IAS Success Story: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination is considered one of the toughest in the country. Aspirants work hard for years to clear it, yet the struggle and sacrifices of their entire family often lie behind their success. Neha Byadwal, an IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre hailing from Rajasthan, attributes the greatest credit for her success to her father. She believes that without her father’s support and sacrifices, her dream of becoming an IAS officer might not have been realized. In an interview, while explaining the meaning of sacrifice, Neha noted that people often equate sacrifice with giving up one’s own desires; however, true sacrifice occurs when someone sets aside their own comfort and conveniences to make another person’s dream their own.
Studies Began Immediately Upon Returning from Work
Neha shared that her father is an officer in the Income Tax Department. Despite a full day of work, he would not rest upon returning home. Her study sessions would begin roughly half an hour after he arrived. They would have their meal during this time, and then her father would sit down to teach her. Neha observes that while anyone would naturally want to spend time with their family after a tiring day, her father altered his routine. He created an environment at home where studying took place at a fixed time every evening. This discipline laid a strong foundation for her success.
Faced Failure Three Times, Yet Did Not Give Up
Neha’s UPSC journey was not easy. She did not succeed in her first, second, or third attempts. Despite repeated setbacks, she refused to give up and continued her preparations. Finally, in her fourth attempt, she secured All India Rank 569 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2021, fulfilling her dream of becoming an IAS officer at the age of just 24.
Stayed Away from Social Media for Three Years
During her preparation, Neha dedicated herself entirely to her studies. She kept her distance from social media and mobile phones for nearly three years. She believed that focus and discipline were paramount for success in such a challenging examination. Interestingly, she had over a hundred thousand followers on social media before quitting the platform, yet she remained unconcerned about that. Today, the same Neha inspires lakhs of young people by sharing her experiences and offering advice regarding UPSC preparation on social media.
Where is she currently posted?
After completing her training, Neha Byadwal served as a Supernumerary Assistant Collector in Bharuch, Gujarat. Recently, she was appointed as an Assistant Secretary in the Department of Telecommunications under the Central Government for an eight-week tenure. Neha Byadwal’s story demonstrates that an exam like the UPSC is conquered not merely through hard work, but also through patience, discipline, and the unwavering support of one’s family. Despite facing three setbacks, she did not lose hope; she ultimately achieved her goal and became an inspiration for thousands of young aspirants.
