Persistence & Hard Work: UPSC 2021 Topper Gamini Singla On What It Takes To Top India’s Most Competitive Exam

Gamini Singla secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 3 in her second attempt at the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) Civil Service Examination (CSE).

From not clearing the exam in her first attempt to securing the top spot in the second attempt, Singla has had an inspiring journey.

UPSC CSE is one of the country’s most prestigious – and difficult – examinations to get through. And every year has its share of unique stories about those who passed and even those who didn’t. 

Having spent the majority of her growing up years in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, Singla pursued a degree in BTech. 

After having completed her BTech degree she chose to start preparing for CSE.

“I graduated in 2019 and received a placement from JP Morgan. But I didn’t accept it because I wanted to crack the civil services exam to be able to create a change at the grassroot level”. 

Speaking to the Ministry Of Himalaya, she says, “Being a part of UPSC provides one with a vast canvas to work for the public. It was always my dream to serve the public. Clearing the UPSC has taken me a step closer to that dream”.

Singla, who cleared the examination in her second attempt credits her success to a combination of three people. “My father, mother and brother have had a great role to play in my success. All three of them told me that I deserved to be where I am today and never gave up on me”.

“My father played an important role in helping me prepare for the exam,” she said. 

Singla’s parents are medical officers working with the Himachal Pradesh government. 

This year, women aced the CSE 2021 by cornering the top three slots. Ten of the 25 top rankers are women. And this is the fifth time in the past 10 years that a woman has secured the top rank.

Singla says that her achievement shall certainly go a long way in motivating parents to support their daughters in achieving their dreams. 

“I have seen the impact at the ground level. A lot of parents now support their girls to fulfill their dreams. This is only going to get better and is a much needed change. I also wish to see more women exploring every field”, says Singla.

While telling the Ministry Of Himalaya about people who are not able to crack the exam or miss them by just a few marks, Singla emphasised on the need to keep going.

“An exam is just a qualifier, not a judge of your merit or the measure of your dreams”.