Gunjan Dwivedi Singh, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, is a name synonymous with perseverance, dedication, and success. Hailing from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, she secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 9 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2018 on her third attempt. Her journey from facing repeated failures to becoming one of India’s top bureaucrats is a testament to her resilience and strategic preparation.
Early Life and Family Background
Gunjan Dwivedi Singh was born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, into a family deeply rooted in public service. Her father, Ashok Kumar Dhar Dwivedi, is a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, while her mother, Suman Dwivedi, is a teacher. Growing up in a household where discipline, duty, and service to the nation were paramount, Gunjan was inspired from an early age to pursue a career in civil services. Her elder sister, Umang Dwivedi, is also a civil servant, currently serving as a Commercial Tax Officer in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. This familial influence played a pivotal role in shaping Gunjan’s aspirations.
Gunjan’s childhood was spent in Lucknow, where she attended Loreto Convent Intermediate College, a prestigious institution known for its academic rigor. She excelled in her studies, scoring 93.5% in her Class 10 exams and 87.6% in her Class 12 exams under the ICSE board. Initially, she opted for commerce in Class 12 but later switched to humanities, aligning her academic pursuits with her goal of becoming a civil servant.
Educational Journey
After completing her schooling, Gunjan pursued higher education at Daulat Ram College, Delhi University, one of the premier colleges in India. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science and International Relations in 2014, securing 71.5% marks. Her choice of Political Science as a subject was strategic, as it not only aligned with her interests but also laid a strong foundation for her UPSC preparation. Political Science later became her optional subject in the UPSC examination, a decision that significantly contributed to her success.
Gunjan’s academic journey was marked by a deep interest in understanding governance, international relations, and public policy—subjects that would later become integral to her career as an IAS officer. Her education equipped her with the analytical skills and knowledge base necessary to tackle the complexities of the UPSC syllabus.
The UPSC Journey: Overcoming Failures
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is widely regarded as one of the toughest competitive exams in India, requiring years of preparation, resilience, and adaptability. Gunjan Dwivedi Singh’s journey to becoming an IAS officer was not without its challenges. She faced failure in her first two attempts but refused to let setbacks deter her from her goal.
First and Second Attempts: Learning from Failure
Gunjan began her UPSC preparation in 2014, shortly after completing her graduation. Her first attempt in 2016 ended in disappointment as she failed to clear the Preliminary Examination, the first stage of the UPSC process. Undeterred, she analyzed her shortcomings and returned for a second attempt in 2017. However, she once again failed to qualify for the Prelims.
These initial failures could have discouraged her, but Gunjan viewed them as opportunities to learn and improve. She identified key areas where she had faltered, including a lack of structured preparation, inadequate revision, and poor time management. These lessons became the cornerstone of her strategy for her third attempt.
Third Attempt: A Triumph of Strategy and Hard Work
Gunjan’s third attempt in 2018 was a turning point in her UPSC journey. She approached her preparation with renewed focus, adopting a meticulous and disciplined strategy. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that led to her success:
- Structured Study Plan: Gunjan devised daily, weekly, and monthly targets to ensure comprehensive coverage of the syllabus. She kept her schedule realistic and adhered to it diligently.
- Focus on Revision: Recognizing the importance of revision, she aimed to revise the entire syllabus at least five times before the Prelims. This helped her retain facts and develop a deeper understanding of concepts.
- Optional Subject Mastery: Gunjan chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as her optional subject, leveraging her academic background. She scored exceptionally well in PSIR (Paper 1: 153, Paper 2: 152), which significantly boosted her overall marks.
- Mock Tests and Answer Writing: She solved around 30 mock tests for the Prelims to improve her speed and accuracy. For the Mains, she practiced answer writing regularly, focusing on clarity, structure, and content enrichment.
- Resource Utilization: Gunjan relied on standard books like NCERTs and Shankar IAS for General Studies, supplemented by Shubhra Ranjan’s notes for PSIR. She also used the internet extensively for current affairs, exploring topics like gravitational waves, blockchain technology, and national parks.
- Time Management: She divided her preparation into phases, dedicating the initial months to General Studies and her optional subject, and shifting her focus to Prelims from February onward.
Her hard work paid off when the UPSC results were announced on April 5, 2019. Gunjan secured AIR 9, a remarkable achievement that placed her among the top candidates in the country. Her success was a testament to her ability to learn from past mistakes and adapt her strategy effectively.
Career as an IAS Officer
After clearing the UPSC examination, Gunjan Dwivedi Singh was allocated to the Uttar Pradesh cadre. She underwent training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, where she honed her administrative skills and prepared for the challenges of public service.
One of her notable postings was as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Kushinagar district in Uttar Pradesh. In this role, she worked on grassroots development projects, focusing on education, healthcare, and rural infrastructure. Her tenure as CDO showcased her commitment to improving the lives of citizens and addressing the unique challenges of her district.
