UPSC Success Stories: 5 IAS Officers Who Cracked UPSC After Multiple Failures

These inspiring stories highlight 5 IAS officers who achieved success in their 5th or 6th UPSC attempt. Their journeys prove that persistence, resilience, and belief can turn repeated failures into victory. 

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These 5 officers wouldn't be IAS if they had given up

The UPSC exam is one of India's toughest. Millions try, but few succeed. While many quit after one failure, some persist. Learn about officers who became IAS in their 5th or 6th try.

Image Credit : Shakti Dubey IAS/Instagram

Shakti Dubey: Became an IAS topper in her 6th attempt

Shakti Dubey from Prayagraj got AIR 1 in UPSC 2024 on her 6th try. After early failures and leaving coaching during COVID, she aced it with self-study. Her story inspires many.

Image Credit : Avnish Sharan IAS/Instagram

IAS Avnish Sharan: Failed 10 times, then got 77th rank

Avnish Sharan's story proves marks don't define you. Despite low scores and 10+ exam failures, he kept trying. He finally secured AIR 77 in his second UPSC attempt.

Image Credit : IAS Priyanka Goyal/Instagram

IAS Priyanka Goyal: Success after 5 attempts, illness, and failure

Priyanka Goyal faced many setbacks: failing prelims, mains, and CSAT. During her 5th try, her mom got severely ill with COVID. Still, she persevered and got rank 369 in UPSC 2022.

Image Credit : Yashni Nagarajan IAS/Instagram

IAS Yashni Nagarajan: Achieved success in 4th attempt while working

Yashni Nagarajan is an inspiration for working aspirants. Studying 4-5 hours daily with a full-time job, she secured rank 57 in UPSC 2019 on her 4th attempt. Time management was key.

Image Credit : IAS PK Siddharth Ramkumar/linkedin

IAS PK Siddharth Ramkumar: Fourth rank in the fourth attempt

PK Siddharth Ramkumar got AIR 4 in UPSC 2023 on his 4th try. He failed prelims on his first go. He was already training for IPS when he secretly retook the exam and aced it.