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Delhi woman secures AIR 3 in IES exam; shares her strategy and key lessons: ‘Plan B is what made this exam less burdensome’

Srishti initially took the exam just to assess her understanding of the subject, reassuring herself that if she didn’t clear it, she would consider pursuing a PhD.

Srishti from her UPSC interview day and her first day of training

Aahana Srishti, a Delhi-based economist, recently achieved an incredible milestone by securing All India Rank 3 in the highly competitive Indian Economic Service (IES) exam conducted by UPSC in 2024. Reflecting on her journey in a now-viral LinkedIn post, she shared that having a backup plan played a crucial role in keeping her stress levels in check.

“Clearing the Indian Economic Service Examination (2024) with an All India Rank 3 was truly and wholly beyond my dreams,” Aahana wrote. She initially took the exam just to assess her understanding of the subject, reassuring herself that if she didn’t clear it, she would give it another shot—and if that still didn’t work out, she’d consider pursuing a PhD.

In the post, she emphasised the importance of having alternatives, stating, “Having a Plan B is what made this exam less burdensome, and is something I suggest to everybody (It is completely on you to take it or leave it).”

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Srishti attributed her success to the unwavering support of her mother, close friends, and what she described as “divine intervention.” Quoting an adage she swears by, she wrote, “God helps those who help themselves.”
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She also shared glimpses from her UPSC interview day and her first day of training at the Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management (AJNIFM).

See the post:

Screenshot of the LinkedIn post

Her inspiring story resonated with many on social media, with users flooding the comments section with admiration and praise. One user wrote, “Mam your story not only makes us believe that everything is possible through hardwork but also made me feel syzygy with it. I draw inspiration and this is an epiphany for me at the least.”

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Another individual commented, “Congratulations on this incredible achievement! Securing an All India Rank 3 in the Indian Economic Service Examination is no small feat and is a testament to your dedication and hard work. Your journey and insights are truly inspiring, especially the emphasis on having a Plan B, which can significantly reduce the pressure and anxiety associated with such competitive exams.

Srishti, a consultant at ICRIER, is now serving as a probationary officer in the Indian Economic Service. She holds a degree from Indraprastha College for Women and a Master’s in Economics from IIFT.