Rupal Rana AIR 26: The Inspiring Journey of UPSC 2023 Topper

Rupal Rana, AIR 26 in UPSC 2023, is an inspiration for aspirants nationwide. Her journey of perseverance, smart strategies, and resilience offers valuable lessons for cracking one of India’s toughest exams.

Introduction
Early Life and Education
Family Background
The Beginning of the UPSC Journey
Challenges Faced During Preparation
Preparation Strategy
- Daily Routine and Study Hours
- Subject-Wise Approach
- Role of Test Series
- Importance of Revision
Optional Subject: Political Science and International Relations (PSIR)
- Why PSIR?
- Strategy for PSIR
- Resources and Books
The Role of Family and Support System
Personal Loss and Triumph
Inspirational Messages to Aspirants
Conclusion

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1. Introduction

Success stories of UPSC toppers are a source of inspiration for countless aspirants. Among the shining stars of the 2023 UPSC Civil Services Examination is Rupal Rana, who secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 26. Her journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of dreams. Coming from a humble background, Rupal's story exemplifies that with determination, no hurdle is insurmountable. Let us delve into her journey, drawing lessons and inspiration from her experiences.

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2. Early Life and Education

Rupal Rana hails from Barod village in Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh. She completed her schooling at J P Public School, Baghpat, and later attended Birla Balika Vidyapeeth, Pilani, Rajasthan, for her higher secondary education. Her academic brilliance was evident early on as she consistently excelled in her studies.

She pursued her undergraduate degree in Mathematics (Hons) from Ramanujan College, University of Delhi, where she graduated as a department topper. This strong academic foundation not only boosted her confidence but also honed her analytical and problem-solving skills—qualities that proved invaluable during her UPSC preparation.

3. Family Background

Rupal comes from a modest family with her father, Jasvir Rana, serving as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) in the Delhi Police. Her mother, the late Anju Rana, was a homemaker and a source of unwavering support. Despite their modest means, her parents prioritized her education and encouraged her to aim high. Rupal’s success is a reflection of her family’s dedication and belief in her capabilities.

4. The Beginning of the UPSC Journey

Rupal’s decision to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination stemmed from her desire to contribute to society in a meaningful way. Inspired by the impactful roles of civil servants, she aspired to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Her journey began with extensive research on the examination pattern, syllabus, and strategies adopted by previous toppers.

Initially, Rupal faced challenges in grasping the vastness of the syllabus. However, with time, she developed a structured approach and committed herself to achieving her dream.

5. Challenges Faced During Preparation

Rupal’s journey was far from smooth. Preparing for one of the toughest exams in the country requires not only intellectual rigor but also emotional resilience. During her preparation, Rupal had to manage several challenges:

Vast Syllabus: The enormity of the UPSC syllabus can be intimidating, but Rupal tackled it with meticulous planning.
Competition: Facing lakhs of aspirants, she had to consistently motivate herself to stay ahead.
Personal Loss: Her mother’s untimely demise two and a half months before the results added an emotional burden, yet Rupal displayed remarkable strength.

6. Preparation Strategy

Rupal’s preparation strategy was rooted in discipline and consistency. Here is a detailed breakdown:

Daily Routine and Study Hours:

Rupal dedicated 8-10 hours daily to her studies, increasing it to 13 hours closer to the exams. She balanced reading, note-making, and revision effectively.

Subject-Wise Approach:

General Studies: Focused on NCERTs for basics, supplemented by standard reference books like Laxmikanth for Polity and Spectrum for History.
Current Affairs: Relied on newspapers like The Hindu and magazines such as Yojana and Kurukshetra.

Role of Test Series:

Regularly attempted mock tests to evaluate her performance and identify weak areas.

Importance of Revision:

Emphasized multiple revisions to ensure retention of vast information.

7. Optional Subject: Political Science and International Relations (PSIR)

Why PSIR? Rupal chose PSIR due to her interest in the subject and its overlap with General Studies, especially in international relations and governance.

Strategy for PSIR:

Divided the syllabus into manageable sections and created concise notes.
Practiced answer writing to master the art of presenting her ideas effectively.

Resources and Books:

Relied on books by authors like Andrew Heywood and Rajiv Sikri, along with IGNOU material.

8. The Role of Family and Support System

Rupal credits her family for being her biggest support system. Her father’s encouragement and her late mother’s unwavering belief in her abilities motivated her to push through the toughest days. She also received guidance from mentors and peers, who played a significant role in her preparation journey.

9. Personal Loss and Triumph

Tragedy struck when Rupal’s mother passed away during her UPSC journey. Despite the immense emotional toll, Rupal chose to channel her grief into determination. Her success is a tribute to her mother’s memory and the values instilled in her by her parents.

10. Inspirational Messages to Aspirants

Rupal’s story is a beacon of hope for UPSC aspirants. She emphasizes:

Consistency: Stay dedicated to your daily goals.
Resilience: Do not let setbacks deter your spirit.
Equal Opportunities: Support and belief from families are crucial for aspirants, irrespective of gender.
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11. Conclusion

Rupal Rana’s journey to AIR 26 is a remarkable tale of perseverance, determination, and grit. Her story inspires us to believe that with hard work and resilience, even the toughest goals can be achieved. For aspirants, Rupal’s success serves as a reminder that challenges are merely stepping stones to greatness. Let her journey motivate you to take the first step towards realizing your dreams!