India’s youngest IAS officer gave up her phone for 3 years to crack UPSC

IAS Neha Byadwal's journey to becoming one of India's youngest bureaucrats is a testament to unwavering determination and discipline. Born on July 3, 1999, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and raised in Chhattisgarh, Neha was a university topper.

Despite being a topper, her path to success wasn't straightforward. After pursuing her graduation in History, Economics, and Geography from DB Girls College, Raipur, Neha set out on the path of UPSC.

However, things weren’t as easy as they seemed. After unsuccessful attempts, Neha made a pivotal decision: she completely abstained from using her mobile phone and social media for three years to eliminate distractions and focus solely on her studies. 

This rigorous self-discipline paid off when she secured an All India Rank of 569 in her fourth attempt in 2021, with a total score of 960 marks, including 151 in the interview.

She was only 24 when she cracked India’s toughest examination, making her one of India’s youngest IAS officers. Before that, she had also cleared the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) exams multiple times but remained steadfast in her goal to join the IAS.

Her story has since inspired many UPSC aspirants, and she now shares preparation tips and motivational content on her Instagram account, which has garnered over 65,000 followers.

Currently, Neha Byadwal serves as the Joint Magistrate in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh, having been appointed to the IAS on August 29, 2022. Her journey underscores the impact of focused dedication and the importance of minimizing distractions to achieve one's goals.