UPSC Success Story: Meet IAS Divya who cracked UPSC twice to become IAS from IPS without coaching

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is widely regarded as one of the most challenging exams in the world. Every year, hundreds of thousands of candidates compete for a limited number of prestigious posts, but only a few succeed in their first attempt. Among these success stories is that of Divya Tanwar, whose determination and hard work have made her a remarkable example for aspiring civil servants.

Early Life and Education

Divya hails from Nimbi, a small village in Mahendragarh, Haryana. She faced significant hardships early in life, particularly after the death of her father in 2011. Her mother, Babita Tanwar, worked tirelessly as a farm labourer and also sewed clothes to support Divya and her three siblings, ensuring they had access to education and opportunities despite financial constraints.

Divya’s schooling journey began in government-run schools and continued at Navodaya Vidyalaya. After completing her science degree, she devoted herself fully to preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, motivated by her childhood dream of serving the nation.

Also Read: Meet IAS Ankita Choudhary, who cracked UPSC with AIR 14 even after losing her mother

UPSC Journey and First Attempt

Unlike many candidates who rely heavily on conventional coaching institutes, Divya chose a more self-directed approach. She utilized online resources and mock tests to prepare rigorously. Her disciplined preparation bore fruit in 2021, when at just 21 years old, she cleared the UPSC and secured All India Rank (AIR) 438, making her one of the youngest IPS officers in India.

In her first attempt, she scored 751 marks in the written exam and 179 in the personality test, totalling 930 marks. Belonging to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category, her achievement stood as a testament to perseverance and ingenuity.

Becoming an IAS Officer

Despite her early success, Divya aspired to reach even higher. She continued her preparation and reappeared for the UPSC in 2022, achieving AIR 105. This remarkable performance earned her a place as an IAS officer, fulfilling her long-cherished dream. In her second attempt, she scored 834 marks in the written exam and 160 in the personality test, culminating in a total of 994 marks, reflecting her commitment to continuous improvement.

Current Posting

Divya Tanwar is now serving in the Manipur cadre. Her journey—from overcoming personal and financial hardships to becoming one of the youngest IPS officers and later an IAS officer—serves as an inspiring story of resilience, discipline, and unwavering dedication.