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UPSC Success Story: After failing the UPSC Prelims five consecutive times, Akriti Sethi finally cracked the exam on her sixth attempt, achieving her dream of joining the IAS.

Akriti Sethi hails from Ambala, Haryana. (aakriti.sethi_ias/Instagram)
Every year, lakhs of candidates appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, hoping to fulfill their dream of becoming an IAS officer. While many begin the journey with determination, not everyone succeeds on the first attempt. Repeated setbacks can shake even the strongest resolve, but those who refuse to give up often emerge victorious.
The story of Akriti Sethi from Ambala, Haryana, is a powerful example of resilience, patience, and unwavering dedication. After failing the UPSC Preliminary Examination five consecutive times, she persevered and finally cracked the exam on her sixth attempt, achieving her dream of joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
From Delhi University Graduate to UPSC Aspirant
After completing her schooling, she pursued her bachelor’s degree at Delhi University. Following graduation, she secured a job at a private company and had no plans of entering the civil services. However, a conversation with a family relative introduced her to the UPSC exam and inspired her to pursue a career in public service. Determined to chase this new dream, she resigned from her job and dedicated herself entirely to UPSC preparation.
Five Consecutive Preliminary Failures
Sethi appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination for the first time in 2017 but could not clear the preliminary stage. The setback made her question whether leaving her job had been the right decision. Nevertheless, she chose to continue. She appeared again the following year, only to face another disappointment. The pattern continued, and despite giving her best, she failed to clear the prelims for five consecutive attempts. By 2021, she had experienced five failures, yet she refused to abandon her goal.
Sixth Attempt Brought Success
After five unsuccessful attempts, Akriti Sethi reassessed her preparation strategy. She carefully analysed her mistakes, refined her study plan, and approached the examination with greater discipline and focus. Her persistence finally paid off in 2022, when she cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her sixth attempt, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 249 and realising her dream of becoming an IAS officer.
Throughout her difficult journey, Sethi received unwavering support from her family. Her father played a particularly significant role in keeping her motivated. Rather than pressuring her to quit or questioning her decisions, he encouraged her to treat every failure as a learning experience and continue working hard. His constant belief in her abilities, combined with her own determination, gave Akriti the strength to persevere despite repeated setbacks.
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