Vishakha Yadav is a name synonymous with determination, perseverance, and excellence. An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2020 batch, she secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 6 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2019. Her journey from a software engineer at Cisco to becoming one of India’s top civil servants is a testament to her unwavering resolve and relentless hard work.
Early Life and Education
Vishakha Yadav was born in 1994 in Dwarka, New Delhi, into a humble yet supportive family. Her father, Rajkumar Yadav, serves as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) in the Delhi Police, while her mother, Sarita Yadav, is a homemaker who played a pivotal role in shaping Vishakha’s aspirations. Growing up in West Delhi, Vishakha was exposed to the values of public service early on, thanks to her father’s career in the police force. This environment instilled in her a deep sense of duty and a desire to contribute to society.
From a young age, Vishakha exhibited academic brilliance and a passion for learning. She completed her schooling at local schools in Delhi, where she consistently excelled in her studies. Her academic prowess earned her a seat at Delhi Technological University (DTU), one of India’s premier engineering institutions. In 2014, she graduated with a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree in Computer Software Engineering, a field that promised a lucrative career in the corporate world.
Early Career: A Software Engineer at Cisco
After completing her engineering degree, Vishakha Yadav secured a placement at Cisco Systems, a global leader in networking and telecommunications, based in Bengaluru. For two years, she worked as a software developer, earning a handsome salary and gaining valuable experience in the tech industry. However, despite the financial security and professional growth, Vishakha felt a void. Her childhood dream of serving the nation as a civil servant continued to linger in her mind.
Inspired by her father’s service-oriented career and her own aspiration to make a meaningful impact on society, Vishakha made a bold decision in 2017. She quit her high-paying job at Cisco to pursue her dream of becoming an IAS officer. This decision marked the beginning of a challenging yet transformative journey that would test her resilience and determination.
The UPSC Journey: From Failure to Triumph
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is widely regarded as one of the toughest competitive exams in the world, requiring years of preparation, strategic planning, and mental fortitude. Vishakha Yadav’s path to success was far from easy. She faced setbacks in her first two attempts, failing to clear the preliminary stage (Prelims) of the exam. These failures could have discouraged her, but Vishakha’s resolve only grew stronger.
First Attempt: A Learning Experience
In her first attempt, Vishakha appeared for the UPSC exam with limited preparation. She later admitted that she underestimated the exam’s demands and lacked a structured strategy. This experience taught her valuable lessons about the importance of thorough preparation and time management.
Second Attempt: A Near Miss
For her second attempt, Vishakha improved her preparation but still fell short of clearing the Prelims by a mere 1.3 marks. This narrow miss highlighted the need for greater consistency, confidence, and a refined strategy. Instead of giving up, she used this setback as motivation to refine her approach and address her weaknesses.
Third Attempt: The Breakthrough
Vishakha Yadav’s third attempt in 2019 proved to be her breakthrough. Armed with a well-thought-out strategy, she focused on consistency, revision, and mock tests. She chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as her optional subject for the Mains exam, leveraging coaching support to master this subject given her technical background. Her hard work paid off as she cleared all three stages of the UPSC exam—Prelims, Mains, and the Interview—with flying colors.
Vishakha secured an impressive total of 1046 marks out of 2025, earning her the 6th rank in the All India list. Among female candidates, she was the second-highest scorer in her batch, making her an inspiration for women aspiring to join the civil services.
UPSC Marksheet and Strategy
Vishakha Yadav’s UPSC marksheet reflects her dedication and meticulous preparation:
- Mains Exam: 856 marks
- Interview: 190 marks
- Total: 1046 marks out of 2025
Her success can be attributed to a disciplined and strategic approach:
- Consistency: Vishakha emphasized the importance of daily study targets. She avoided procrastination and ensured she completed her goals without piling up unfinished tasks.
- Limited Resources: Instead of overwhelming herself with numerous books, Vishakha focused on a select list of resources and revised them multiple times.
- Library Routine: She spent 6-8 hours daily studying in a library, maintaining a consistent routine that helped her stay focused.
