Aashna Chaudhary, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 2023 Uttar Pradesh cadre, exemplifies the power of perseverance, self-belief, and hard work. Her inspiring journey to cracking the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination—a feat she accomplished in her third attempt with an All India Rank (AIR) of 116 in 2022—has made her a beacon of hope for millions of aspirants across India. Beyond her professional achievements, Aashna has garnered a massive following on social media, where she shares her experiences, motivational insights, and glimpses of her life as an IPS officer. This biography delves into her background, education, UPSC journey, personal life, and her rise as a role model for youth and women in India.
Early Life and Family Background
Aashna Chaudhary was born in Pilkhua, a small town in the Hapur district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Growing up in a modest yet academically inclined family, Aashna was surrounded by a culture of learning and ambition. Her father, Dr. Ajit Chaudhary, is a respected professor at a government university, while her mother, Indu Singh, is a homemaker who provided unwavering support throughout her journey. Aashna often refers to her family as a "PhD family," reflecting the intellectual environment she was raised in, with several relatives holding advanced degrees. This academic legacy played a pivotal role in shaping her aspirations and work ethic.
Despite hailing from a small town, Aashna's upbringing was enriched by exposure to diverse educational institutions across India. She attended St. Xavier’s School in Pilkhua, St. Mary’s School in Udaipur, and Delhi Public School (DPS) in Ghaziabad. Her schooling years were marked by exceptional academic performance, culminating in an impressive 96.5% in her Class 12 board examinations with a focus on humanities. This stellar academic foundation laid the groundwork for her future achievements.
Educational Journey
After excelling in her school years, Aashna pursued higher education at Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR), one of Delhi University’s most prestigious institutions. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature in 2019, a choice that reflected her love for reading and intellectual exploration. While at LSR, she developed a strong foundation in critical thinking and communication—skills that would later prove invaluable in her UPSC preparation and IPS career.
Following her graduation, Aashna briefly considered postgraduate studies and enrolled in a Master’s program in International Relations at South Asian University. However, her family’s encouragement to explore a career in civil services shifted her focus. This decision marked the beginning of her transformative journey toward becoming an IPS officer.
The UPSC Journey: Triumph Over Adversity
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is widely regarded as one of the toughest competitive exams in the world, with a success rate of less than 1%. For Aashna Chaudhary, the path to success was far from linear—it was a story of resilience in the face of repeated setbacks.
First Attempt (2020): A Learning Curve
Aashna began her UPSC preparation in 2019, shortly after completing her undergraduate degree. With just a year of self-study and no formal coaching, she appeared for her first attempt in 2020. Despite her dedication, she failed to clear the preliminary stage, a significant disappointment for the aspiring officer. However, instead of succumbing to despair, Aashna viewed this setback as an opportunity to refine her approach.
Second Attempt (2021): A Narrow Miss
Undeterred, Aashna regrouped and attempted the exam again in 2021. This time, she came agonizingly close to success, missing the prelims cutoff by a mere 2.5 marks. The near miss tested her resolve, but it also fueled her determination. She meticulously analyzed her mistakes, revised her preparation strategy, and doubled down on her efforts. Aashna’s ability to turn failure into a stepping stone became a defining trait of her journey.
Third Attempt (2022): The Breakthrough
In 2022, Aashna’s perseverance paid off. With a smarter, more focused preparation plan—emphasizing syllabus revision, mock tests, answer writing, and personality development—she cleared all three stages of the UPSC exam: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview. Scoring an impressive 992 out of 2025 marks (827 in the written exam and 165 in the personality test), she secured an AIR of 116. Remarkably, she achieved this feat without coaching, relying entirely on self-study and online resources. Her optional subject, Anthropology, complemented her humanities background and contributed to her success.
Aashna’s rank qualified her for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the most coveted service in the UPSC hierarchy. However, in a decision that surprised many, she opted for her first preference—the Indian Police Service (IPS). For Aashna, the IPS aligned with her vision of serving society directly, upholding justice, and empowering women—an aspiration rooted in her personal values.
Becoming an IPS Officer
Aashna Chaudhary joined the IPS as part of the 2023 batch in the Uttar Pradesh cadre, one of India’s most challenging policing environments. Her training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad equipped her with the skills and discipline required for the role. Today, she stands as a symbol of grit and determination, inspiring countless young women to pursue careers in civil services and law enforcement.
Social Media Influence and Personal Life
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Aashna has emerged as a social media influencer with a following of over 260,000 on Instagram as of February 2025. Her handle is a mix of personal insights, UPSC preparation tips, and glimpses of her life in uniform. Aashna’s posts resonate with aspirants, offering practical advice such as “Never give up on your dreams. Failure is not the end but a stepping stone to success. Believe in yourself and your potential.” Her authenticity and relatability have made her a “beauty with brains” figure in the public eye.
In her personal life, Aashna remains grounded and connected to her roots. She is unmarried and focused on her career, though her social media occasionally sparks curiosity about her personal relationships—most recently with IAS officer Abhinav Siwach, whose posts with Aashna have gone viral. Aashna is also an animal lover, often sharing pictures with dogs, and enjoys jogging, yoga, and reading in her leisure time. Her tattoo of a musical note on her back reflects her love for music, adding a personal touch to her multifaceted persona.
Aashna Chaudhary’s Message and Legacy
Aashna’s journey is more than a UPSC success story—it’s a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and purposeful hard work. She encourages aspirants to learn from failures, improve daily, and pursue their goals with passion. As an IPS officer, she is committed to social justice and women’s empowerment, using her platform to uplift others.
Her story has been widely covered by media outlets like Zee News, DNA India, and Times of India, cementing her status as an inspirational figure. For students searching for “Aashna Chaudhary IPS biography” or “UPSC toppers without coaching,” her name stands out as a shining example of what’s possible with determination.
Key Highlights of Aashna Chaudhary’s Life
- Born: Pilkhua, Hapur, Uttar Pradesh
- Education: BA (Hons) in English Literature from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University
- UPSC Rank: AIR 116 (2022)
- Service: Indian Police Service (IPS), Uttar Pradesh cadre, 2023 batch
- Attempts: Cleared UPSC in her third attempt without coaching
- Score: 992/2025
- Social Media: Over 260k Instagram followers
- Inspiration: Advocates perseverance, self-improvement, and women’s empowerment
Conclusion
Aashna Chaudhary’s rise from a small-town student to an IPS officer is a narrative of courage, tenacity, and purpose. Her decision to choose IPS over IAS, her success without coaching, and her influence as a social media star make her a unique figure in the world of civil services. As she continues her career, Aashna remains a role model for aspirants and a source of pride for her family and community. Her story reminds us that with the right mindset, no dream is too big, and no obstacle too daunting.
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