ISHITA RATHI UPSC 2021-22 Rank-8

Ishita Rathi achieved remarkable success by securing the 8th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) of 2021, marking her as a dedicated and focused aspirant. This was her third attempt, and she successfully navigated the complexities of the exam to attain her goal of joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). She hails from a family with a background in law enforcement, which significantly influenced her aspirations.

Quick Information Table:

Ishita completed her schooling at DAV Public School in Basant Kunj, Delhi. She then graduated from Lady Shri Ram College, where she pursued Economics. Following her graduation, she furthered her education with a Master’s degree in Economics from the Madras School of Economics in Chennai. Her academic background provided her with a strong foundation for the challenges she faced in the UPSC exams.

Ishita comes from a family of four, with her father serving as a Head Constable in the Delhi Police and her mother, Meenakshi Rathi, an Assistant Sub Inspector in the same force. Her family's dedication to public service inspired her ambition to join the IAS. Ishita has a younger brother who is also preparing for competitive exams. The family originally hails from Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, but has settled in Delhi.

Ishita Rathi's motivation to join civil services stems from her deep-seated desire to contribute to society positively. Growing up in a family of police personnel, she was inspired by her parents' stories of public service and their commitment to the community. Her aim is to empower women and children, ensuring their rights and welfare are prioritized within society. Ishita believes that civil services offer a platform to impact people's lives significantly and to bring about systemic changes. She acknowledges the challenges of the UPSC journey but stresses the importance of resilience, discipline, and a clear strategy in achieving one's goals.

Ishita faced significant challenges during her UPSC preparation, particularly balancing her studies with the pressures of multiple attempts. The vast syllabus and the competitive nature of the exam required immense dedication and a structured study plan. She highlighted the importance of maintaining emotional and physical health during the preparation process. Despite the hurdles, she remained focused on her goals, drawing strength from her family and their support.

For Prelims:

Ishita developed a strategic approach by breaking down the syllabus into manageable sections. She set daily and weekly targets to ensure comprehensive coverage of the subjects. Practicing past papers and taking mock tests played a crucial role in her preparation, helping her identify weak areas and build confidence.

For Mains:

For the Mains, she focused on developing concise and structured answers. Ishita emphasized the importance of making personalized notes and regularly revising them. She practiced answer writing extensively, aligning her responses with the exam's expectations. Economics, being her optional subject, required focused study and a deep understanding of concepts, which she tackled through self-study and past question analysis.

For Interview:

In preparation for the interview, Ishita honed her communication skills through mock interviews. She was questioned on her DAF (Detailed Application Form) and current economic issues, which allowed her to showcase her analytical abilities and knowledge. She viewed the interview as an opportunity to express her views and articulate her thoughts clearly.