Sarjana Yadav, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2019 batch, is a beacon of inspiration for millions of UPSC aspirants across India. Her remarkable achievement of securing All India Rank (AIR) 126 in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2019 without formal coaching showcases the power of self-study, discipline, and perseverance. Hailing from Delhi, Sarjana’s story is not just about cracking one of the toughest exams in the world—it’s about defying conventional norms, balancing a full-time job with rigorous preparation, and turning setbacks into stepping stones. This comprehensive biography delves into Sarjana Yadav’s life, education, UPSC journey, strategies, personal details, and her impact as a role model.
Early Life and Education: The Foundation of Excellence
Sarjana Yadav was born and raised in Delhi, India, in a family that valued education and hard work. While specific details about her parents and early childhood remain private, her academic journey reflects her dedication and intellectual prowess. She excelled in her schooling, reportedly scoring 91% in her Class 10 exams and an impressive 95% in her Class 12 exams, where she emerged as a school topper. These early achievements laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors.
After completing her schooling, Sarjana pursued engineering at the prestigious Delhi College of Engineering (now Delhi Technological University). Her choice of a technical education highlights her analytical mindset and problem-solving skills—qualities that would later prove invaluable in her administrative career. She graduated with a degree in engineering, equipping her with a robust academic background before embarking on her professional and UPSC journey.
From Engineer to IAS Aspirant: A Bold Career Shift
After completing her engineering degree, Sarjana Yadav entered the workforce, securing a job at the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). For many, a stable job in a reputed organization would mark the pinnacle of success, but Sarjana had bigger dreams. She aspired to serve the nation as an IAS officer—a role that combines authority, responsibility, and the opportunity to drive societal change. Balancing a full-time job with UPSC preparation was no easy feat, yet Sarjana’s determination pushed her to take on this challenge.
Her initial attempts at the UPSC exam, however, did not yield success. In her first two tries, she failed to clear the Preliminary stage, a setback that could have discouraged many. Instead, Sarjana viewed these failures as learning opportunities. She analyzed her mistakes, refined her approach, and decided to quit her job in 2018 to focus entirely on her UPSC preparation. This bold decision marked a turning point in her journey, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her goal.
UPSC Journey: Triumph Through Self-Study
Sarjana Yadav’s UPSC success story is unique because she achieved it without enrolling in any formal coaching—a path that many aspirants consider indispensable. Her third attempt in 2019 proved to be her breakthrough, as she secured AIR 126 and earned her place among India’s elite civil servants. What makes her achievement even more remarkable is her reliance on self-study, a testament to her discipline, resourcefulness, and strategic planning.
Preparation Strategy: A Blueprint for Success
Sarjana’s preparation strategy was rooted in efficiency and focus rather than overwhelming herself with excessive resources. Here’s a breakdown of her approach, which continues to inspire UPSC aspirants:
- Self-Study Over Coaching: Sarjana firmly believed that coaching is not a prerequisite for success. In interviews, she has emphasized that the decision to join coaching depends on an individual’s preference and discipline. For those who are self-motivated and honest with their efforts, self-study can be equally effective. She relied on her ability to structure her learning and trusted her instincts to guide her preparation.
- Limited but Quality Resources: Instead of juggling multiple books, Sarjana advocated for selecting one good book per subject and mastering it thoroughly. This approach minimized confusion and ensured deep understanding. She supplemented her reading with online resources, including Google searches and YouTube videos from credible channels like InsightsIAS, to stay updated on current affairs.
- Time Management: Balancing a job during her initial attempts taught Sarjana the importance of time management. After quitting her job, she created a streamlined timetable tailored to her capacity, focusing on productivity rather than the number of hours studied. She advised aspirants to set weekly targets and track their progress diligently.
- Mock Tests and Revision: Sarjana placed immense value on practicing mock tests to simulate exam conditions and identify weaknesses. Regular revision was another cornerstone of her strategy, ensuring that she retained key concepts and stayed confident during the exam.
- Current Affairs: For the Prelims, she relied on daily newspaper reading—primarily The Hindu—and InsightsIAS YouTube videos to stay abreast of current events. This disciplined approach kept her well-prepared for the dynamic sections of the exam.
Overcoming Challenges
Sarjana’s journey was not without hurdles. Her first two attempts exposed gaps in her preparation, particularly due to the demands of her job. However, she used these failures to refine her strategy, focusing on depth rather than breadth in her studies. Her decision to leave her job also required courage, as it meant stepping away from financial security to pursue an uncertain outcome. Yet, her resilience and adaptability turned these challenges into opportunities for growth.
Personal Life: Age, Husband, and More
As of 2025, Sarjana Yadav is believed to be in her late 20s or early 30s, though her exact date of birth remains undisclosed. She keeps her personal life private, and there is no publicly available information confirming her marital status or details about a husband. Her focus in the public eye remains on her professional achievements and her role as an IAS officer.
Sarjana’s Instagram handle, sarjana_yadav_ias, offers glimpses into her life, showcasing her elegance and dedication. Her posts often reflect her commitment to her duties and her appreciation for the opportunities her career provides. While she is admired for her beauty—often highlighted in articles featuring her photographs—her intellect and perseverance define her true essence.
Current Posting and Career as an IAS Officer
After clearing the UPSC exam in 2019, Sarjana Yadav joined the Indian Administrative Service as part of the 2020 batch (training typically begins the year following the results). While her exact cadre and current posting are not widely publicized as of now, she is actively serving the nation in a capacity befitting her rank and training. IAS officers of her caliber are often assigned to roles involving policy implementation, public administration, or grassroots development, depending on their cadre allocation.
Her engineering background and analytical skills likely enhance her effectiveness in handling technical or developmental projects. As a relatively new officer, Sarjana is still in the early stages of a career that promises significant contributions to governance and public welfare.
Sarjana Yadav’s Impact and Legacy
Sarjana Yadav’s story resonates with UPSC aspirants, particularly those from modest backgrounds or those unable to afford expensive coaching. Her success challenges the stereotype that cracking the Civil Services Examination requires heavy financial investment or external guidance. By sharing her strategies—emphasizing self-study, discipline, and smart work—she has become a guiding light for countless students.
Her journey also underscores the importance of resilience. Failing twice did not deter her; instead, it fueled her resolve to succeed. This narrative of perseverance inspires not just IAS aspirants but anyone striving to overcome obstacles in pursuit of their dreams.
Tips for UPSC Aspirants from Sarjana Yadav
Based on her interviews and insights shared across platforms, here are some actionable tips from Sarjana Yadav for UPSC aspirants:
- Trust Yourself: If you’re disciplined, self-study can be as effective as coaching.
- Focus on Quality: Choose concise, reliable study materials and avoid overloading yourself with resources.
- Practice Regularly: Mock tests are crucial for building confidence and spotting errors.
- Stay Updated: Read newspapers daily and use online tools to keep up with current affairs.
- Learn from Failure: Use setbacks as opportunities to improve your strategy.
Sarjana Yadav IAS: A Role Model for the Future
Sarjana Yadav’s biography is more than a tale of academic and professional success—it’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise above challenges. From her stellar academic record to her triumph in the UPSC exam, she exemplifies what dedication and self-belief can achieve. As she continues her career in the IAS, her contributions to society will undoubtedly add new chapters to her inspiring story.
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