Annapurna Singh's Never-Surrender Spirit Propels Her to UPSC 99th Rank
Interview
Annapurna Singh, a resident of Bihar, achieved the 99th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023 on her fifth attempt. Her journey to success was marked by initial setbacks which she persevered through without losing hope, eventually realising her long-cherished dream. Annapurna attributes her success to the unwavering support of her parents, teachers and friends, whose encouragement bolstered her spirits during difficult times. Speaking with journalist Shri Chandran Kumar Choudhary for Employment News, Annapurna says she drew inspiration from a poem titled 'Nanhi Cheeti' that she kept on her study table, finding solace and motivation in its message that perseverance always leads to success.
Q: Congratulations on securing the 99th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023! How do you feel about this achievement?
A: Thank you! This achievement still feels incredibly surreal to me. It's a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifices, and unwavering support from my parents, friends and teachers. The moment I found out about my rank, it was like a dream come true. I am overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude for everyone who believed in me and supported me throughout this journey.
Q: What was your approach behind this success and how many attempts did it take you?
A: This was my fifth attempt at the UPSC examination. Initially, I tried to balance my preparation with my demanding job at Intel in Bengaluru. It was challenging to juggle between work and studying, but I persisted because I was determined to achieve my goal of becoming a civil servant. After realising that I needed more time to focus on my preparation, I made the difficult decision to resign from my job and dedicate myself fully to UPSC examinations. The mantra that kept me going was the belief that if an idea came to my mind, it was meant to be pursued. I always had a deep-seated desire to serve society and improve people's lives, which motivated me to keep pushing forward despite the setbacks.
Q: Who do you credit for supporting you through this journey?
A: I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my parents, who have been my rock and unwavering support system throughout this challenging journey. Their encouragement, belief in my abilities and sacrifices have been instrumental in keeping me motivated and focused. My teachers also played a crucial role in guiding me and providing invaluable insights and knowledge. Additionally, my friends stood by me, offering moral support and understanding during the ups and downs of preparing for such a competitive examination.
Q: How did you find out about your UPSC result and how did you celebrate?
A: Finding out about my UPSC result was an emotional rollercoaster. After a disappointing previous attempt, I was filled with nervous anticipation this time around. I even hid my phone to manage my anxiety. It was my mother who broke the news to me and it was an incredibly emotional moment. I felt an over-whelming sense of relief, joy and accomplishment. Immediately, I thanked God and sought the blessings of my parents. The moment was surreal and one of the happiest in my life. As congratulatory calls and messages poured in, I realised that I had secured the 99th rank, which added another layer of happiness and pride. It was a moment I will cherish forever.
Q: As the only child to your parents, did you face extra pressure or challenges?
A: Thankfully, I didn't face many challenges due to the loving and supportive environment provided by my family. However, being the only child comes with its own set of societal pressures and expectations, which can sometimes be daunting. I have been fortunate to have parents who have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and supported me unconditionally.
Q: What was your study strategy, considering your demanding job?
A: Balancing my job at Intel while I was preparing for UPSC examinations was indeed challenging. During my initial attempts, I tried to study whenever I could spare time after work, often late into the night and on weekends. However, I soon realised that this approach wasn't sustainable for achieving my goal. After careful consideration, I decided to resign from my job to focus entirely on UPSC preparation. For the last two years leading up to my successful attempt, I immersed myself completely in studying. I didn't count hours but dedicated every waking moment to mastering the syllabus and improving my understanding of the subjects.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of academics?
A: Outside of academics, I have a deep passion for reading. One of my favourite works is "Rashmirathi" by Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, which inspires me with its profound messages and poetic beauty. I also enjoy painting as a creative outlet and have participated in several art exhibitions. Additionally, I have a keen interest in swimming and have won medals in swimming competitions.
Q: Could you share your educational background with us?
A: I completed my schooling at DAV School in Khagaul, Patna, where I developed a strong academic foundation. After completing my 12th grade, I pursued a Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Bengaluru. I was fortunate to secure a job at Intel during campus placements, which provided me with valuable professional experience before I decided to focus on my UPSC preparation full-time.
Q: How important was coaching in your UPSC preparation?
A: I opted not to attend traditional classroom coaching for General Studies (GS) and Mains. Instead, I relied heavily on self-study and online resources, particularly YouTube channels hosted by previous UPSC toppers. These channels provided insightful guidance, study tips and strategies that were immensely helpful in my preparation journey. I did participate in some online coaching sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic, which provided additional structure and expert guidance. While coaching can be beneficial, especially for structured learning and mentorship, I believe that with dedication and the right resources, one can effectively prepare for UPSC examinations independently.
(The interviewer is a Delhi-based journalist. Feedback on this article can be sent to feedback. employmentnews@gmail.com) Views expressed are personal.