Priyanka Rani, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, stands as a beacon of inspiration for countless UPSC aspirants across India. Her remarkable journey from a small village in Bihar to securing an All India Rank (AIR) 69 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023 is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to her dreams.
Early Life and Background
Born in 1997 in Kurkuri, a small village in Phulwarisharif, Patna, Bihar, Priyanka Rani grew up in a modest, rural setting where societal norms often restricted opportunities for girls. Her father, Abhay Kumar, is a farmer, and her mother is a homemaker, both of whom instilled in her the value of education despite limited resources. The family faced significant challenges, including societal opposition to girls’ education, with many in their village believing that girls should prioritize domestic roles over academics. However, Priyanka’s parents and grandfather were her pillars of strength, defying these norms by relocating to Patna to provide her with better educational opportunities.
Priyanka’s early life was marked by the struggles of rural life, where access to quality education was scarce. Yet, her family’s belief in her potential and their sacrifices fueled her ambition. This determination to rise above societal constraints became the cornerstone of her journey, shaping her into the resilient individual she is today.
Educational Journey
Priyanka Rani’s academic journey is a blend of dedication and intellectual prowess. She completed her schooling in Patna, where her family had moved to ensure better educational facilities. Recognizing her aptitude for academics, Priyanka pursued a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, Ranchi. Her choice of engineering reflects her analytical mindset and her desire to challenge herself in a demanding field.
During her college years, Priyanka developed a keen interest in societal issues, particularly those affecting marginalized communities. This passion led her to aspire to a career in civil services, where she could make a tangible impact on society. Her engineering background equipped her with problem-solving skills, which she later applied to her UPSC preparation.
The UPSC Journey: Trials and Triumphs
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination is one of the toughest competitive exams in India, and Priyanka Rani’s path to success was far from easy. Her journey is a powerful narrative of perseverance, learning from setbacks, and relentless hard work.
First and Second Attempts
Priyanka began her UPSC preparation with determination but faced challenges typical of first-time aspirants. In her second attempt, she achieved a significant milestone by securing AIR 284 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2021, earning her a position in the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES). While this was a remarkable achievement, Priyanka’s ultimate goal was to become an IAS officer, which motivated her to continue her efforts.
Third Attempt Setback
Her third attempt was a test of resilience. Despite clearing all stages of the exam, Priyanka narrowly missed the final selection list for IAS. This setback was emotionally taxing, with some dismissing her earlier success as mere luck. However, Priyanka used this disappointment as fuel to refine her preparation strategy, focusing on her weaknesses and intensifying her efforts.
Fourth Attempt Triumph
In her fourth attempt, Priyanka’s hard work culminated in an extraordinary achievement: AIR 69 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023. This rank not only secured her dream of becoming an IAS officer but also silenced her doubters, proving that her success was the result of disciplined effort and strategic preparation. Her journey from AIR 284 to AIR 69 is a testament to her growth and determination.
Preparation Strategy and Success Mantra
Priyanka Rani’s success in the UPSC exam can be attributed to her disciplined approach and strategic preparation. Here are some key elements of her strategy:
- Early Morning Study Routine: Priyanka was known for her rigorous schedule, waking up at 4 AM to study. Her daily routine included hours of focused reading, note-taking, and revision, ensuring she covered the vast UPSC syllabus comprehensively.
- Focus on NCERTs and Newspapers: She emphasized the importance of NCERT books for building a strong foundation in core subjects. Additionally, she relied on newspapers to stay updated on current affairs, a critical component of the UPSC exam.
- Economics as Optional Subject: Priyanka chose Economics as her optional subject, leveraging her analytical skills to excel in this area. Her strategic choice of subject aligned with her strengths, contributing to her high score.
- Meticulous Note-Taking: She maintained detailed notes, which helped her revise efficiently and retain key information.
- Mock Tests and Answer Writing: Priyanka enrolled in coaching programs like ForumIAS’s MGP 2022 and CA Classes for Mains 2022, where she practiced answer writing and took mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
- Mental Resilience: Facing societal skepticism and personal setbacks, Priyanka leaned on her family’s support and her own determination to stay focused. She viewed failures as opportunities to learn, which kept her motivated.
