Meet Doctor Turned IPS And IAS Officer Who Cracked UPSC Twice, Achieved AIR 53

Author: Soumya Prakash Pradhan | Credit: IG: Mudra Gairola

Many people dream of becoming an IAS officer by clearing the toughest exam in India, UPSC.

Author: Soumya Prakash Pradhan | Credit: IG: Mudra Gairola

Mudra Gairola, unlike others, gave up her medical studies and an IPS job to fulfill her father's dream of seeing her as an IAS officer.

Author: Soumya Prakash Pradhan | Credit: IG: Mudra Gairola

She hails from Karnprayag in Uttarakhand. Mudra excelled academically, scoring 96% in 10th grade and 97% in 12th grade.

Author: Soumya Prakash Pradhan | Credit: IG: Mudra Gairola

She was honoured by Kiran Bedi, India's first woman IPS officer, during her school days.

Author: Soumya Prakash Pradhan | Credit: IG: Mudra Gairola

Mudra initially pursued a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in Mumbai, where she earned a gold medal.

Author: Soumya Prakash Pradhan | Credit: IG: Mudra Gairola

Despite starting a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Delhi, she left it to prepare for the UPSC exam, which her father had tried but failed in 1973.

Author: Soumya Prakash Pradhan | Credit: IG: Mudra Gairola

In 2018, she attempted the UPSC exam but did not pass. In the following two attempts also she did not succeed.

Author: Soumya Prakash Pradhan | Credit: IG: Mudra Gairola

However, in 2021, she cleared it and became an IPS officer. Despite this, she continued to aim for the IAS and finally succeeded in 2022, on her fifth attempt.

Author: Soumya Prakash Pradhan | Credit: IG: Mudra Gairola

Mudra finally achieved her dream by securing 53rd rank in the UPSC exam in 2022. Her determination shows that with the right mindset and effort, anything is possible.

Author: Soumya Prakash Pradhan | Credit: IG: Mudra Gairola