Daijiworld Media Network – Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh, Jan 20: In an inspiring success story that challenges conventional notions of academic brilliance, Tripti Kalhans from Uttar Pradesh has shown that school grades do not determine one’s destiny. Once a student who sat on the last bench in class and failed the UPSC Civil Services Examination not once but four times, Tripti went on to crack one of the toughest examinations in the country to become an IAS officer.
No one could have imagined that an ordinary girl, who was never a class topper and often enjoyed fun and frolic during her school days, would one day clear the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination and enter the Indian Administrative Service. However, through sheer determination, patience and self-belief, Tripti proved all assumptions wrong by succeeding in the examination after repeated failures, emerging as a living example that academic scores alone do not define life goals.
It is commonly believed that the UPSC examination is meant only for toppers or bookworms. Tripti Kalhans, a resident of Gonda district in Uttar Pradesh, shattered this myth. She was never a topper in school and did not score high marks in exams. During her school days, she was known as a last-bench student who enjoyed life. Despite this, she went on to complete her BCom degree from Kamala Nehru College, Delhi University.
Tripti believes that being a backbencher has its own advantage — there is less fear of falling because there is only room to rise. This belief was tested when she failed the UPSC examination four times. Yes, she could not clear the exam in four consecutive attempts. Following these failures, criticism from relatives and neighbours became a daily ordeal. However, instead of giving up, she emerged stronger after every setback. With renewed determination, she prepared herself for another attempt.
After failing four times, she decided to change her approach. Instead of blindly following toppers’ strategies, she tailored her preparation to suit her own strengths. Rather than studying for 18 hours a day, she focused on studying for fewer hours with better quality and clarity. She made an effort to understand difficult subjects like stories, in her own language, stayed away from social media, and concentrated entirely on her preparation.
During the UPSC interview, her simplicity and honesty impressed the interview panel. She spoke openly about her average academic background and her four failed attempts without trying to hide anything. This transparency worked in her favour, and as a result, she secured the 199th rank in the 2023 UPSC examination and was selected as an IAS officer.
Tripti Kalhans’ achievement stands as a powerful reminder that success in life does not require winning a gold medal or being a topper. Her journey shows that consistent hard work, self-belief and perseverance are enough to turn even repeated failures into stepping stones toward success.