Apala Mishra, a name synonymous with determination and resilience, is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2020 batch who secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 9 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2020. Born in 1997 in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Apala transitioned from a successful career as a dental surgeon to becoming one of India’s most celebrated civil servants. Her story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to serving the nation.
Early Life and Family Background
Apala Mishra was born on April 4, 1997, into a disciplined and well-educated family with strong roots in Uttar Pradesh, though she was raised in Jharkhand and spent significant parts of her life in Dehradun and Delhi. Her family background played a pivotal role in shaping her values and ambitions. Her father, Amitabh Mishra, is a retired Colonel in the Indian Army, while her mother, Dr. Alpana Mishra, is a professor in the Hindi Department at Delhi University. Apala’s elder brother, Abhilekh Mishra, serves as a Major in the Indian Army, continuing the family’s legacy of service to the nation.
Interestingly, Apala is the granddaughter of the renowned Hindi novelist and literary figure Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, whose influence instilled in her a love for literature and intellectual pursuits. Growing up in a household with such accomplished individuals, Apala was exposed to discipline, education, and a sense of duty from an early age. These values became the foundation of her remarkable journey toward becoming an IAS officer.
Education: From Dentistry to Civil Services
Apala Mishra’s academic journey reflects her dedication and intellectual prowess. She completed her early schooling up to Class 10 at Ann Mary School in Dehradun, a city known for its educational institutions. She then moved to Delhi, where she completed her Class 11 and 12 at Delhi Public School, Rohini, one of the prestigious schools in the capital.
After excelling in her school years, Apala pursued higher education in the field of dentistry. She enrolled at the Army College of Dental Sciences in Hyderabad, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree in 2017. During her time at college, she distinguished herself as a gold medalist, showcasing her academic excellence. After completing her degree, Apala briefly worked as a dentist, providing dental services at a local clinic near her home.
Despite her success in the medical field, Apala felt a deeper calling to contribute to society on a larger scale. This realization led her to set her sights on the UPSC Civil Services Examination, one of the toughest competitive exams in India, to serve the country as a civil servant.
UPSC Journey: Overcoming Challenges to Achieve AIR 9
Apala Mishra’s journey to becoming an IAS officer was not without its challenges. She began preparing for the UPSC exam in 2018, shortly after completing her dental education. However, her first two attempts in 2018 and 2019 were unsuccessful, as she failed to clear the preliminary stage. These setbacks tested her resilience, but instead of giving up, Apala analyzed her mistakes, refined her strategy, and approached her third attempt with renewed determination.
In her third attempt in 2020, Apala not only cleared the UPSC CSE but also secured an impressive All India Rank 9, making her one of the top performers of her batch. Her success was particularly notable for her exceptional performance in the personality test (interview), where she scored 215 out of 275 marks—the highest score in five years. Her total score of 1031 (816 in the written mains exam and 215 in the interview) placed her among the elite group of UPSC toppers.
Interestingly, while Apala qualified for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), she initially opted for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). However, she later chose to serve as an IAS officer, reflecting her desire to make a direct impact on governance and public welfare in India.
UPSC Preparation Strategy: Tips from Apala Mishra
Apala Mishra’s success in the UPSC exam can be attributed to her disciplined approach, effective time management, and strategic preparation. Here are some key insights into her preparation strategy, which can serve as valuable tips for UPSC aspirants:
1. Balanced Preparation for Prelims and Mains
Apala emphasized the importance of starting mains preparation alongside prelims, given the short gap between the two stages. She advocated for a comprehensive and integrated study plan from the beginning, rather than focusing solely on prelims initially.
2. Answer Writing Practice
One of Apala’s key strategies was consistent answer writing practice. She recommended starting with the static portion of the syllabus rather than current affairs and practicing answers concurrently with syllabus completion. This approach helped her develop clarity and structure in her responses, a critical skill for the mains exam.
3. Time Management
Time management was a cornerstone of Apala’s preparation. She dedicated 7-8 hours daily to her studies, increasing this to 12-15 hours closer to the exam. She also emphasized the importance of creating and adhering to a timetable to ensure all topics were covered efficiently.
4. Resource Utilization
Apala relied on a mix of static books and online resources. While she preferred printed material for the static portion and did not make separate notes for it, she used soft-copy notes on her laptop for General Studies (GS) papers, dividing them into sections for easy revision. For current affairs and complex topics, she turned to platforms like YouTube and Google to supplement her learning.
