After facing several setbacks, Prerna Singh decided to give another shot at UPSC and managed to secure the 271st rank, achieving her dream of becoming an officer.
Prerna Singh, from Ranchi, Jharkhand, experienced three consecutive failures at the UPSC exam. This series of near misses severely affected her confidence and prompted her to consider alternative career paths. However, after receiving advice from someone, she rediscovered her strengths and secured the 271st rank on her fourth attempt, leading to her selection in the IRS Customs.
Background
Prerna Singh's father passed away when she was just 13. To support the family financially, her mother took a job as a clerk in the Veterinary Department of the Government of Jharkhand. Despite the challenging circumstances, she remained dedicated to her daughter's education, focusing on her studies and ensuring she continued her schooling.
Career
After finishing her schooling in Ranchi, Prerna graduated in Sociology from Miranda House, Delhi, and then earned a master's degree from Jamia Millia Islamia. She began working as an HR professional at Vedanta Balco. However, within a year, she felt a deeper calling. Inspired by her father's belief that becoming an administrative officer could address significant societal issues, she left her job in 2020 to prepare for the UPSC exam.
Staying motivated
In her initial attempt in 2020, she missed clearing the UPSC Prelims by just 2 marks. In 2021, she fell short by 15 marks, and in 2022, she missed by a single mark. After these three consecutive failures, her resolve began to waver, and she started exploring other career options. However, when she appeared for the interview for a CSR vacancy, the interviewer suggested her to give another shot at UPSC. With renewed strength and her mother’s encouragement, she resumed her preparations.
Achieving dreams
In 2023, Prerna Singh cleared the UPSC Prelims. During this period, she received an offer from the London School of Economics for pursuing a degree in Public Policy. Despite this opportunity, she chose to focus entirely on her UPSC Mains preparation. Her dedication paid off, and she achieved the 271st rank in the final results. She believes that online coaching can be just as effective as in-person classes, and participating in group discussions can be immensely helpful.
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