From Cisco to UPSC: Inspiring Journey of IAS Officer Vishakha Yadav

IAS Vishakha Yadav

Some stories remind us that success is not about comfort, but about courage. Vishakha Yadav's journey from a high-paying corporate job to the challenging world of civil services is one such story. Her life shows what happens when determination, discipline and a strong sense of purpose come together.

After completing her B.Tech from Delhi Technological University (DTU), Vishakha started her career in the private sector. She soon joined Cisco in Bengaluru — a dream job for many young engineers. The salary was good, the future looked stable and life was on the path most people aspire to.

But Vishakha wanted something more. She wanted a life of service, a life where her work directly impacted people. The thought of joining the civil services kept growing stronger. Finally, she made a decision that very few dare to make. She resigned from her corporate job to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

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Vishakha grew up in Delhi. Her father, Rajkumar Yadav, serves as an Assistant Sub-Inspector in the Delhi Police, and her mother, Sarita Yadav, is a homemaker. Their values shaped her belief in honesty, service and hard work. Her parents were her constant support through every setback and every breakthrough.

Vishakha began preparing for UPSC without coaching. Many aspirants rely heavily on classes and study material, but she chose a different path — self-study, consistency and deep focus.

Her first two attempts were tough. She could not clear the prelims. But instead of losing hope, she improved her strategy, strengthened her basics and stayed patient.

In her third attempt, she achieved what thousands dream of — All India Rank 6 in UPSC 2019. Her success was a result of discipline, resilience and an unshakeable belief in her purpose. She scored 1046 out of 2025 marks, proving that self-study paired with hard work can truly make miracles happen.

Today, Vishakha Yadav is an IAS officer posted in Kurung Kumey district of Arunachal Pradesh. She stepped into the service with the same passion that helped her clear the exam.

Vishakha's journey is not just about leaving a job or clearing an exam. It is about choosing courage over comfort. It is about believing that one person can make a real difference. From a corporate office in Bengaluru to the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, her path shows us that success follows those who dare to dream big and work tirelessly for it.