Job by Day, Books at Night: How Bihar Girl Achieved UPSC Success

Before achieving success in the UPSC, Shweta had already made her mark in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), cracking the state-level exam with 64th and 65th ranks.

Job by Day, Books at Night: How Bihar Girl Achieved UPSC Success

IAS Shweta Bharti

time

Shweta Bharti from Bihar has emerged as a shining example of grit and determination by securing an All India Rank 356 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2021. Her story stands out not only for her academic brilliance but also for the way she balanced her demanding corporate job at Wipro and civil services preparation without any coaching.

Roots in Bihar, Education in Patna

Born and raised in Nalanda, Shweta completed her schooling at Ishan International Public School in Patna. Later, she pursued Electrical & Telecommunication Engineering from Bhagalpur Engineering College, equipping herself with a strong academic foundation.

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A Balancing Act: Job and Preparation

Unlike many aspirants who dedicate years exclusively to UPSC preparation, Shweta carved out her own path. She joined Wipro, where she worked full-time while simultaneously preparing for competitive exams. Nights became her classroom after long office hours, proving that determination can overcome time constraints.

Before achieving success in the UPSC, Shweta had already made her mark in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), cracking the state-level exam with 64th and 65th ranks. She served as a District Programme Officer (DPO) in West Champaran district, gaining first-hand administrative experience.

UPSC Success Without Coaching

In her second attempt, Shweta cleared the UPSC CSE 2021 with flying colours, scoring 774 marks in the written exam and 168 in the interview, taking her tally to 942 marks. What makes her journey more remarkable is that she achieved this feat without the support of any formal coaching institute.

Her strategy was simple yet powerful—smart work over long study hours, cutting off distractions, and even giving up her smartphone for extended periods. Shweta’s disciplined routine involved managing a nine-hour work shift, followed by late-night study sessions.

A Message to Aspirants

Shweta firmly believes that success in UPSC does not depend on expensive coaching but rather on clarity of purpose, effective strategy, and self-discipline. “Resources matter less than determination. If you know why you want to do this, nothing can stop you,” she has often shared.

Serving the Nation

Now a 2022-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, Shweta is serving as an Assistant Collector in Bhagalpur. Her rise from a small-town background to the corridors of power has made her a role model for working professionals, rural aspirants, and women across the country.

Inspiration for Many

Shweta Bharti’s journey highlights that dreams can be achieved even under constraints of time, resources, or background. Her story resonates deeply with countless aspirants who juggle jobs, family responsibilities, or limited facilities, proving that resilience and focus can indeed rewrite destiny.

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