Every year, the UPSC exam attracts the nation's brightest minds who vie for the top ranks. While the limelight often falls on the first rank holder, it is equally important to acknowledge the journeys of other successful candidates. In this article, we explore the inspiring story of Apala Mishra, who secured the 9th rank in the UPSC 2020 exam. We will delve into her age, marksheet, optional subject, and the path that led her to this remarkable achievement.

About Apala Mishra

Apala Mishra, a 2020 batch IAS officer, originally hails from Uttar Pradesh, with her formative years spent in Jharkhand. Born in Ghaziabad, her father, Amitabh Mishra, has consistently been a source of motivation throughout her journey. Apala completed her schooling at Delhi Public School, Rohini, and subsequently pursued a career in dentistry, earning her bachelor's degree from the Army College of Dental Science. Her family background is impressive, with her grandfather being the renowned novelist Hazari Prasad Dwivedi.

Apala Mishra's Attempts, Rank, Age, and Marksheet

As of 2021, Apala Mishra is 24 years old. Her path to success in the UPSC exams was not without challenges. She attempted the UPSC exam three times before achieving the coveted rank. Her first two attempts were marked by struggles to clear the prelims stage. However, Apala's determination remained unwavering, and she resolved to make a stronger comeback.

In her third attempt, Apala Mishra not only cleared the exam but secured the 9th rank. Her interview performance was outstanding, earning her 215 marks on the personality test. She attributes her success to self-study and unyielding dedication.

Her UPSC marksheet reflects her excellence, with a total of 816 marks in the mains written exam and an additional 215 marks from the interview, resulting in a total score of 1031 marks, securing her the 9th rank in the UPSC exam.

Apala Mishra's Optional Subjects Strategy and UPSC Journey

Apala Mishra's choice of optional subject was Anthropology, a decision that played a pivotal role in her success. Her journey in UPSC preparation began with the realization that she wanted to create a more significant impact on society beyond her medical career. She recognized that a medical degree alone would not suffice to serve the nation effectively.

She adopted a hybrid approach to her studies, combining traditional static books with online resources. This approach allowed her to address topics inadequately covered in the books and bridge gaps in her knowledge. Complex subjects found better explanations through online platforms, such as YouTube and Google.

Strategy and Time Management

Apala Mishra's time management played a central role in her success. She dedicated 7 to 8 hours daily to her UPSC preparation. The key was not the number of hours but how effectively she utilized her study time. Tracking her time topic-wise enabled her to allocate her attention effectively, covering a broad range of topics. Notably, Apala identified her weakness in the prelims stage and committed to thoroughly covering basic topics while solving numerous practice papers.

Mains Answer Writing Strategy

For the mains examination, Apala recommends not starting answer writing practice too early or too late in the preparation process. It's crucial to strike a balance between covering static and current affairs topics before delving into answer writing practice. She suggests initiating answer writing practice during the middle stages of preparation. This approach ensures that you make the most of your study time and improve your chances of securing a good score.

Conclusion

Apala Mishra's inspiring journey to securing the 9th rank in the UPSC exam serves as a beacon of hope for aspirants across the nation. Her strategic approach, dedication, and unwavering determination allowed her to overcome early setbacks and achieve her dream of serving the nation. Her success is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-study, and effective time management. Apala Mishra's story reminds us that with the right strategy and commitment, one can overcome obstacles and reach great heights in the UPSC examination.