Pari Bishnoi, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2020 batch, exemplifies resilience, dedication, and the power of hard work. Born on February 26, 1996, in Kakra village, Bikaner district, Rajasthan, she rose from humble beginnings to secure an All India Rank (AIR) of 30 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2019. As the first woman from the Bishnoi community to become an IAS officer, Pari has become a beacon of inspiration for aspiring civil servants across India. Currently serving as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Gangtok, Sikkim, her journey is a testament to the transformative potential of education and perseverance. This detailed biography explores Pari Bishnoi’s life, her UPSC preparation strategy, her educational background, and her contributions as an IAS officer.
Early Life and Family Background
Pari Bishnoi hails from a family deeply rooted in public service and education. She was born in Kakra, a prosperous village in the Nokha tehsil of Bikaner, Rajasthan, to Maniram Bishnoi and Sushila Bishnoi. Her father, Maniram, is a respected advocate, while her mother, Sushila, serves as a police inspector in the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Ajmer, Rajasthan. This strong foundation of discipline and service-oriented values significantly influenced Pari’s aspirations from a young age.
Her grandfather, Gopiram Bishnoi, further strengthened the family’s legacy in public service by serving as the sarpanch (village head) of Kakra for four terms. Growing up in an environment where education and civic duty were paramount, Pari imbibed the values of integrity, hard work, and social responsibility. These principles would later guide her through the arduous journey of cracking one of India’s toughest examinations—the UPSC Civil Services Exam.
Educational Journey: Building a Strong Foundation
Pari Bishnoi’s academic journey reflects her commitment to excellence. She completed her primary and secondary education at St. Mary’s Convent School in Ajmer, where she excelled academically, scoring 89% in her 10th-grade exams and 91% in her 12th-grade exams. Her subjects in higher secondary included physics, mathematics, biology, and chemistry, showcasing her versatility and intellectual curiosity.
Determined to pursue higher education, Pari moved to Delhi and enrolled at Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. During her time in Delhi, she began preparing for the UPSC examination, balancing her studies with her growing ambition to serve the nation as a civil servant. After completing her undergraduate degree, she returned to Rajasthan and pursued a Master’s in Political Science from Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati (MDS) University in Ajmer. Her choice of Political Science would later prove instrumental in her UPSC preparation, as it became her optional subject in the exam.
Pari’s academic prowess extended beyond her formal degrees. She cleared the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) and secured a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), a remarkable achievement that highlighted her aptitude for teaching and research. However, her ultimate goal remained clear: to become an IAS officer and contribute to society on a larger scale.
The UPSC Journey: Triumph Over Challenges
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is widely regarded as one of the most challenging competitive exams in India. For Pari Bishnoi, the path to success was not without hurdles. She attempted the exam three times before achieving her dream, demonstrating unwavering determination and resilience.
First Attempt: A Learning Experience
In her first attempt, Pari was unable to clear the preliminary stage. Despite the setback, she viewed it as an opportunity to refine her strategy and deepen her understanding of the exam’s demands. Her prelims score of 99 marks fell short of the cutoff, but it fueled her resolve to improve.
Second Attempt: Progress and Perseverance
Pari’s second attempt marked significant progress. She scored 118 in the prelims and advanced to the mains, eventually reaching the interview stage. Although she did not secure a rank, this experience bolstered her confidence and provided valuable insights into the exam process.
Third Attempt: A Historic Success
In her third attempt in 2019, Pari Bishnoi’s hard work paid off spectacularly. She secured an All India Rank of 30, a feat that placed her among the top performers in one of India’s most competitive exams. Her journey to AIR 30 was marked by a disciplined approach and a monk-like lifestyle, as she eliminated distractions to focus solely on her goal. Pari reportedly deactivated all her social media accounts and minimized mobile phone usage during her preparation, a strategy that underscored her single-minded dedication.
UPSC Preparation Strategy
Pari’s success in the UPSC exam can be attributed to her meticulous preparation strategy. She chose Political Science as her optional subject, leveraging her academic background and interest in the field. Her study routine included daily reading of The Hindu newspaper, supplemented by monthly magazines and YouTube videos from credible sources like the "Only IAS" channel for current affairs. She emphasized the importance of practicing previous years’ question papers, particularly for the General Studies papers, to understand the exam’s pattern.
For answer writing—a critical component of the UPSC mains—Pari conducted small-scale research on YouTube to hone her skills. She focused on time management and addressing all questions effectively, ensuring her answers stood out in a sea of competitors. Her perseverance, coupled with a structured approach, made her a role model for UPSC aspirants.
IAS Training and Career Beginnings
After clearing the UPSC exam, Pari Bishnoi underwent training at the prestigious Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. This rigorous program equipped her with the skills and knowledge required for administrative service. She expressed a preference for the Rajasthan cadre, inspired by her roots, but emphasized her willingness to serve wherever assigned.
Pari began her career as an Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in 2022, gaining hands-on experience in policymaking at the national level. She later transitioned to her current role as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Gangtok, Sikkim, where she continues to contribute to public welfare and governance.
Personal Life: Marriage to Bhavya Bishnoi
Pari Bishnoi’s personal life garnered significant attention when she married Bhavya Bishnoi, the youngest Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Haryana, in March 2024. Bhavya, the son of BJP leader Kuldeep Bishnoi and grandson of former Haryana Chief Minister Bhajan Lal, tied the knot with Pari in a ceremony that made headlines. The couple had gotten engaged in May 2023, marking the union of two individuals from influential families with a shared commitment to public service.
Pari’s marriage added a new dimension to her public persona, blending her professional achievements with her personal milestones. Together, she and Bhavya represent a modern power couple dedicated to societal progress.
Achievements and Impact
Pari Bishnoi’s achievements extend beyond her UPSC rank. As the first woman IAS officer from the Bishnoi community, she shattered stereotypes and paved the way for others from rural and underrepresented backgrounds. Her disciplined lifestyle and success story have inspired countless young aspirants, earning her praise from figures like actress Kangana Ranaut, who lauded her as a role model for the youth.
In her role as SDM in Gangtok, Pari focuses on effective governance and community development. Her tenure as an IAS officer reflects her commitment to empowering people, a value she inherited from her parents. Her journey from a small village in Rajasthan to a key administrative position in Sikkim underscores the transformative power of education and determination.
Lesser-Known Facts About Pari Bishnoi
- Martial Arts Training: Apart from her academic pursuits, Pari trained in martial arts during her college years, showcasing her physical and mental strength.
- Passion for Teaching: Her success in the NET-JRF exam highlights her interest in academia, which she pursued alongside her UPSC preparation.
- Monk-Like Discipline: Pari’s mother once revealed that she lived like a monk during her UPSC preparation, cutting off all distractions to focus on her goal.
Why Pari Bishnoi Inspires
Pari Bishnoi’s story resonates with aspirants and dreamers alike because it embodies the triumph of perseverance over adversity. Her journey from a rural village to the corridors of power demonstrates that with hard work, strategic planning, and an unwavering focus, even the toughest goals are achievable. Her emphasis on education, discipline, and public service makes her a compelling figure in contemporary India.
Conclusion
Pari Bishnoi, IAS, is more than just a civil servant—she is a symbol of hope and determination. From her early life in Rajasthan to her current role in Sikkim, her biography is a narrative of grit, ambition, and success. As she continues to serve the nation, Pari remains an enduring inspiration for those aiming to crack the UPSC exam and make a difference in society. Her legacy as the first Bishnoi woman IAS officer will undoubtedly motivate generations to come.
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