Daijiworld Media Network – Mohali
Mohali, Apr 17: In a heart-warming story of perseverance and tribute, 27-year-old Ria Kaur Sethi from Mohali has secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 89 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. For Ria, this success marks the culmination of a promise made to her late father, Jagjiv Singh Sethi, who passed away in 2017.
A journey of resilience: After facing disappointment in three previous attempts, Ria cleared the prestigious examination in her fourth attempt. Her journey was fueled by the memory of her father, a businessman known for his community service. Speaking to the media, Ria shared that her father remains her biggest inspiration. "I want to continue his legacy of touching lives, this time through public service," she stated.
Educational background and strategy: An alumna of Delhi University’s Khalsa College with a degree in Economics (Honours), Ria later completed her post-graduation in Development Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). For her UPSC mains, she chose Sociology as her optional subject.
Her preparation was marked by extreme discipline. Ria reportedly studied for 10 hours a day and maintained a strict digital detox by staying away from her phone to avoid distractions. "I stuck to the basics. The UPSC syllabus and previous year's questions were my 'Bible'. In an era of information overload and AI, it is easy for aspirants to lose their way," she cautioned.
The turning point: After reaching the interview stage in 2022 but failing to make the final list, Ria took a strategic break. During this period, she joined the Punjab Good Governance Fellowship Programme. It was here that she met IAS officer Aditya Dachalwal, whose mentorship inspired her to return to her UPSC goals with renewed vigour.
Vision for the future: As an IAS officer, Ria aims to focus on women's empowerment and bridging the gap between governance and the common man. "I want every girl to be able to stand where I am today. My goal is to be a voice for those who cannot reach the authorities and ensure they benefit from government schemes," she said.