Her ‘illiterate’ mother gave everything to her, she became IAS officer- full story inside

There is nothing under the sun that one cannot touch the pinnacle of success with individual talent. At any time, life can change and all one can do is to set goals high and to march towards it each day of life. Anuradha Pal faced a lot of ups and downs in life. But that’s didn’t stop her from becoming an IAS. The story of Anuradha Pal will surely inspire you in many ways and let’s go through her journey.

Anuradha Pal has achieved something incredible in her life which others can only dream of. She secured 62 ranks in the UPSC Civil Services exam and faced difficulties in her career before touching the pinnacle of success.

Hailing from Haridwar, Anuradha Pal made her parents feel proud by clearing the UPSC Civil Services exam. Her father was a milkman and took care of his family by selling milk, while her mother is a homemaker. Her mother is illiterate and her father is only 5th pass.

Anuradha has been intelligent since childhood and her mother always helped her with her studies. Anuradha’s family wanted her to get married at an early age. However, her mother was against this decision. Her mother noticed that Anuradha was an intelligent girl and hence she always supported her with her studies. It was her mother who decided to send her to Delhi for the preparation of UPSC.

Before becoming IAS officer, Anuradha had secured 451st rank and got Indian Revenue Service (IRS-IT). But she was not satisfied until she bagged 62nd rank in the UPSC exam

Anuradha said, “Rural background and meager resources were sort of roadblocks for my big ambition and my journey towards dream destination has been full of turbulences.”

Life was tough for Anuradha. She did B.Tech (Electronics & Communication) from G B Pant University. She got an offer from Tech Mahindra, but she wanted to become an IAS officer.

Due to financial constraints, she did not have enough resources to study for the UPSC Civil Services exam. She started preparation with limited study-material and books and Anuradha had first two attempts with self-study.

Anuradha said, “I was clear that a lot of ground is to be cover and without wasting time, I need specialized guidance that could pave the way for my success. 

She moved to Delhi for proper guidance and joined Nirvana IAS Academy. Although it was out of reach; but, I had some plans and to cover my coaching class’s expenses, I started taking tuitions.”

“It proved to be a catalyst and I qualified this examination in 2012 and got IRS. As I was still away from my goal, I appeared again in Civil Services Examination 2015 and even despite my job; I managed to accomplish the task in this attempt.

She went on to say, “I had very less time due to my present service. I divided my time into slots and made small targets that can be achieved on daily basis.”

Anuradha said, “As far as success with Hindi medium is concerned, I feel it does not matter much.”

“You need command over the language you opt for writing examination and proficiency in writing succinct answers. Every year there are candidates like me find place in merit-list and accomplish the goal”, she added.

She has now become a source of inspiration for many youths who dream to be IAS. She has achieved what others dream of. Many people read her inspirational story and get motivated. Let’s praise her for a big achievement.

Writer, historian, and activist Dharam Sikarwar is a very active author The Youth. He writes on national and international issues, environment, politics. He is an avid book reader as well.