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Mother’s A Sub-Inspector, Husband’s An IPS Officer; Pooja Gupta Gets AIR 42 (UPSC) To Become IAS Officer

IAS Pooja Gupta's journey from an IPS to an IAS Officer is a story that demystifies the notion that people can achieve success whenever and however they like. Her initial dream of becoming a doctor after completing her 12th standard was caught in a dilemma, as she always felt drawn to the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

While pursuing her medical studies, she simultaneously prepared for the prestigious UPSC exam, a task that is not an easy affair to manage.

IAS Pooja Gupta: Topper's Background

Pooja Gupta graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Science degree from ESIC Dental College, Delhi.
Her mother, Rekha Gupta, is an Assistant Sub-Inspector with the Delhi Police, while her father, Rajkumar Gupta, works in the private sector.
Her husband, Shakti Avasthi, is an IPS Officer.
She initially secured the IPS post in her first attempt, achieving the 147th rank.
To secure the coveted IAS post, she attempted again in 2020, when she achieved an AIR 42.
Her primary inspiration for joining the civil service was her mother’s service in the police force.

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Pooja Gupta's Journey From IPS To IAS

In her first attempt at the Civil Services Examination in 2018, Pooja secured an impressive rank of 147, securing a position in the IPS. However, her grandfather’s dream of seeing her become an IAS officer continued to push her to fulfill the dream.

With commitment and determination, Pooja consistently persevered in her preparation for the Civil Services exam. Finally, in the UPSC 2020, she accomplished her goal and became an IAS officer, attaining an impressive rank of AIR 42.

Image credit: Online source

Pooja Gupta's Inspirations For UPSC IPS/IAS

Pooja’s inspiration to pursue the Civil Services exam blossomed from her admiration for her mother, who is an Assistant Sub-Inspector in the Delhi Police. Additionally, a fond memory of her school days, when she was honoured by a former Deputy Commissioner of Police, further fueled her aspiration to become an IAS officer.

Although she initially pursued a career in medicine after completing her education, Pooja’s dream of becoming an IAS officer remained strong, leading her to dedicate herself to achieving it through hard work and determination.

Unwavering Support From Her IPS Officer Husband

Pooja Gupta walked on a similar path as her husband, who is an IPS Officer. He too had a similar experience to hers, where, despite being accepted into the Indian Revenue Services (IRS), he aspired to join the IPS, which he achieved on his second attempt.

He groomed her for the interview and shared the necessary resource,s which were crucial for Pooja Gupta to crack the UPSC IAS in her second attempt.

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Pooja's UPSC CSE Preparation Strategy For Aspirants

Sharing her invaluable UPSC CSE preparation strategy with aspirants, Pooja Gupta highlighted her initial reliance on the Internet and other sources for guidance.

Invaluable insights from YouTube conversations with previous exam toppers helped her create a preparation chart.
Pooja emphasized the importance of studying from NCERT textbooks and keeping up with current affairs through newspapers.
She diligently monitored government websites, such as the PIB (Press Information Bureau) and PRS (PRS Legislative Research), for relevant content.
Pooja found it relatively more straightforward to choose anthropology as an optional subject, as it was a subject she had a deep passion for.

To All UPSC CSE Aspirants

While some are fortunate to be born with a silver spoon, success is a mentality that solely rests on how far you wish to go. It is limitless and open to all, regardless of who you are or what you are. Be the best version of yourself, achieving limitless success of the highest degree, as exemplified by the story of IAS Pooja Gupta.

Good Tidings Be Yours!