IAS Success Story: Meet Vishakha Yadav, A Techie Who Quit Her High-Paying Job to Crack UPSC
New Delhi: Many people change their career paths, not out of confusion, but out of bravery to take risks. One such inspiring story is that of IAS officer Vishakha Yadav, who achieved an All India Rank (AIR) of 6 in the UPSC exam.
Vishakha, a native of Delhi, pursued her education at Delhi Technological University (DTU), where she studied engineering. DTU, known for its rigorous academic environment and strong emphasis on technical skills, provided Vishakha with a solid foundation. After completing her engineering degree, she began working at Cisco in Bangalore, a highly reputed company in the tech industry. Despite her success and the promising career path she was on, her true passion lay elsewhere.
The Call to Public Service
From a young age, Vishakha had been drawn to the idea of public service and making a significant impact on society. This passion for serving her country motivated her to pursue a career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Driven by this ambition, she made the bold decision to resign from her high-paying job at Cisco and dedicate herself fully to preparing for the UPSC exams, one of the most challenging competitive exams in India.
Overcoming Challenges
Her journey was not without its share of challenges. The UPSC exam is known for its rigorous selection process, which requires immense dedication, hard work, and perseverance. After two unsuccessful attempts, many would have been discouraged, but not Vishakha. She remained steadfast in her goal, learning from her past mistakes and refining her preparation strategy. Her perseverance and determination finally paid off in 2019 when she cleared the UPSC exam with an impressive AIR 6, scoring 1046 marks out of 2025.
Support from Family
Vishakha credits her success to the unwavering support of her parents, Assistant Sub-Inspector Rajkumar Yadav and Sarita Yadav, who stood by her side throughout her journey. Their encouragement and belief in her abilities provided her with the strength to overcome obstacles and keep pushing forward. Vishakha’s success is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the importance of family support in pursuing one's dreams.
Achieving Her Goal
Following her remarkable achievement, Vishakha was assigned to the AGMUT cadre of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) based on the results of the UPSC 2020. This cadre, which includes the Union Territories of India, provides her with a platform to serve in diverse regions, facing unique administrative challenges. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and the courage to follow one's dreams.
An Inspiration to All
Vishakha Yadav’s journey from a successful techie to an IAS officer is a source of inspiration for many. It highlights the importance of following one’s passion and the rewards that come with taking risks and persevering in the face of adversity. Her story encourages others to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their true calling, no matter how daunting the path may seem.