Kritika Mishra, an inspiring figure in the realm of Indian civil services, is a shining example of determination, perseverance, and academic excellence. As an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2022 batch, she secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 66 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022. Hailing from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Kritika’s journey to becoming an IAS officer is a testament to her hard work, strategic preparation, and unwavering support from her family. Notably, she achieved this feat in her second attempt, opting for Hindi as her medium of examination and excelling as the topper among Hindi-medium candidates.
Early Life and Family Background
Kritika Mishra was born and raised in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, in a modest, middle-class family that valued education and discipline. While her exact date of birth remains private, reports suggest she was around 27 years old during her UPSC success in 2022, placing her birth year around 1995 or 1996. Growing up in a culturally rich and industrious city like Kanpur, Kritika was exposed to a blend of traditional values and modern aspirations from an early age.
Her father, Divakar Mishra, is a lecturer at B.N.S.D. Shiksha Niketan Inter College in Kanpur, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping young minds, including Kritika’s. Her mother, Sushma Mishra, works with the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India, contributing to the family’s financial stability while instilling a sense of responsibility in her daughters. Kritika has a younger sister, Mudita Mishra, who is known for her achievements, including winning the Youth Parliament competition. This supportive family environment fostered Kritika’s academic pursuits and her ambition to serve the nation.
From her childhood, Kritika exhibited a flair for academics. She was a diligent student, consistently ranking at the top of her class. Her early education took place at B.N.S.D. Shiksha Niketan Inter College, where she scored an impressive 92% in her Class 10 examinations and 93% in her Class 12 examinations. These stellar results laid a strong foundation for her future academic and professional endeavors.
Educational Journey
Kritika Mishra’s educational journey reflects her deep connection with the humanities and her commitment to lifelong learning. After excelling in her school years, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from B.N.S.D. Shiksha Niketan Inter College, Kanpur Nagar, focusing on subjects that nurtured her analytical and literary skills. She later completed her postgraduate studies, earning a Master’s degree in Hindi Literature from a reputed institution in Kanpur.
Her passion for Hindi literature didn’t stop at her master’s degree. At the time of her UPSC preparation, Kritika was also pursuing a PhD from Kanpur University, showcasing her dedication to academic excellence even amidst the rigorous demands of civil services preparation. This blend of formal education and self-driven learning equipped her with the knowledge and discipline needed to tackle one of India’s toughest examinations.
Kritika’s choice of Hindi Literature as her optional subject for the UPSC exam was a strategic yet heartfelt decision. She selected it based on three key factors: her genuine interest in the subject, its scoring potential, and the availability of study materials. This decision proved instrumental in her success, as it allowed her to leverage her academic strengths effectively.
UPSC Journey: From Aspirant to IAS Officer
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is widely regarded as one of the most challenging competitive exams in India, requiring years of preparation, resilience, and a well-rounded strategy. Kritika Mishra’s journey to securing AIR 66 in UPSC CSE 2022 is a story of grit and determination, especially considering she achieved this milestone without formal coaching.
First Attempt: A Learning Curve
Kritika began her UPSC preparation in 2020, dedicating herself to mastering the vast syllabus. In her first attempt in 2021, she cleared the Preliminary and Main examinations but fell short at the interview stage. Far from being disheartened, Kritika viewed this setback as an opportunity to refine her approach. She analyzed her weaknesses, improved her interview skills, and doubled down on her preparation for the next attempt.
Second Attempt: Triumph in 2022
Her second attempt in 2022 was a resounding success. Kritika cleared all three stages—Prelims, Mains, and Interview—with flying colors, securing AIR 66 and emerging as the topper among Hindi-medium candidates. Her total score in UPSC CSE 2022 remains a point of inspiration for aspirants, though exact marks are not publicly disclosed in detail. Her success in the Hindi medium further highlighted her ability to excel in a less common choice, breaking the stereotype that English-medium candidates dominate the exam.
