Three Attempts, One Dream: How UPSC topper Ashi Sharma overcame failure to crack the civil services with AIR 12

Get Civil Services Exam Preparation Strategies and Tips from Ashi Sharma, UPSC CSE 2024 Topper (AIR 12)

Cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a dream nurtured by lakhs of aspirants every year, but only a handful manage to turn it into reality. Among this year's top achievers is Ashi Sharma, who secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 12 in UPSC CSE 2024. In an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol, Ashi shared insights into her journey of resilience, preparation strategies, and her aspirations for the future.

When Ashi Sharma saw her name flash across the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 results list with an All India Rank (AIR) of 12, her initial reaction was disbelief. But as the news slowly settled in, so did an overwhelming sense of relief and elation. Years of perseverance, dedication, and tireless hard work had finally borne fruit.

Hailing from Ghaziabad, Ashi’s academic journey began at Apeejay School, Noida, and later took her to the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Bhopal, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. While her professional path could have led her into the world of design and urban planning, Ashi felt a strong pull toward public service. "The diverse nature of work that one can do as an IAS officer inspired me," she shared, explaining her decision to prepare for one of India’s toughest examinations.

However, her success story wasn’t written overnight. Ashi’s journey was marked by persistence and learning from failures. Her first attempt in 2022 ended at the preliminary stage, missing the cutoff by a mere four marks. In 2023, she advanced further but fell short of the final selection by 20 marks. It was in her third attempt, in 2024, that she finally broke through, securing an impressive total of 1025 marks and a place among the top rankers.

Reflecting on her preparation strategy, Ashi highlighted two pillars: consistency and self-evaluation. “Regular self-assessment through mock tests and identifying areas of improvement paid rich dividends,” she said. Her choice of optional subject, Public Administration, was approached with a mix of structured online courses, rigorous self-study, and careful integration of current affairs, ensuring her preparation was both dynamic and grounded.

For the critical Personality Test stage, Ashi adopted a measured approach. She meticulously prepared her Detailed Application Form (DAF) and stayed updated on current events, preferring quality over quantity when it came to mock interviews. "Less is more," she emphasized, focusing on incorporating panel feedback rather than overwhelming herself with numerous practice sessions.

Having faced her fair share of setbacks, Ashi is empathetic towards aspirants struggling with motivation. "It’s natural to feel demotivated during the UPSC journey," she said. "Taking a step back, spending time with loved ones, and then returning re-energized helped me immensely."

Looking ahead, Ashi has opted for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) as her top preference and is excited to begin her training at the prestigious Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in the coming months. With a calm head, determined spirit, and a heart set on public service, Ashi Sharma’s story is a shining example of resilience and hope for countless aspirants across the country.