Aahana Srishti of Delhi achieves AIR 3 in IES Exam – Success Story and Key Points

Aahana Srishti, a talented young economist from Delhi, got All India Rank 3 in the extremely sought-after UPSC-conducted Indian Economic Service (IES) exam in 2024. In an inspiring LinkedIn post, she took the time to walk us through her experience, sharing with us the important tips that helped her secure one of India's toughest exams. Talking to The Indian Express in an interview that is exclusive to this newspaper, Aahana charted out her experience, study schedule, and mindset that enabled her to pull off this big achievement.

After being told about her success, Aahana mentioned that she had a dream-like experience. She did not treat the exam as a do-or-die situation but rather as a test of how much she knew about economics. She also had a plan B—if she failed the exam, then she would retake it or pursue a PhD. This mindset, as she explained, reduced the pressure and allowed her to focus without the looming specter of failure over her head. Aahana emphasized the importance of having fall-back plans because it helps in stress management and being clear-headed during preparation.

Aahana credited her success to several things, but most importantly her mother's rock-solid faith in her and so-called "divine intervention." She described how her mother drove her relentlessly, ensuring that she was emotionally robust throughout the journey. As much as work was required, she also understood that sometimes things magically fall into place, which encouraged her to believe even more strongly in perseverance and self-confidence.

Recalling her day of the UPSC interview, Aahana admitted to being nervous but was able to relax by reassuring herself that she had given it her best while she prepared. Attending the Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management (AJNIFM) to begin training was a stepping stone and point of pride. She was profoundly proud of having the years she spent hard working convert into something purposeful.

Her journey has since then inspired numerous hopefuls, with numerous messages flooding in from people who were inspired by her journey. Aahana felt this deeply satisfying, particularly when someone told her that her success encouraged them that hard work bore fruit. She explained that if her journey was able to inspire one person to pursue their dreams, it would be all worth it.

Academically, Aahana graduated in Indraprastha College for Women followed by a post-graduation in Economics at IIFT. Her fieldwork also benefited her as a consultant with ICRIER, provided her with experience in economic policymaking and economic policymaking issues and their pragmatic implications, proving useful for IES exam preparations. She also advised the prospective contenders to study assiduously, do not be discouraged when they face disappointments, and watch out for mental health while in preparation mode. She also warned us to plan a plan B, and even went ahead to state that it can turn out to be a game-changer in managing the uncertainty of competitive exams.

In the years to come, Aahana is a probationary officer in the Indian Economic Service and wishes to provide a positive contribution towards policymaking in economics. She remains ready to pursue opportunities that will combine her interest in economics with policy application. Starting this new path, she hopes her story inspires others to reach for the pinnacle.