5. Optional Subject: Anthropology
Apala chose Anthropology as her optional subject for the UPSC exam, a decision that aligned with her strengths and interests. Her background in dentistry likely aided her understanding of the subject’s scientific aspects, while her literary inclination helped with its humanities component.
6. Mental and Emotional Resilience
Apala stressed the importance of maintaining emotional and mental health during preparation. She advised aspirants to stay positive, learn from failures, and maintain self-confidence, as the UPSC journey can be mentally taxing.
Career and Contributions as an IAS Officer
Since joining the IAS in the 2020 batch, Apala Mishra has been committed to serving the nation with dedication and integrity. While specific details about her postings and contributions are not widely publicized, her focus areas include health, particularly women’s health, reflecting her background as a dentist and her desire to address critical societal issues.
As an IAS officer, Apala earns a monthly salary ranging from INR 56,100 to INR 1,00,000, depending on her posting and allowances. Her net worth is estimated to be around INR 50-60 lakhs, though this is speculative as official figures are not available.
Personal Life and Interests
Apala Mishra is currently unmarried and has chosen to focus on her career rather than personal relationships. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and is known for her disciplined yet approachable personality. A talented writer, Apala has had her poetry published in English by the Sahitya Akademi, reflecting her literary heritage.
Physically, Apala stands at 5 feet 6 inches and weighs approximately 56 kg. She has a charming presence, often seen wearing sarees or western outfits, and is admired for her brilliant smile—a nod to her dentistry background.
Why Apala Mishra Inspires UPSC Aspirants
Apala Mishra’s journey from a dentist to an IAS officer, overcoming two consecutive failures, resonates with countless UPSC aspirants. Her story highlights the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and a positive mindset. By securing AIR 9 without formal coaching and achieving record-breaking interview marks, she has become a role model for self-study aspirants and those facing setbacks in their preparation.
Her advice on balancing emotional health, practicing answer writing, and managing time effectively provides practical guidance for aspirants. Moreover, her decision to serve the nation despite a successful medical career underscores her commitment to public service, making her an inspiration for young Indians.
Conclusion
Apala Mishra’s biography is a compelling narrative of resilience, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From her early days in Ghaziabad to her academic success in dentistry and eventual triumph in the UPSC CSE 2020, Apala has carved a unique path in the civil services. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope for aspirants, proving that with the right strategy and determination, even the toughest challenges can be overcome. As she continues her career as an IAS officer, Apala Mishra remains a symbol of dedication and service to the nation.
Top FAQs About Apala Mishra IAS
- Who is Apala Mishra?
Apala Mishra is an IAS officer from the 2020 batch who secured AIR 9 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2020. She is a former dentist and a gold medalist in Bachelor of Dental Surgery. - What is Apala Mishra’s educational background?
Apala completed her schooling in Dehradun and Delhi, followed by a BDS degree from the Army College of Dental Sciences, Hyderabad, where she graduated as a gold medalist in 2017. - How many attempts did Apala Mishra take to clear the UPSC exam?
Apala cleared the UPSC exam on her third attempt in 2020, having failed the preliminary stage in her first two attempts in 2018 and 2019. - What was Apala Mishra’s optional subject in the UPSC exam?
Apala chose Anthropology as her optional subject for the UPSC CSE 2020. - What was Apala Mishra’s score in the UPSC interview?
Apala scored 215 out of 275 marks in the UPSC personality test (interview), the highest score in five years. - Why did Apala Mishra choose IAS over IFS?
Although she initially opted for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Apala later chose IAS to focus on governance and public welfare within India. - What is Apala Mishra’s family background?
Apala’s father, Amitabh Mishra, is a retired Colonel, her mother, Dr. Alpana Mishra, is a professor, and her brother, Abhilekh Mishra, is a Major in the Indian Army. She is also the granddaughter of novelist Hazari Prasad Dwivedi. - Is Apala Mishra married?
No, Apala Mishra is currently unmarried and focused on her career as an IAS officer. - What is Apala Mishra’s net worth?
While exact figures are unavailable, her net worth is estimated to be around INR 50-60 lakhs, based on her earnings as an IAS officer and dentist. - What advice does Apala Mishra give to UPSC aspirants?
Apala advises aspirants to practice answer writing, manage time effectively, maintain emotional resilience, and integrate prelims and mains preparation from the start.
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