Achieving the prestigious status of an IAS officer is a dream that many cherish but only a few can realize. Vaishali Singh, an exemplary figure in the realm of civil services, not only accomplished this dream but did so with remarkable dedication and unwavering perseverance. In this article, we will delve into the life and career of Vaishali Singh, covering various aspects, including her education, professional journey, UPSC exam preparation, strategy, interview success, marksheet, and more. By delving into her journey, we aim to provide guidance and motivation to aspiring civil servants.

Vaishali Singh IAS - Educational Background

Vaishali Singh hails from Faridabad and received her early education at DPS School. At the young age of 28, she has achieved remarkable academic feats. Her academic excellence is evident from the fact that she secured 95.8% marks in her class tenth Board exams in 2009 and 95% marks in her twelfth Board exams in 2011. Her quest for knowledge led her to pursue a five-year integrated law course at National Law University, Delhi, where she excelled and even won six gold medals. In 2016, she graduated with a commendable CGPA of 7.58 out of 8, securing the overall second rank in her batch. Beyond her academic pursuits, Vaishali has a passion for sports, particularly volleyball, and a love for travel and movies.

Vaishali's Professional Journey

Even before completing her graduation, Vaishali was preparing herself for a career in law. She embarked on six internships during her five-year program at NLU, gaining valuable experience in various aspects of law. Her internships included stints with Delhi State Legal Services Authority, Death Penalty Research Project, Advani & Co., Luthra and Luthra Law Offices, Amarchand and Mangaldas & Suresh A Shroff & Co., and S & R Associates. However, despite her successful start in the legal field, she found herself unsatisfied and decided to take on the formidable challenge of the UPSC examination.

Vaishali Singh's Journey in the UPSC Exam

Vaishali's journey to becoming an IAS officer is a testament to her determination. Her professional life as a lawyer at NLU sparked her interest in the civil services when she began volunteering with IDIA (Increasing Diversity by Increasing Access). This experience motivated her to embark on her UPSC exam preparation. She put her heart and soul into the process, showcasing that the UPSC exam demands not just hard work but unwavering dedication.

Vaishali Singh's UPSC Exam Strategy

Vaishali's success in the UPSC exam can be attributed to her well-thought-out strategy. Her approach to the exam involved several key components:

1. General Studies Preparation: She focused on NCERT books and a few fundamental books for each subject, along with staying updated on current affairs.

2. Optional Papers: Given her law background, she selected two Law Papers for her optional subjects.

3. Answer Writing: Recognizing the importance of answer writing, she diligently wrote one answer daily before the prelims exam.

4. Test Series: Vaishali practiced 25 to 27 tests for her main exam and gave particular attention to essay writing, referring to previous years' toppers.

5. Interview Preparation: She underwent extensive interview preparation, including mock tests, and thoroughly understood her DAF, Law Optional, and Current Affairs. She was well-prepared to discuss a range of major ongoing issues.

Her Success in the Interview Round

The interview round can be one of the most challenging stages of the UPSC examination. Vaishali was not daunted by this, however, and prepared extensively. She engaged in eight to nine mock interviews to improve her performance. Her interview preparation was divided into three parts: DAF, Law Optional, and Current Affairs. She exhibited a deep understanding of her name's origin and meaning, as well as a comprehensive grasp of her optional subject, Law.

Vaishali Singh's IAS Officer Marksheet

In the UPSC examination of 2018, Vaishali Singh achieved an impressive total score of 1066 out of 2025 marks. Her marks in various papers are as follows:

• Essay: 146
• General Studies I: 103
• General Studies II: 102
• General Studies III: 111
• General Studies IV: 111
• Optional I: 151
• Optional II: 147
• Personality Test (interview): 195

Vaishali Singh's Booklist

Vaishali Singh's booklist for UPSC exam preparation includes essential sources that contributed to her success:

• Ancient and Medieval History: Tamil Nadu Class XI textbook
• Modern History: Spectrum by Rajiv Ahir
• Art and Culture: Nitin Singhania
• Geography: Class XI and XII NCERTs
• Polity: Laxmikant
• Economy: Economic Survey and newspapers
• Environment: Shankar IAS, Roman Saini videos on Unacademy
• General Science and Government Schemes: Current Affairs
• Current Affairs: Newspapers

Career as IAS Officer

In 2019, Vaishali Singh completed her officer training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration. Subsequently, in May 2019, she was posted to Kurukshetra, Haryana, as an Assistant Commissioner (Under Training).

Conclusion - Vaishali Singh IAS

Vaishali Singh's journey from a determined law student to a successful IAS officer is a story of resilience and unwavering dedication. Her achievements showcase the importance of hard work and a well-planned strategy in UPSC exam preparation. Vaishali's story is an inspiration for all aspirants, demonstrating that failure in the first attempt should not deter one from pursuing their dreams. The UPSC exam is a test not only of knowledge but of dedication to one's goals. By reading her success story, aspiring candidates can find the motivation to prepare diligently for the exam and work towards their dreams.