Perseverance, hard work pays, say UPSC toppers

Ira Singhal, a physically challenged IRS officer from Delhi, topped the Civil services examination. (Source: Express photo by Harsha Vadlamani)

Dr Renu Raj, who secured second rank in the UPSC Civil Services Exam, is a medical doctor with ESI. (Source: Express photo by Kamal Sankar)

Her vivacious and spirited personality easily camouflages the 62 per cent locomotor disability that she suffers from but that has not stopped Ira from dreaming big and achieving it. (Source: Express photo by Harsha Vadlamani)

Raj, who had joined as a doctor with the ESI in Kollam six months back, said second rank in the civil services exam was unexpected. (Source: Express photo by Kamal Sankar)

“I am thrilled, excited and very, very happy. It is a dream come true,’’ beamed Ira Singhal on Saturday after topping UPSC. (Source: Express photo by Harsha Vadlamani)

Being a second rank holder, Raj said she hoped to get into Kerala cadre as an IAS officer. (Source: Express photo by Kamal Sankar)