Lucknow: Shalini Ranjan, a resident of Khandauli town, Agra, faced financial constraints in pursuing coaching for her civil services exams. Her father, Yogendra Singh, worked as a farmer, and her mother, Urmila Devi, was an Asha worker. Shalini completed her schooling from a government school and then earned BA and MA degrees from a college in Agra. She aspired to join the civil services but could not afford the fees of coaching classes. However, she found support through the Abhyudaya Yojana programme under the UP Social Welfare Department in her UPPSC journey. 

Shalini Ranjan’s success

Shalini Ranjan appeared for the entrance exam and was admitted to the free coaching programme in Hapur, which included hostel accommodation. Initially, the family was reluctant to send her away to another city, however, she visited the coaching centre with her father and eventually joined the centre with her mother’s approval.

She received the coaching for 4 to 5 months and then had to return home due to the lockdown. She continued her preparation with the books available at home and managed to clear the preliminary examinations. Subsequently, she received further guidance from the coaching centre and cleared the mains exam and the interview with flying colours. She secured a position as a District Minority Officer in the year 2020. 

Abhyudaya Yojana

Through the support of Abhyudaya Yojana, around 350 candidates have achieved success in various competitive exams over the last four years. Notably, 23 candidates have secured positions as IAS officers and over 100 candidates have cleared the UPPSC exams.

Kumar Prashant, Director of the Social Welfare Department, shares that approximately 8000 students are benefiting from free coaching programme in the state. Coaching classes are provided for competitive exams like UPSC, PCS, NDA, CDS, JEE, and NEET, etc.

BDO Ved Prakash’s success story

Ved Prakash grew up in Govindpur village in Mathura. Due to the financial challenges, he completed his schooling from a government school and pursued his higher education at local colleges. He embarked on his UPPSC preparation journey in the year 2017. He joined Abhyudaya Yojana programme in 2020. He dedicated himself entirely to studies and abstained from celebrating any festivals. His efforts paid off when he successfully cleared the UPPSC 2021 exams, securing the position as a Block Development Officer (BDO).

Determination and perseverance

Ved Prakash reflects on his UPPSC journey and mentions how he persevered through all the setbacks. He would get disappointed every time he failed to make it to the final list of successful candidates. However, he never lost hopes and pushed himself to do better. His elder brother provided invaluable support and guidance during this period. Ved Prakash continued moving forward on his path and eventually gained success.