Meet woman whose family was disappointed to have a daughter, later cracked UPSC exam thrice, she is...

For millions of aspiring candidates, clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a dream. However, the path to success requires relentless hard work and determination. One such inspiring example is IAS Shweta Agarwal, who not only cleared the UPSC exam but did so three times, ultimately securing one of the most prestigious posts in the country.

Shweta Agarwal hails from a humble background. Her father was a grocery shopkeeper in Hooghly, West Bengal. Despite the challenges, her father worked tirelessly to support his family and ensure that his daughter received the best education. Shweta’s journey to success wasn’t easy. In fact, her birth was initially met with disappointment in the family, as they had hoped for a boy. However, Shweta rose above these expectations, eventually becoming the first in her family to earn an academic degree and bringing immense pride to her family.

She began her education at Joseph’s Convent Bandel School and later completed her graduation in Economics from the prestigious St. Xavier’s College in Kolkata. With the unwavering support of her father, Shweta set her sights on the UPSC exam. She first attempted the exam in 2013 and secured an All India Rank (AIR) 497, earning the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). However, Shweta had her heart set on becoming an IAS officer, so she continued her preparation.

In her second attempt, she improved her rank to AIR 141, but still could not secure an IAS post. Refusing to give up, Shweta worked even harder and, in her third attempt, achieved an impressive AIR 19 in the UPSC CSE 2016. This was the culmination of years of effort and perseverance, and Shweta finally realized her dream of becoming an IAS officer.

Shweta Agarwal's story is a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and hard work. Her journey has inspired countless others to chase their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face along the way.