Yashni Nagarajan, an inspiring Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, is a name synonymous with perseverance, hard work, and exceptional time management. Securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 57 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2019, Yashni’s story is a beacon of hope for aspirants balancing full-time jobs with their dreams of serving the nation. Born in Arunachal Pradesh with roots in Tamil Nadu, Yashni’s journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a distinguished civil servant showcases the power of dedication and strategic preparation.
Early Life and Background
Yashni Nagarajan was born in 1993 in the General Hospital (now Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, TRIHMS) in Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh. Though her family hails from Tamil Nadu, her father’s posting as a state Public Works Department (PWD) engineer brought them to this northeastern state, where Yashni spent her formative years. Her father, Thangavel Nagarajan, was a committed professional whose career exemplified discipline, while her mother, Sushila Nagarajan, served as a superintendent at the Itanagar branch of the Gauhati High Court Registry before retiring. This supportive family environment played a pivotal role in shaping Yashni’s ambitions.
Growing up in Arunachal Pradesh, Yashni developed a deep connection with the land and its people, a bond that later influenced her decision to opt for the Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre after clearing the UPSC exam. Her younger brother, an alumnus of IIM Indore, also reflects the family’s inclination toward academic and professional excellence.
Education: Laying the Foundation
Yashni’s academic journey began at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Naharlagun, a central government school known for its quality education. Contrary to stereotypes about government schools, Yashni excelled in her studies, proving that a strong foundation can be built anywhere with determination. Her academic brilliance led her to pursue higher education in engineering, a field that demands analytical thinking and problem-solving skills—attributes that would later aid her UPSC preparation.
In 2014, Yashni graduated with a B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh. Completing her engineering degree from a reputed institution equipped her with technical knowledge and a disciplined approach to learning. However, her aspirations extended beyond the corporate world, drawing her toward the prestigious civil services.
The Turning Point: Choosing the UPSC Path
Yashni’s decision to pursue the UPSC Civil Services Examination was not a spontaneous one. It was a dream nurtured by her parents’ encouragement and her own observation of the impactful role IAS officers play in society. After completing her engineering degree, she joined the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as a Grade B officer in December 2016, stationed in Thiruvananthapuram. While many might have settled into a comfortable career at RBI, Yashni saw it as a stepping stone to prepare for her ultimate goal—becoming an IAS officer.
Balancing a demanding job with UPSC preparation was no easy feat, but Yashni’s story stands out because of her ability to manage both effectively. She began her UPSC journey post-college, admitting in her blog that she had little awareness of the exam during her student years. For beginners, she advises starting with newspapers and NCERT books—simple yet foundational steps that shaped her early preparation.
UPSC Journey: Trials, Triumphs, and Time Management
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is renowned for its rigor, comprising three stages: the Preliminary Exam, the Main Exam, and the Interview. Yashni’s journey through this process was marked by resilience and adaptability. She appeared for the exam four times, clearing the Mains and reaching the interview stage thrice, and making it to the final list twice—finally achieving AIR 57 in 2019.
First Attempt: A Learning Curve
In her initial attempt, Yashni chose Geography as her optional subject, influenced by peers and popular advice. However, she soon realized it wasn’t aligned with her interests, impacting her performance. This setback taught her a valuable lesson: the importance of selecting an optional subject based on personal interest rather than external pressure. She emphasizes this in her blog, stating, “Optional subjects are a big part of the UPSC exam because they help you get better marks.”
Refining Strategy: Switching Optional Subjects
After her first attempt, Yashni switched her optional subject, eventually settling on Political Science and International Relations (PSIR), which better suited her strengths. This strategic shift, combined with improved time management, marked a turning point in her preparation. She began dedicating 4-5 hours daily after work to study, often reading newspapers during lunch breaks to stay updated on current affairs. Weekends became her intensive study periods, where she delved into financial magazines like Fortune and core UPSC materials.
Success in Subsequent Attempts
Yashni cleared the exam in her second and third attempts, securing ranks that placed her on the reserve list. However, her goal was a top rank to ensure an IAS posting. Her persistence paid off in her fourth attempt in 2019, when she secured AIR 57. She credits this success to meticulous time management and a focus on high-scoring papers like Essay and Ethics, alongside her optional subject.
Marksheet Highlights
While exact marks vary across sources, Yashni’s blog mentions scoring 161.34 in the Prelims during one attempt, showcasing her strength in the initial stage. Her Mains preparation, particularly in General Studies (GS), PSIR, Essay, and Ethics, contributed significantly to her final rank. She shares her answer scripts online, offering aspirants a glimpse into her writing style and approach.
Life as an IAS Officer
After achieving AIR 57 in UPSC CSE 2019, Yashni was allocated the AGMUT cadre. She joined as an Assistant Deputy Commissioner (Trainee) in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, a region close to her heart. Her choice of cadre reflects her desire to “pay back to the land where I was born,” as she told Arunachal Observer in 2020. Her tenure as an IAS officer has been marked by a commitment to public service, drawing on her technical background and administrative skills honed at RBI.
Yashni’s Blog: Guiding the Next Generation
Beyond her official duties, Yashni is passionate about mentoring UPSC aspirants. Through her WordPress blog, My Experiments with Blogging (yashniin.wordpress.com), she shares insights from her journey, including answer scripts, preparation tips, and reflections on mistakes to Julio’s mistakes. Her posts, like “Answer Scripts and Tips for CSE Mains” and “Mistakes to Avoid in Civil Service Preparation,” have become a goldmine for aspirants. Her candid advice—such as prioritizing Essay and Ethics papers and choosing an optional subject wisely—resonates with thousands of followers.
Key Lessons from Yashni Nagarajan’s Success Story
- Time Management is Key: Balancing a full-time job and UPSC preparation requires discipline and a structured schedule.
- Adaptability Matters: Switching her optional subject after recognizing its mismatch was a game-changer.
- Focus on High-Scoring Areas: Excelling in Essay and Ethics papers can boost overall scores significantly.
- Job as a Safety Net: A stable career reduced stress, allowing her to focus on preparation without financial worries.
Personal Traits and Inspiration
Yashni’s journey reflects her diligence, resilience, and humility. Her parents’ support, coupled with her own grit, turned challenges into opportunities. Her story inspires not just UPSC aspirants but anyone striving to achieve ambitious goals while juggling multiple responsibilities.
Top FAQs About Yashni Nagarajan IAS
- Who is Yashni Nagarajan?
Yashni Nagarajan is an IAS officer who secured All India Rank 57 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2019. She prepared for the exam while working full-time at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). - What is Yashni Nagarajan’s educational background?
She completed her schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Naharlagun, and earned a B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from NIT Yupia in 2014. - How many attempts did Yashni take to clear UPSC?
Yashni cleared the UPSC exam in her fourth attempt, achieving AIR 57 in 2019. - What was Yashni Nagarajan’s optional subject?
She initially chose Geography but later switched to Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) for her successful attempt. - Where is Yashni Nagarajan posted?
She is part of the AGMUT cadre and serves as an Assistant Deputy Commissioner in East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh. - How did Yashni prepare for UPSC with a full-time job?
She studied 4-5 hours daily after work, read newspapers during breaks, and utilized weekends for intensive preparation. - Does Yashni Nagarajan have a blog?
Yes, she runs a blog called My Experiments with Blogging (yashniin.wordpress.com), where she shares UPSC tips and answer scripts. - What advice does Yashni give to UPSC aspirants?
She emphasizes time management, choosing an optional subject wisely, and focusing on Essay and Ethics papers for higher scores.
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