- Mock Tests: Learning from her previous attempts, Vishakha incorporated regular mock tests to assess her progress and improve her performance.
- Time Management: She created a structured timetable, balancing her preparation for Prelims, Mains, and the Interview.
- Mental Resilience: Vishakha stayed away from social media for nearly three years to avoid distractions and maintain her focus.
Her recommended booklist for UPSC aspirants includes:
- History: India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
- Geography: Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong
- Polity: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
- Optional (PSIR): A History of Political Thought by Subrata Mukherjee and standard reference books for International Relations.
Family Support: The Pillar of Strength
Vishakha Yadav credits much of her success to the unwavering support of her family, particularly her mother, Sarita Yadav. During her preparation, her mother took care of her daily needs, ensuring she could focus entirely on her studies. Vishakha has often spoken about how her mother provided emotional support during moments of self-doubt, especially after her initial failures.
Her father, Rajkumar Yadav, was equally proud of her achievement. As an ASI in the Delhi Police, he understood the significance of public service and encouraged Vishakha to pursue her dreams. Notably, her parents never pressured her regarding marriage or societal expectations, giving her the freedom to chart her own path.
Current Posting and Cadre
Vishakha Yadav was allocated to the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre as part of the 2020 IAS batch. As of 2025, she serves as the Deputy Commissioner of Kurung Kumey District in Arunachal Pradesh. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing administrative functions, implementing government schemes, and addressing the developmental needs of the district. Her proactive leadership and commitment to public service have already begun to make a positive impact in her posting.
Personal Life and Interests
Vishakha Yadav was born in 1994, making her 31 years old.. She is married to Kunal Yadav, an IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre (2021 batch), reflecting a shared commitment to public service within their family. Despite her demanding career, Vishakha maintains a balanced life by indulging in hobbies such as sketching, painting, and solving Sudoku puzzles. During her UPSC preparation, these activities served as stress-relievers, helping her maintain mental clarity.
Vishakha is also an avid basketball player, having represented her school and college teams in the forward position. Her role model is Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, whose life and work continue to inspire her to serve the nation with dedication and humility.
Legacy and Inspiration
Vishakha Yadav’s journey from a software engineer to an IAS officer is a powerful narrative of resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of a higher purpose. Her story resonates with countless UPSC aspirants, particularly those who face setbacks in their initial attempts. By sharing her experiences, strategies, and recommended resources, Vishakha has become a beacon of hope for those striving to crack one of the world’s toughest exams.
Her success also highlights the importance of family support, self-belief, and a never-give-up attitude. As she continues her career in the IAS, Vishakha remains committed to serving the nation and making a tangible difference in the lives of the people she serves.
FAQs About Vishakha Yadav IAS
1. What is Vishakha Yadav’s rank in the UPSC exam?
Vishakha Yadav secured All India Rank (AIR) 6 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2019.
2. What is Vishakha Yadav’s educational background?
She holds a B.Tech degree in Computer Software Engineering from Delhi Technological University (DTU), completed in 2014.
3. What is Vishakha Yadav’s current posting?
As of 2025, Vishakha Yadav serves as the Deputy Commissioner of Kurung Kumey District in Arunachal Pradesh.
4. What was Vishakha Yadav’s optional subject in UPSC?
Her optional subject for the UPSC Mains was Political Science and International Relations (PSIR).
5. How many attempts did Vishakha Yadav take to clear UPSC?
She cleared the UPSC exam in her third attempt in 2019, having failed to clear the Prelims in her first two attempts.
6. What is Vishakha Yadav’s cadre?
She belongs to the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre.
7. Who is Vishakha Yadav’s husband?
Vishakha Yadav is married to Kunal Yadav, an IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre (2021 batch).
8. What is Vishakha Yadav’s age?
Born in 1994, Vishakha Yadav is 31 years old as of March 2025.
9. What motivated Vishakha Yadav to become an IAS officer?
Her father’s career in public service and her childhood dream of serving the nation inspired her to pursue a career in the IAS.
10. What books did Vishakha Yadav recommend for UPSC preparation?
Some of her recommended books include Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth, India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra, and Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong.
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