Image Source: DNA India
In Focus
In a country where the UPSC Civil Services Examination is often dubbed the Mount Everest of competitive tests, the story of Vaishali Singh stands out as a beacon of grit, purpose, and transformation. A graduate of National Law University, Delhi, and once a promising legal associate at a reputed firm, Vaishali chose to walk away from a lucrative career to chase a dream rooted in public service. Her journey culminated in securing All India Rank 8 in her second attempt, a feat that has inspired aspirants across the nation.
Key Highlights from Her Journey
Vaishali hails from Faridabad, Haryana, and comes from a family of lawyers.
She completed a five-year integrated BA-LLB course from NLU Delhi.
After working at a top-tier law firm, she felt unfulfilled and pivoted toward civil services.
Her first UPSC attempt in 2017 was unsuccessful due to limited preparation time.
In 2018, she cracked the exam with AIR 8, after a year of disciplined study.
Her backup plan was to run an NGO for underprivileged children if UPSC didn’t work out.
The Decision to Leave Law Behind
Vaishali’s legal career was on a fast track. With internships at multiple firms and a full-time role post-graduation, she had the credentials and the compensation many dream of. Yet, she found herself yearning for deeper impact. Her desire to work for marginalized communities, especially children, led her to reconsider her professional path. The decision to leave her job wasn’t impulsive—it was a calculated risk backed by a strong sense of purpose.
Preparation Strategy and Second Attempt Success
Learning from Failure Her first attempt was marred by inadequate preparation—just three months of study before prelims. She didn’t clear the exam but gained clarity on the process and her own gaps.
Structured Study Plan For her second attempt, Vaishali committed to a rigorous schedule, clocking nearly 10 hours of study daily. She focused on understanding the syllabus deeply, mastering current affairs, and refining her answer-writing skills.
Emotional Resilience The pressure of a second attempt, especially after leaving a stable job, was immense. But Vaishali leaned on her family’s support and her own conviction to stay the course.
The Backup Plan That Speaks Volumes
Unlike many aspirants who hedge their bets with corporate roles or academic pursuits, Vaishali’s fallback was to launch an NGO. Her goal was to provide educational support and mentorship to underprivileged children—a reflection of her values and long-term vision. This wasn’t just a plan B; it was a parallel mission that underscored her commitment to social change.
Impact and Inspiration
Vaishali’s story resonates not just because of her rank, but because of the choices she made. She represents a growing tribe of professionals who are redefining success—not by titles or salaries, but by service and impact. Her journey is a reminder that UPSC is not just an exam, but a test of character, clarity, and courage.
Final Thoughts
In a landscape where aspirants often juggle coaching centers, peer pressure, and self-doubt, Vaishali Singh’s path offers a refreshing narrative. It’s about listening to one’s inner calling, embracing uncertainty, and building a life of purpose. Whether she’s in the corridors of power or the classrooms of her future NGO, her story will continue to inspire.
Sources: DNA India
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