Ria Verma, from Palamu, Jharkhand, secured the 107th rank in the 69th BPSC exam and the 22nd rank in the OBC category. For Ria, this milestone is just the beginning, with her ultimate goal being to succeed in the UPSC exam. Her success is the result of enduring numerous challenges and taunts along the way. Let’s explore her inspiring journey.

Self-study and dedication

Ria attributes her academic success to self-study. She emphasizes that there are no constraints, allowing one to manage time according to personal convenience. Self-reliance and discipline, she says, are key benefits of this approach. In addition to taking mock tests, she also used social media as a tool for her preparation. Ria made a habit of regularly taking practice tests and evaluating her performance. Despite facing failure in her first attempt, she remained determined, learning from her mistakes and improving by identifying her shortcomings.

Preparation strategy

Ria adopted a disciplined approach to her studies, focusing on the right time and a simple strategy. She dedicated 5-6 hours each day to productive study, ensuring consistency in her routine. Regular study sessions were complemented by time spent in the quiet, disciplined environment of the library. For the prelims exam, she relied on NCERT books, while Laxmikanth's book became a crucial part of her revision process. To prepare for the Mains, Ria took as many mock tests as possible and practised mock interviews from various institutions to refine her skills.

Family support

Ria credits much of her success to the unwavering support of her family. Her brother, Amit Kumar, played a crucial role, providing both financial and emotional support. He motivated her consistently, even during challenging times. Her family encouraged her in every possible way, creating an environment that fostered her growth. 

The journey to success was not easy for Ria. She faced constant criticism from people who doubted her preparation for the competitive exams. Many did not believe in her hard work and dedication. Ria acknowledges that even after her success in the BPSC, some may still find it hard to believe that she has cracked the exam. However, she chose to ignore the scepticism of others and remained focused on her goal.

UPSC dreams

Ria explains that despite being selected for the position of Assistant Superintendent of Jail in 2019, she did not join. The reason for this decision was that the role did not align with her aspirations, as she had hoped to work as a Sergeant. Unfortunately, this was not possible due to age restrictions. Currently, she is posted in the Finance Administrative Department, a role she is very happy with. However, her journey doesn't end here. Ria remains determined to continue her preparation for the UPSC, with her sights set on even greater achievements.