This is an archive article published on May 24, 2023
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Meet UPSC civil services topper Ishita Kishore
Speaking to The Indian Express, Kishore said, “While I was working, I re-evaluated whether i should go for an MBA, opt for research or continue in my corporate job.
UPSC 2023 Ishita Kishore poses for Photographs with her family members at her residence in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal New Delhi 230523
Before she emerged as the all-India UPSC topper, Ishita Kishore, 27, had failed to clear her prelims, twice. A graduate from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, she always had the option of going back to her promising corporate job as a risk analyst. But it was the desire to help people by becoming an IAS officer that motivated Kishore to continue working towards her dream.
As results for the coveted service was announced Tuesday, Kishore, who hails from Greater Noida, credited her family with imbibing in her a sense of duty and service very early on in life. Kishore, whose mother is a retired teacher and father an Air Force officer, said consistency and regular breaks amid preparations is the key to cracking the examination.
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Kishore did her schooling from Air Force Bal Bharti School, Lodhi Road. Her brother is a lawyer.
Recalling her low points, she said, “Following my failed attempts, I reminded myself as to why I started in the first place. I started because I wanted to serve my country. During my low points, my family constantly told me how much they believed in me. They told me that I could do it.” A commerce graduate, Kishore spent two years at a corporate firm before deciding to prepare for the UPSC.
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Speaking to The Indian Express, Kishore said, “While I was working, I re-evaluated whether i should go for an MBA, opt for research or continue in my corporate job. All these options were open but the closest to my heart was public service. The kind of platform that civil services provide you with was my biggest motivation to keep going.” Kishore’s preferred choice of service is the Indian Administrative Service . “ I feel that being such a central part of the governance and development in my country will be one of the biggest privileges,” she said.
A national-level football player, Kishore was asked during her interview how she would use her knowledge from the field in sports administration. There were also questions about India-China relations, and panchayat system, she recalled. “It was conversational and there was no question that really threw me off,” she said.
“ I studied for 8-9 hours everyday. If one is choosing a new optional subject like I did, coaching can be helpful. But 80-90% of the preparation is self-study,” she said. In her free time, Kishore enjoys playing squash. Besides, she is fond of Madhubani painting.
UPSC 2023 Ishita Kishore poses for Photographs with her family members at her residence in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal New Delhi 230523 
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