Ayushi Jain's inspiring journey

Ayushi Jain Gurdhani, an engineer-turned-IAS officer, defied all odds and persevered through multiple setbacks to achieve her dream of becoming a civil servant through the UPSC exam. Hailing from the small town of Sironj in Madhya Pradesh, Ayushi shattered the stereotype that ambitious goals are out of reach for those from humble backgrounds.

Despite facing numerous challenges, Ayushi’s academic excellence shone through from a young age. She secured an impressive 91.2% in her 10th grade and 90.4% in her 12th grade. She went on to earn a degree in computer science from Bhopal’s Lakshmi Narayan College of Technology, graduating with a commendable CGPA of 8.68.

After two years working as a data center administrator, Ayushi decided to pursue her passion for civil service. She moved to Delhi, dedicated herself to UPSC exam preparation, and made her first attempt in 2017, although she couldn’t even pass the preliminary stage. Undeterred, she adjusted her strategy and managed to pass the preliminary exam on her second try in 2018, though she didn’t make it through the mains.

Despite facing disappointment after two failed attempts, Ayushi didn’t give up. She changed her optional subject to anthropology and learned from her past mistakes. Her dedication to reading newspapers paid off as she secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 41 in the 2019 UPSC exam, leading to her appointment as an IAS officer.

Ayushi Jain’s journey serves as an inspiring example of resilience and determination, proving that with unwavering commitment, one can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The DNA