From corporate to civil services; Neha Banerjee's inspiring UPSC journey

In the realm of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), where determination meets relentless effort, Kolkata’s Neha Banerjee stands as a shining example. Her journey exemplifies that with unwavering determination, meticulous preparation, and strategic utilization of resources, aspiring candidates can triumph over the challenges posed by the UPSC examination which is one of the toughest exams in India.

According to a Zee News report, Neha, born in 1995, embarked on her academic journey at South Point High School, Kolkata. Her pursuit for excellence led her to crack the IIT entrance exam, securing a spot at IIT Kharagpur, where she earned a B.Tech degree in Electrical Engineering.

After two years as an Electrical Engineer at Adobe, Neha, undeterred by the challenges, ventured into the world of UPSC preparation while juggling a full-time job. In a remarkable turn of events, she not only embraced the demanding journey but conquered it on her first attempt in 2020, securing an impressive All India Rank of 20.

Neha's strategic preparation included mock interviews at coaching centres and leveraging online resources, particularly YouTube. Her UPSC interview, held on February 19, 2020, unfolded over 35 minutes, covering diverse topics such as her involvement in the National Service Scheme (NSS) and discussions on freedom of speech and civil service responsibilities. 

Today, as an IAS officer in the West Bengal cadre, Neha Banerjee remains an inspiration, actively engaging with her 75,000 followers on Instagram.