Gunjan’s career as an IAS officer reflects her dedication to public service, a value instilled in her by her family. Her ability to connect with people, coupled with her analytical and problem-solving skills, has made her a respected figure in the bureaucracy.
Personal Life and Inspirations
Gunjan Dwivedi Singh’s personal life is deeply intertwined with her professional journey. She credits her family as her biggest source of inspiration and support. Her father’s career as an IPS officer and her sister’s role as a civil servant motivated her to pursue a similar path. Her mother, a teacher, provided emotional support and encouragement throughout her preparation.
In her personal time, Gunjan enjoys painting and watching interviews of previous UPSC toppers to stay motivated. She often cites the story of Megha Arora, a topper who also cleared the exam on her third attempt, as a source of inspiration. Gunjan’s faith also plays a significant role in her life, as evidenced by her visit to a Hanuman temple to seek blessings after her results were announced.
Strategies and Tips for UPSC Aspirants
Gunjan Dwivedi Singh’s success story offers valuable lessons for UPSC aspirants. Here are some tips based on her preparation strategy:
- Strengthen Your Foundation: Start with NCERT books to build a strong base, especially for General Studies.
- Analyze and Adapt: Regularly assess your preparation to identify weaknesses and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Revise Diligently: Aim for multiple revisions of the syllabus to ensure retention and clarity.
- Practice Answer Writing: For Mains, focus on writing concise, well-structured answers with relevant examples and data.
- Stay Motivated: Surround yourself with positive influences, such as toppers’ interviews, to maintain motivation.
- Balance Hard Work and Relaxation: Take breaks to avoid burnout and maintain mental well-being.
Gunjan emphasizes that there are no shortcuts to success in the UPSC examination. Patience, perseverance, and honest preparation are the keys to achieving one’s goals.
Legacy and Impact
Gunjan Dwivedi Singh’s journey from repeated failures to securing AIR 9 in UPSC 2018 has inspired countless aspirants across India. Her story highlights the importance of resilience, strategic planning, and self-belief in overcoming challenges. As an IAS officer, she continues to serve as a role model for young women and men aspiring to join the civil services.
Her success has also brought pride to her hometown of Lucknow, where she is celebrated as one of the city’s brightest minds. Alongside other toppers from Lucknow in 2018, such as Deeksha Jain (AIR 22) and Ayushi Singh (AIR 86), Gunjan’s achievement underscores the city’s growing reputation as a hub of academic and administrative excellence.
Top FAQs About Gunjan Dwivedi Singh
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Gunjan Dwivedi Singh, optimized for SEO to address common queries:
1. Who is Gunjan Dwivedi Singh?
Gunjan Dwivedi Singh is an IAS officer who secured AIR 9 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2018. She hails from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and comes from a family of civil servants.
2. What was Gunjan Dwivedi Singh’s optional subject in UPSC?
Her optional subject was Political Science and International Relations (PSIR), in which she scored 153 in Paper 1 and 152 in Paper 2.
3. How many attempts did Gunjan Dwivedi Singh take to clear UPSC?
She cleared the UPSC exam in her third attempt in 2018, having failed to qualify the Prelims in her first two attempts in 2016 and 2017.
4. Where did Gunjan Dwivedi Singh study?
She completed her schooling at Loreto Convent Intermediate College in Lucknow and graduated with a BA (Honours) in Political Science from Daulat Ram College, Delhi University.
5. What is Gunjan Dwivedi Singh’s family background?
Her father, Ashok Kumar Dhar Dwivedi, is a retired IPS officer, and her mother, Suman Dwivedi, is a teacher. Her sister, Umang Dwivedi, is a Commercial Tax Officer in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
6. What was Gunjan Dwivedi Singh’s strategy for UPSC preparation?
Her strategy included a structured study plan, multiple revisions, extensive mock test practice, and a focus on her optional subject, Political Science and International Relations.
7. Where has Gunjan Dwivedi Singh served as an IAS officer?
She has served as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Kushinagar district in Uttar Pradesh, among other postings.
8. What tips did Gunjan Dwivedi Singh share for UPSC aspirants?
She advises aspirants to strengthen their foundation with NCERTs, revise diligently, practice answer writing, and maintain a positive mindset throughout their preparation.
Conclusion
Gunjan Dwivedi Singh’s journey to becoming an IAS officer is a powerful narrative of determination, adaptability, and hard work. From her early years in Lucknow to her triumphant success in the UPSC 2018 examination, she has proven that setbacks are merely stepping stones to success. As she continues to serve the nation, her story remains a beacon of hope for UPSC aspirants, demonstrating that with the right strategy and unwavering resolve, any dream is achievable.
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