Srinagar: Shivani Jerngal did not let her first attempt’s failure come into her way to clear the coveted UPSC examination. She secured All India Rank-300 in her second attempt, proving that dedication and hard work do not let one down.
Shivani, 25, a daughter of cop, hails from Jammu and in run up to her examination she had followed a proper regimen in her studies to let her have the fruit of her exhaustive hours and days she put in while preparing for the Civil Services.
After completing her B-Tech from Delhi Technological University in Electronics and Communication, she began preparing for UPSC exams. “In 2020, I started my preparation journey. I mostly self-studied and dedicated 7-8 hours on average to it every day. For the test series, I, however, did my coaching from Forum IAS and Level up IAS,” she said.
Talking about the challenges, she said, the Covid-induced lockdown period was a double-edged sword. “Though there was no time wasted on travel, studying from home could be distracting and mentally exhausting,” Shivani said.
She added that another challenge was the absence of a peer group that could relate to the difficulties faced during the preparation. “Another setback came when I couldn’t crack in my first attempt. I took it positively and doubled my efforts.”
The UPSC qualifier said the budding aspirants should only opt for the exams if they are perseverant. “Making continuous and whole-hearted efforts is the key. Pay attention to your mental health. Don’t let the failures take a toll on you.”
Police Chief Dilbag Singh also congratulated Shivani for clearing the Union Public Service Commission examination result which was declared yesterday. He has also congratulated other UPSC qualifiers from Jammu and Kashmir.
The success of these qualifiers will encourage and motivate the aspirants from the UT to follow the path, said DGP Dilbag Singh.