Farmer’s Daughter Becomes District Collector: Tapasya Parihar IAS Success Story

In the heart of Narsinghpur, a small town in Madhya Pradesh, Tapasya Parihar's journey to becoming an IAS officer is nothing short of inspiring. Born to a farmer, Tapasya’s story stands as a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and hard work in overcoming life's challenges.

The Early Struggles and First Attempt

Tapasya’s journey to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) was not an easy one. Like many aspiring civil servants, she faced the daunting challenge of clearing the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination, one of the toughest exams in the world.

Her first attempt did not yield the desired results, and she faced the sting of failure. However, what sets Tapasya apart from many others is her refusal to give up. Rather than being discouraged by her first setback, she used it as a learning experience. She recognized the areas where she had fallen short, sought guidance from mentors, and reevaluated her approach.

The Power of Planning and Perseverance

After her initial failure, Tapasya embarked on a path of meticulous planning and immense hard work. Understanding the demands of the UPSC exam, she crafted a disciplined strategy that focused on consistent preparation, self-belief, and time management. Her determination and focus helped her overcome obstacles and stay on course.

With renewed vigor, she devoted herself to extensive study, honing her skills, and practicing mock tests to improve her writing speed and clarity. She also embraced the importance of balancing her academic and personal life, ensuring that stress did not overwhelm her during the preparation phase.

Triumph in the Second Attempt

In her second attempt, Tapasya Parihar's hard work and perseverance paid off. She scaled the formidable mountain of the UPSC exam and emerged victorious. In the UPSC Civil Services Examination of 2017, Tapasya secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 23. With a total score of 1078 marks, she attained 916 marks in the written exam and 162 marks in the personality test (Interview).

Her success was not just about academic brilliance; it was a reflection of her unwavering determination, self-belief, and the invaluable lessons she learned from her first attempt. Tapasya’s achievement exemplifies how setbacks can be transformed into stepping stones when paired with a clear vision and a strategic approach.

An Inspiration to Aspirants Nationwide

Tapasya Parihar’s success story has become an inspiration for countless IAS aspirants across the country, especially those who hail from humble backgrounds. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope, proving that with dedication, proper planning, and resilience, anyone can achieve their dreams—regardless of their starting point.

Today, as an IAS officer, Tapasya continues to serve the nation with the same dedication and hard work that led her to success in the UPSC exam. Her journey is a powerful reminder that success is not determined by the obstacles we face, but by our ability to rise above them.

Conclusion

Tapasya Parihar’s transformation from a small-town girl to an All India Rank 23 UPSC topper and IAS officer is a remarkable story of hard work, resilience, and unwavering faith. Her journey offers invaluable lessons to those aspiring to join the prestigious civil services and proves that with the right mindset, no dream is too big to achieve.