Daijiworld Media Network - Warangal

Warangal, Oct 23: The story of Ettaboyina Sai Shivani, a 24-year-old from Warangal, Telangana, stands as an inspiring example of perseverance and self-belief. Without enrolling in any formal coaching institute, Shivani achieved an All India Rank (AIR) 11 in the 2024 UPSC Civil Services Examination, emerging as Telangana’s top scorer.

Shivani, a BTech graduate in Electronics and Communication from IIIT Ongole, made her mark in her second attempt. After failing to clear prelims in 2023, she refined her strategy and returned stronger the following year, securing one of the most coveted positions in India’s toughest examination.

Coming from a middle-class background, Shivani credits her success to her parents — her father, who works in the medical recruitment sector, and her mother, a homemaker. “They never pressured me. Their faith kept me going,” she shared in an interview.

Despite her technical background, Shivani chose Anthropology as her optional subject. “Anthropology helped me understand society, culture, and human behaviour — essential aspects for anyone aspiring to serve the nation,” she said.

Her preparation journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Relying entirely on online resources, she followed a disciplined routine — focusing on writing practice, clarity of thought, and structured presentation. “Consistency was my biggest strength. Every day mattered,” she said.

Shivani believes that balance was key to her success. Alongside her studies, she practised yoga, journaling, and singing to manage stress. “You can’t study effectively if your mind isn’t calm,” she added.

Her story is particularly inspiring for aspirants preparing without coaching. “You don’t need expensive classes — you need commitment, discipline, and belief in your preparation,” she advised.

Shivani now hopes to work in public administration, focusing on education and women empowerment. Her achievement has brought pride to Telangana and inspiration to UPSC aspirants across India.