Gunjita Agarwal: Inspiring UPSC Journey

Gunjita Agarwal, hailing from Madhya Pradesh, achieved a remarkable feat by cracking the highly competitive UPSC Civil Services Exam on her fifth attempt. With an unwavering spirit, dedication, and relentless hard work, Gunjita realized her dream of serving as a distinguished public servant.
As the youngest among her siblings and the daughter of an assistant engineer at Madhya Pradesh Employee Selection Board, Gunjita’s journey to success was not without challenges. However, she attributes her achievements to the unwavering support of her family, especially her mother, who stood by her side throughout her struggles and failures.
Gunjita’s aspirations to become an IAS officer began early, even when her peers were still undecided about their career paths after high school. To enhance her chances of success, she chose to stay in Bhopal, close to her family, enabling her to meticulously prepare for the rigorous UPSC exams.
While juggling her college responsibilities, Gunjita gradually devoted more time to the UPSC syllabus. However, due to academic obligations, she faced difficulties in studying effectively during her early attempts. Undeterred by setbacks, Gunjita dedicated three years after graduation solely to her UPSC preparations. Although she faced challenges along the way, she persevered with unwavering determination.
Finally, after almost losing hope, Gunjita’s hard work paid off when she successfully cleared both the UPSC Mains and the Interview, securing an impressive All India Rank of 26. For her UPSC Mains, Gunjita chose Sociology as her major, driven by her passion for women’s empowerment, addressing caste system issues, and eradicating poverty and hunger in the nation.
Reflecting on the UPSC selection process, Gunjita emphasizes that mock interviews only scratch the surface of one’s knowledge. The actual UPSC panels delve deeper, assessing an individual’s awareness of various aspects of life, society, and the environment.
During her interview, Gunjita faced thought-provoking questions, including whether it was the right time to introduce mixed-gender cricket teams and the significance behind the saying “Kahan Raja Bhoj aur Kahan Gangu Teli” and the historical context it represents.
Gunjita’s focus as an IAS officer lies in addressing regional issues and empowering underprivileged communities across different states. She firmly believes that by uplifting the marginalized, the nation can progress and prosper.

Re-reported from the article originally published in India.com