Her story underscores the importance of consistency, adaptability, and a positive mindset in achieving success in competitive exams like UPSC.
Professional Career and Contributions
After her success in UPSC 2023, Priyanka Rani was allocated to the Bihar cadre, where she began her training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. As of February 2025, she serves as the Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) in Nawada, Bihar, a role that allows her to contribute to grassroots development and public welfare.
Priyanka’s work as an IAS officer reflects her commitment to serving the most vulnerable sections of society. Her background as an engineer and her rural upbringing give her a unique perspective, enabling her to address issues like education, poverty, and infrastructure development with empathy and innovation. Her tenure in Nawada is expected to bring transformative changes, particularly in education and empowerment, areas she is deeply passionate about.
Personal Life and Interests
Priyanka Rani, at the age of 27, is a role model for young women, particularly those from rural backgrounds. While information about her marital status remains private (her husband’s name has not been disclosed publicly), her focus has largely been on her career and public service. Her hobbies include reading non-fiction books on economics and self-improvement, cooking Magadhi cuisine, taking morning walks with her father, and writing poetry. These interests reflect her grounded personality and her ability to balance professional aspirations with personal fulfillment.
Overcoming Societal Barriers
Priyanka’s journey is particularly inspiring because of the societal barriers she overcame. Growing up in a village where girls’ education was frowned upon, she faced significant opposition. However, her family’s unwavering support, particularly her grandfather’s courage in relocating to Patna, gave her the opportunity to pursue her dreams. Priyanka’s story challenges stereotypes and highlights the transformative power of education, especially for girls in conservative societies.
Her success has brought pride not only to her family but also to her village, where those who once opposed her education now celebrate her achievements. Priyanka actively advocates for girls’ education, urging young women to dream big and break free from societal limitations.
Impact and Inspiration
Priyanka Rani’s story has resonated with UPSC aspirants and young women across India. Her journey from a small village to the prestigious IAS cadre serves as a powerful reminder that determination and hard work can overcome even the most daunting challenges. She has become a mentor figure, with her strategies and experiences shared widely through platforms like Josh Talks, ForumIAS, and media outlets such as Zee News and News18.
Her message to aspirants is clear: education is the greatest asset, and no obstacle is too big to overcome with perseverance. Priyanka’s legacy is not just her rank or position but the hope she instills in others to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
FAQs About Priyanka Rani IAS
- What is Priyanka Rani’s age?
Priyanka Rani was born in 1997 and is currently 27 years old. - What is Priyanka Rani’s educational qualification?
She holds a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from BIT Mesra, Ranchi. - What are Priyanka Rani’s UPSC ranks?
She secured AIR 284 in UPSC 2021 (second attempt) and AIR 69 in UPSC 2023 (fourth attempt). - What is Priyanka Rani’s current posting?
As of February 2025, she serves as the Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) in Nawada, Bihar. - What was Priyanka Rani’s optional subject in UPSC?
She chose Economics as her optional subject for the UPSC examination. - How many attempts did Priyanka Rani take to become an IAS officer?
She cleared the UPSC exam in her second attempt (AIR 284, IDES) but achieved her IAS goal in her fourth attempt (AIR 69). - What challenges did Priyanka Rani face during her UPSC journey?
She faced societal opposition to girls’ education, personal setbacks in her third UPSC attempt, and the pressure of competing in one of India’s toughest exams. - What is Priyanka Rani’s advice for UPSC aspirants?
She emphasizes regular study, a disciplined routine, reliance on NCERT books and newspapers, and maintaining mental resilience in the face of setbacks.
Conclusion
Priyanka Rani’s journey from a small village in Bihar to becoming an IAS officer with AIR 69 is a story of grit, perseverance, and the power of education. Her ability to overcome societal barriers, learn from failures, and achieve her dreams makes her a role model for millions. As she continues her service in Nawada, Bihar, Priyanka remains committed to empowering others, particularly young women, to break free from limitations and pursue their aspirations. Her story is not just about personal success but about inspiring a generation to dream big and work hard to achieve it.
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