Shruti Sharma IAS: A Story of Determination and Success

Shruti Sharma IAS story is one of extraordinary achievement against all odds. Born on March 1, 1997, Dhampur, Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, into a family with limited means, she dared to dream big and defied expectations to become the AIR 1 and 1105 marks in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2021.Her journey, filled with hard work and unwavering focus, serves as an inspiration to countless aspirants across the country.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in a small village Dhampur in Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh, Shruti Sharma IAS was instilled with the values of simplicity and hard work. She completed her schooling from a Cambridge Primary School, Delhi from Kindergarten to Class 5th and then shifted to Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Delhi for further education, showcasing her academic brilliance from a young age. Despite limited resources and societal expectations, Shruti pursued her undergraduate studies in Modern History from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi. Her exposure to diverse perspectives and intellectually stimulating environment at JNU ignited her passion for civil services and sparked her desire to contribute to positive change in society.

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Shruti Sharma IAS Bio

Shruti Sharm UPSC Marksheet

Preparing for The Civil Services Exam

Fueled by her unwavering ambition and a strong sense of purpose, Shruti Sharma embarked on the challenging journey of preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. She faced numerous hurdles, including limited financial resources and the pressure of societal expectations. However, instead of succumbing to these challenges, Shruti Sharma IAS used them as fuel to further strengthen her resolve. She meticulously planned her studies, diligently followed her schedule, and focused on understanding the concepts rather than rote learning.

Shruti’s Approach to UPSC Preparation

One of the key factors behind Shruti’s success was her unique and effective approach to preparation. She emphasized the importance of understanding the syllabus thoroughly and focusing on building a strong foundation in all subjects. She believed in consistent self-study supplemented by regular mock tests to gauge her progress and identify areas needing improvement. Shruti Sharma also actively participated in group discussions and debate sessions, which helped her refine her analytical skills and develop a well-rounded perspective on various issues.

Beyond Academics

While academics formed the cornerstone of Shruti’s preparation, she did not neglect other aspects of her life. She actively participated in cultural events and sports, ensuring a healthy balance between studies and leisure. This holistic approach helped her maintain a positive attitude and remain focused throughout the demanding preparation process.

Achievements and Recognition

Shruti’s dedication and hard work culminated in her securing the coveted All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2021. This remarkable achievement not only brought immense pride to her family and community but also served as a beacon of hope for aspiring civil servants across the country. Her success story continues to inspire countless individuals to dream big and chase their aspirations with unwavering determination.

Shruti’s Future Aspirations

As she embarks on her journey as an IAS officer, Shruti remains committed to her goal of contributing positively to society. She aspires to use her knowledge and skills to address critical issues like poverty, education, and healthcare. Her dedication to public service and her unwavering commitment to positive change make her a role model for future generations of civil servants.

Shruti Sharma IAS Trivia

• Shruti Sharma is IAS, who secured AIR 1 in the 2021 UPSC CSE examination on her second attempt scoring 1105 out of 2025.
• Born into a family of engineers and doctors, Shruti Sharma is the only member of her family who pursued her graduation in Arts and studied History. Her great grandfather, Dayaswaroop Sharma, as well as her grandfather, Devendra Dutt Sharma, were well-known doctors in their native village. Additionally, her paternal uncle, Yagya Dutt, and cousin sister are also doctors. Meanwhile, her mother was an engineering student.
• Sharma was pursuing postgraduation at JNU when she came across Jamia Millia Islamia’s Residential Coaching Academy (RCA), a well-known institution for the preparation of the Civil Services Examination via her father. She appeared for its entrance test for the first time in 2019. A technical issue led her to give the prelims in Hindi during her first attempt. Therefore, she failed the mains by only 1 mark. She recalled the issues faced by her in the first attempt at an interview and said,

This is my second attempt. Due to some issues with the medium of instruction, I had to take my mains examination in Hindi. I missed my interview call by one mark.”

• The UPSC Toppers 2021 list was released on 28 May 2022. The prominence of the event was that the top three slots were secured by women with Ankita Agarwal securing AIR 2 and Gamini Singla AIR 3.
• During her school days, she was a member of the student executive, and she was appointed as the secretary of cultural affairs. She spent her school days organising events.
• At college, she actively participated in various types of debates like parliamentary debate, conventional debate, and turn quote style of debating.
• While stating her reasons to pursue a career in Civil Services during her Mock Interview, Shruti Sharma IAS said,

I believe I have had a certain privileged background, therefore, I always wanted to do something in which I could give back to society in some way…Secondly, I believe that on a personal level the diversity and the scope that these services provide can be an avenue for great personal growth and an avenue for learning a lot.”

• In her interview, she also revealed that she had tried to learn Urdu.
• She is an enthusiastic lover of world cinema and has watched a wide variety of cinema including Iranian films and the films of Hong Kong.
• She attributed her success in topping UPSC Civil Services Examination to Jamia Millia Islamia Residential Coaching Academy (RCA), where she prepared for the exam.
• Her optional in the UPSC exam was History.
• Sarveshwar Dayal Saxena and Dushyant Kumar are her favourite poets.
• While addressing the media, Shruti’s maternal grandmother revealed that she wanted Shruti’s mother, Rachna, to qualify the Civil Services Examination. However, at that time, Shruti’s maternal family resided in a rural area and coaching centres were far away due to which Rachna couldn’t fulfil her mother’s desire.

Conclusion

Shruti Sharma IAS journey from a small village in Uttar Pradesh to securing the top rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and unwavering self-belief. Her story serves as a powerful inspiration to countless individuals, demonstrating that anything is possible with determination and perseverance. Shruti Sharma IAS journey is a beacon of hope, reminding us that even humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements. As she takes on the mantle of an IAS officer, India looks forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly make on the lives of millions.