Success in the UPSC CSE is one of the most sought-after achievements in India, attracting thousands of aspirants every year. In this article by The Hinduzone, we will discuss the inspirational journey of IAS Priyanka Goel, who faced 5 failures in the UPSC examination. However, this journey is not easy. It is often filled with hurdles, setbacks, and failures. While many give up after facing a few failures, others keep fighting until they achieve their goal. One such inspiring story is of Priyanka Goel, who faced five failures in the UPSC examination but ultimately secured a place in the IAS on her sixth attempt. Her story is a beacon of hope for all those who dream of achieving greatness but struggle with obstacles. This article takes a deep dive into Priyanka Goel’s incredible journey, highlighting her educational background, the challenges she faced, and the invaluable lessons she learned during her preparation for the UPSC examination.
Early Life and Educational Background
Priyanka Goel, a resident of Delhi, has always been academically inclined. After completing her schooling, she pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from Keshav College at Delhi University. While many students often consider pursuing traditional career paths after completing their undergraduate education, Priyanka decided to follow her passion for public service and began preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
The UPSC Journey: Five Failed Attempts
Like most aspirants, Priyanka’s road to success was not smooth. She faced repeated failures. Priyanka appeared for the UPSC exam five times, and in her first four attempts, she failed to clear the prelims stage.
Failing to qualify for the preliminary exam is often a major setback for aspirants, as it can be disheartening and demotivating. In her case, the failures could have easily led her to abandon her dreams. However, Priyanka took a different approach. Rather than viewing her failures as a sign to quit, she chose to view them as opportunities for self-reflection and growth. Each failure was a lesson that helped her improve her strategy, knowledge, and approach for the next attempt.
Key to Success: Consistency, Dedication, and Self-Belief
One of the key reasons Priyanka ultimately succeeded was her unwavering commitment to the process. Despite failing five times, she never lost faith in herself or her abilities. Her resilience came from a deep sense of self-belief and the knowledge that success doesn’t come overnight. As she embarked on each new attempt, she focused on improving her weaknesses and honing her strengths. Priyanka’s persistence, combined with her ability to learn from her mistakes, eventually paid off.
In her sixth attempt, Priyanka Goel cleared the UPSC exam with an impressive All-India Rank (AIR) of 369. Her journey is proof that consistency, dedication, and a positive attitude are crucial to overcoming obstacles.
Priyanka Goel’s Success Tips for UPSC Aspirants
Priyanka Goel’s success is a result of not just hard work but also a well-thought-out strategy. As someone who faced multiple failures and eventually succeeded, she has shared many valuable insights for aspiring IAS officers. Here are some of the key tips from her success story:
1. Start Early: The Importance of Early Preparation
Priyanka stresses that starting preparation early is one of the most important factors in UPSC’s success. The UPSC exam syllabus is vast, and it requires consistent effort over a long period. Therefore, starting preparation as early as possible gives you an edge by allowing you to pace yourself. Priyanka recommends beginning preparation at least a year in advance. The earlier you start, the better you can plan your study schedule, revise thoroughly, and avoid last-minute stress.
2. Make Effective Notes: The Power of Good Revision
In her experience, Priyanka found making concise and organized notes incredibly helpful. Notes not only help in retaining key information but also act as valuable revision tools before the exam. By preparing notes during the study phase, aspirants can quickly revise critical concepts, saving time and energy as the exam date approaches. Priyanka recommends writing down important facts, figures, and summaries of complex topics in your own words, as this will help you better understand and recall them.
3. Understand the Exam Pattern: A Key to Success
Familiarity with the UPSC exam pattern is essential for success. Priyanka emphasizes the importance of understanding the structure of the exam, including the stages (Prelims, Mains, and Interview), the number of questions, the time allotted for each paper, and the weightage given to different sections. By understanding the exam pattern, you can better allocate your time, prioritize topics, and approach each stage of the examination strategically.
4. Develop a Reading Habit: Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Reading regularly is one of the most important habits that an IAS aspirant can develop. Priyanka Goel strongly advises future aspirants to cultivate a reading habit, which should include not just textbooks but also newspapers. Staying updated with current affairs is crucial for both the Prelims and Mains, as questions related to current events frequently appear in the General Studies papers.
Additionally, reading newspapers will also help you with the essay paper and the Interview stage. Priyanka suggests reading national dailies like The Hindu or The Indian Express, as they offer comprehensive coverage of current affairs and are often considered reliable sources for UPSC preparation.
5. Choose the Right Optional Subject
Selecting the right optional subject is crucial for UPSC Mains preparation. Priyanka advises aspirants to choose an optional subject that aligns with their interests and strengths. It is essential to pick a subject you enjoy, as this will make the study process less tedious and more engaging. Priyanka herself chose an optional subject based on her background and personal interest, which made it easier for her to grasp complex concepts and stay motivated throughout the preparation period.
6. Stay Motivated and Be Persistent
The road to becoming an IAS officer is long and challenging. Priyanka emphasizes the importance of staying motivated and persistent. In her journey, there were times when failure seemed inevitable, but her determination kept her going. One of her key pieces of advice is to not let failures define you; instead, learn from them and use them as stepping stones to success.
7. Plan Smartly and Execute Diligently
Lastly, Priyanka stresses the importance of having a well-structured study plan. A study plan helps in managing time effectively and ensures that you cover all aspects of the syllabus. However, planning alone is not enough; execution is equally important. Priyanka recommends being diligent and sticking to your plan, while also taking time to revise regularly and attempt mock tests. Consistent effort and self-discipline will eventually lead to success.
Conclusion: The Power of Persistence
Priyanka Goel’s story is a powerful reminder that perseverance can turn dreams into reality. Despite facing five failures in the UPSC examination, she did not give up. Her story shows that setbacks are not the end but rather an opportunity to grow and improve. By staying focused, learning from her mistakes, and maintaining a strong belief in herself, Priyanka Goel was able to achieve her dream of becoming an IAS officer. For every aspirant preparing for the UPSC exam, Priyanka’s journey is a source of inspiration. Her message is clear: Failure is not the end. With hard work, a positive attitude, and an unwavering commitment to your goal, success is achievable.
