The journey to cracking the UPSC Civil Services Exams is often described as a Herculean task, with aspirants investing years of dedication and sacrifice to secure a coveted government position. Among these determined individuals stands Apala Mishra, a former practicing doctor who traded in her medical career to pursue her dream of joining the prestigious civil services.
Hailing from Ghaziabad, Apala's upbringing was steeped in academic excellence. With a retired army colonel for a father and a mother who serves as a professor at Delhi University, the pursuit of knowledge was ingrained in her family ethos from a young age. Despite completing her Bachelor's in Dental Surgery from Army College, Apala harbored a steadfast ambition to become an IAS officer, prompting her to embark on her UPSC journey post-graduation.
Apala's journey to success was not without its challenges. It took her three arduous years of relentless preparation before she finally achieved her goal, securing an impressive All India Rank of 9 in the 2020 Civil Services exam. However, fate had a surprising twist in store for her, as she didn't land in the IAS cadre as anticipated. Instead, she clinched a spot in the coveted Indian Foreign Service (IFS), her first-choice preference.
Despite the initial shock of deviating from her expected path, Apala's stellar performance in the UPSC interview, where she secured the highest score in five years with 215 out of 275 marks, affirmed her conviction in her chosen career trajectory.
When quizzed about her preparation strategy, Apala divulged that she dedicated herself to rigorous study sessions lasting 7-8 hours a day. Her unwavering commitment to her goal, coupled with her disciplined approach to preparation, undoubtedly played a pivotal role in her remarkable achievement.
Apala Mishra's journey serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit and resilience of UPSC aspirants who dare to dream big and work tirelessly to turn their aspirations into reality. Her story is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring civil servants across the nation, showcasing that with dedication and perseverance, no dream is beyond reach.