Shweta Bharti’s Grit: From 9-hr Wipro job to cracking UPSC without coaching

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is often described as one of the toughest exams in the country- not just because of its vast syllabus, but also due to the sacrifices it demands. Many aspirants dedicate years solely to preparation, often relocating to coaching hubs.

Yet, there are stories of ordinary individuals who manage to crack the exam through extraordinary determination, balancing work, studies, and personal challenges. One such remarkable story is that of Shweta Bharti, who defied conventional norms of UPSC preparation.

A Dream Rooted in Responsibility

Shweta Bharti, born and raised in Rajgir Bazaar near Nalanda, Bihar, comes from modest beginnings but nurtured a strong educational ethos. After earning her B.Tech in Electrical and Telecommunication Engineering from Bhagalpur Engineering College, she joined Wipro.

Yet her heart remained drawn to public service. Family responsibilities meant she couldn’t quit the day job to prep for UPSC. Still, she held firm to her goal, crafting a schedule that balanced a nine-hour work day with late-night UPSC studies, eschewing smartphones, social media, and distractions in pursuit of focus.

State-Level Stepping Stones

Before reaching the UPSC, Shweta made impressive strides in state-level examinations. In 2020, she cleared the 65th BPSC exam, earning a posting as District Programme Officer in West Champaran, and had earlier been selected in the 64th BPSC too 
Indian Masterminds. These roles didn’t derail her- their discipline and experience became foundational to her UPSC preparation.

Cracking UPSC: Proof That Strategy Beats Coaching

In her second attempt at UPSC CSE (2021), Shweta secured an All India Rank of 356, with 774 in writing, 168 in the personality test—totaling 942 marks 
Indian Masterminds. She had succeeded without coaching, relying solely on self-study, disciplined planning, and effective time management.

Now serving as Assistant Collector in Bhagalpur, Bihar, Shweta continues to inspire thousands, especially working professionals and women balancing responsibilities, by proving that success is not a function of privilege, but of perseverance.

Shweta Bharti’s journey is a powerful lesson for aspirants who believe that coaching, full-time preparation, or big-city exposure are prerequisites for success. This success stories remind us that perseverance, discipline, and the right strategy can outweigh any obstacle.