Self-taught IAS officer Tapasya Parihar cracked UPSC without coaching

Cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination demands dedication, perseverance, and self-confidence, along with strategic preparation. One inspiring story is that of IAS Tapasya Parihar, who cleared the exam without any coaching, relying solely on self-study, though she later went viral for reasons beyond her professional achievements.

Early Life and Education

Tapasya Parihar hails from Narsinghpur in Madhya Pradesh. She completed her schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Narsinghpur, before pursuing a law degree. She graduated with an LLB from India Law Society Law College in Pune. Following her education, she decided to take on the rigorous challenge of the UPSC Civil Services Exam.

UPSC Journey

Tapasya’s path to success was not smooth. She faced failure in her first attempt, even after attending coaching classes. However, she did not let this setback deter her. Learning from her mistakes, she revamped her strategy and chose to prepare independently for her second attempt. Her self-study approach paid off, and she successfully cleared the UPSC Civil Services Exam in 2017, achieving an All India Rank (AIR) of 23.

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Current Posting

According to her LinkedIn profile, IAS Tapasya Parihar is currently posted in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh.

Viral Moment

Tapasya gained nationwide attention during her wedding to Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Garvit Gangwar in December 2021. The wedding made headlines because she chose not to participate in the traditional ‘Kanyadaan’ ceremony, in which a father symbolically gives his daughter away to the groom.

Tapasya explained to her father, “I am not an object to be given,” and opted out of this ritual. Her decision sparked social media debate—while many praised her for challenging patriarchal norms, some felt it disrespected Hindu traditions.

Family Background

Tapasya comes from a family that values hard work and simplicity. Her father, Vishwas Parihar, is a farmer, and her grandmother served as the president of the Narsinghpur District Panchayat, reflecting the family’s active engagement in community service.