The UPSC exam not only assesses a candidate's knowledge but also their mental resilience. While many aspirants feel discouraged after failing, for some, such setbacks become a source of inspiration. One such inspirational story is that of IAS officer Arpita Thube, who overcame failure through unwavering dedication and hard work.

Background

Arpita Thube hails from Thane, Maharashtra, and has had an exceptional academic record since her childhood. She completed her degree in Electrical Engineering from Sardar Patel College of Engineering. During her time in college, she made the decision to pursue a career in civil services and committed herself to serving the nation.

UPSC journey

Arpita appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Exam for the first time in 2019 but unfortunately did not clear the prelims. This setback was a significant disappointment for her, but she saw it as a fresh start. She focused on identifying her weaknesses and worked tirelessly to improve them.

In 2020, Arpita's hard work bore fruit when she secured the 383rd rank in the UPSC exam and joined the Indian Police Service (IPS). While this was a significant achievement in itself, Arpita’s ultimate dream was to become an IAS officer.

Achieving the dream of becoming an IAS officer

Even after becoming an IPS officer, Arpita continued to pursue her dream of joining the IAS. She appeared for the UPSC exam again in 2021, but once more, she fell short of her goal. In 2022, Arpita prepared for her fourth and final attempt. This time, she took a break from her IPS duties to fully dedicate herself to her preparation.

Her relentless hard work paid off, as she secured the 214th rank and achieved her dream of becoming an IAS officer. During her preparation, Arpita placed a strong emphasis on time management. She broke each day into manageable segments and studied with clear, focused goals. She learnt from her past mistakes and used them as stepping stones to strengthen herself.

Also read: From BTech to Peon to Officer: Shailendra Kumar Bandhe's inspiring story of hard work and perseverance