Preparation Strategy
Kritika’s preparation strategy was a blend of self-study, discipline, and resourcefulness. She relied heavily on free resources like YouTube tutorials and standard books rather than expensive coaching institutes. Her booklist included foundational texts such as:
- Simple History of Hindi Literature by Vishwanath Prasad
- NCERT’s Introduction to Literature (for beginners)
- Hindi Language by Hardev Bahri
- Coaching notes for comprehensive syllabus coverage
- Basic textbooks recommended in the UPSC syllabus
She emphasized the importance of regular revision, self-made notes from newspapers for current affairs, and solving previous years’ question papers (PYQs). Kritika also recommended mock tests to simulate exam conditions and advised aspirants to focus on answer-writing skills, especially for the Mains examination. For the interview, she stressed maintaining composure, confidence, and authenticity—qualities that helped her succeed in her second attempt.
Personal Life and Achievements
Kritika Mishra remains unmarried as of early 2025, though rumors of her engagement surfaced in mid-2024. Reports suggested a possible connection with a prominent political family in Rajasthan, but no official confirmation has been provided. Her focus, for now, appears to be on her training and career as an IAS officer.
Beyond her UPSC success, Kritika has received recognition for her accomplishments. In 2015, she was honored with the Bal Shree Award, a prestigious accolade for young achievers in India. More recently, in 2023, she received the Inext Nari Awards for her dedication and inspiring journey, cementing her status as a role model for women aspiring to break barriers.
Currently, Kritika is undergoing training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, preparing to take on her responsibilities as an IAS officer in the Bihar cadre. Her choice of cadre reflects her desire to serve in a region with significant administrative challenges and opportunities for impact.
Social Media Presence and Influence
Kritika Mishra is active on social media, particularly Twitter (now X), where she engages with UPSC aspirants under the handle
@IASkritikamishr
. She frequently shares preparation tips, book recommendations, and motivational insights, making her a valuable resource for the UPSC community. Her posts, such as the Prelims booklist shared in February 2024, have garnered widespread attention, helping aspirants streamline their studies.Her down-to-earth demeanor and willingness to guide others have earned her a loyal following. Kritika’s success story, coupled with her accessibility, has made her a beacon of hope for Hindi-medium aspirants who often feel overshadowed by their English-medium counterparts.
Legacy and Inspiration
Kritika Mishra’s journey from a small-town girl in Kanpur to an IAS officer with AIR 66 is a powerful narrative of resilience and self-belief. Her decision to pursue the UPSC exam in Hindi, her reliance on self-study, and her academic rigor challenge conventional notions of success in civil services. She credits her parents, her school principal Dr. Angad Singh, and her own perseverance for her achievements, often stating, “This success would not have been possible without the guidance and motivation of my parents and my school principal.”
As she embarks on her career in the Bihar cadre, Kritika aims to contribute to grassroots development and public welfare. Her story continues to inspire countless young Indians, particularly those from non-English backgrounds, to chase their dreams with determination and discipline.
FAQs About Kritika Mishra IAS
1. What is Kritika Mishra’s UPSC rank?
Kritika Mishra secured All India Rank (AIR) 66 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022.
2. What was Kritika Mishra’s optional subject in UPSC?
Her optional subject was Hindi Literature, chosen for its scoring potential and her personal interest.
3. Where is Kritika Mishra from?
She hails from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
4. What is Kritika Mishra’s educational background?
Kritika holds a BA and a Master’s in Hindi Literature. She is also pursuing a PhD from Kanpur University.
5. Did Kritika Mishra take coaching for UPSC?
No, she relied on self-study, YouTube, and books, avoiding formal coaching institutes.
6. What is Kritika Mishra’s age?
While her exact birth date is private, she was approximately 27 years old during her UPSC success in 2022, making her around 29–30 in 2025.
7. Which cadre was allotted to Kritika Mishra?
She was allotted the Bihar cadre as an IAS officer.
8. Is Kritika Mishra married?
As of early 2025, she is unmarried, though engagement rumors surfaced in 2024.
9. How many attempts did Kritika Mishra take to clear UPSC?
She cleared the exam in her second attempt in 2022, after reaching the interview stage in her first attempt in 2021.
10. What awards has Kritika Mishra received?
She received the Bal Shree Award in 2015 and the Inext Nari Awards in 2023.
Comments
Post a Comment