Komal Punia's UPSC AIR 6: How IPS Training Fueled Her IAS Dream

Who is Komal Punia?

Komal Punia hails from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The daughter of a farmer, Ranbir Singh, Komal achieved the 6th rank in the UPSC CSE 2024. She was already undergoing IPS training in Hyderabad, having secured a rank of 474 in the previous year's examination.

Educational Background

Komal completed her initial education at a private school before gaining admission to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya for Class 6. She continued her studies there until Class 12. Following this, she was selected for IIT Roorkee through an entrance exam, where she pursued a B.Tech in Engineering Physics.

UPSC Journey and Attempts

Komal Punia cleared the UPSC CSE in her third attempt, securing AIR 6 in 2024. She had previously secured a rank of 474 and joined the Indian Police Service (IPS). Driven by her aspiration to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), she took a three-month leave from her IPS training to prepare for the exam again.

Komal Punia’s UPSC Preparation Strategy

• Study Approach: It appears she balanced self-study with mentorship, possibly through resources like 99Notes.
• Daily Routine: She took a three-month leave from IPS training to focus on UPSC preparation.

Optional Subject Strategy (Physics)

Komal Punia chose Physics as her optional subject.

Interview Preparation

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Mental Health and Motivation

Komal's mother, Padma Singh, mentioned that Komal always expressed her desire to become an IAS officer, highlighting her consistent focus and ambition. Her family, including her brother who is a professor at IIT Roorkee, and her sister, a teacher, provided a supportive environment.

Key Takeaways from Komal Punia’s Success

• Perseverance despite already being in a prestigious service (IPS).
• Strategic use of time, taking leave to focus on preparation.
• Importance of family support and consistent ambition.

Final Words

Komal Punia's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and unwavering determination. Her success, achieved while already serving as an IPS officer, exemplifies the spirit of continuous improvement and striving for one's ultimate goals. Her story serves as an inspiration to future aspirants, proving that with dedication and a strategic approach, even the most challenging dreams can be realized.

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