From escaping child marriage to securing UPSC AIR-9, read to know IFS Anjali Sondhiya’s inspiring journey

Anjali Sondhiya’s journey from a remote village in Madhya Pradesh to securing AIR 9 in the UPSC IFS 2024 exam is a powerful story of courage and dedication. Engaged at 15 in a conservative community where early marriage was the norm, Anjali refused to let tradition define her future.

Instead, she turned to education as her weapon, defying societal pressure with relentless focus. Her mother’s bold support—breaking off the engagement—became the turning point, allowing Anjali to pursue her dream with fierce determination.

 

 

 

 

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Starting her UPSC preparation after Class 12 in 2016, Anjali faced setbacks, failing the prelims in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Yet, she persisted, relying on self-study with NCERTs, standard textbooks, and meticulous note-making. In her fourth attempt, she cracked the IFS exam, choosing Geology and Forestry as her optional subjects.

Her strategy was simple: deep syllabus understanding, solving past papers, and mock tests. During her interview, her calm confidence, boosted by reading ‘The Power of Your Subconscious Mind’, impressed the panel, who engaged her on topics like Rajgarh’s forests and tribal education challenges.

“They tried to write my destiny when I was just 15. But I rewrote it – with courage in my heart, tears on my cheeks, and books in my hands. Today, I don’t wear success like a crown – I wear it as proof that no cage is stronger than a woman’s will,” said Anjali, AIR-9, UPSC IFS 2024.

Anjali’s story is a call to action: no barrier is too big when you commit fully. She advises aspirants to study the syllabus thoroughly and rely on available resources, emphasizing that success demands years of hard work. Her triumph proves that with focus and support, any girl can rewrite her destiny.