who dream big despite limited resources and busy schedules.

“I always wanted to become an IAS officer from the beginning. This time my dream has come true. The exam is extremely difficult and uncertain; anything can happen in it. But we should never lose hope or give up. The DPRO post is itself a challenging job. I utilised my time properly. It is very important for women to become empowered,” Damanpreet said.