Meet Aashna Chaudhary, who cracked UPSC without coaching, for AIR 116, but didn't become IAS because …

In the quiet lanes of Pilkhua, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, resides a woman whose story is nothing short of extraordinary. The streets may be silent, but they hum with the whispers of admiration for Aashna Chaudhary, an IPS officer who cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination against all odds—without any coaching. But what's even more intriguing is her choice: despite clearing one of the toughest exams in the country, she turned down the prestigious IAS to don the uniform of an IPS officer. 

Aashna's journey to the corridors of power wasn't a smooth ride. After graduating with honours in English Literature from the prestigious Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi, she faced her first hurdle. The UPSC prelims, notorious for being a make-or-break stage, proved to be a formidable opponent. In her first attempt in 2020, she couldn't even clear the prelims. For many, this would have been a breaking point, but not for Aashna.

In 2021, armed with a revised strategy and an indomitable spirit, Aashna took another shot at the prelims. This time, she missed by a mere two and a half marks. The sting of narrowly missing out could have shattered her resolve, yet she stood firm. Determined to crack the exam, she reassessed her approach, refining her preparation down to the smallest detail.

By 2022, Aashna was a force to be reckoned with. She spent her days revising the vast syllabus, practising mock tests, and sharpening her answer-writing skills. But it wasn't just about hard work; it was smart work too. She sought guidance from mentors and peers, fine-tuning her preparation and addressing her weaknesses head-on.

The results of her efforts were nothing short of spectacular. Not only did Aashna clear the UPSC exam, but she also secured an impressive 116th rank, out of more than a million candidates. What followed was a decision that took many by surprise—she chose to serve as an IPS officer, a role often considered second to the IAS, but for Aashna, it was her first preference. With a total score of 992 out of 2025, she proved that success isn't just about marks; it's about following one's true calling.

Aashna Chaudhary's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and the courage to carve one's path. In a world where coaching centers are often seen as a necessity, she stands as a beacon of hope for those who dare to dream and achieve on their own terms.