Meet UPSC CSE 2025 AIR 25 Bhavika Chopra — The Economics Graduate Who Chose IAS Over Corporate Life
Bhavika Chopra from Chandigarh secured All India Rank 25 in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. An Economics graduate from St Stephen's College, she quit her job at Ernst & Young to pursue her IAS dream.
UPSC CSE 2025: Chandigarh's Bhavika Chopra Secures AIR 25 — 'Go In With a Learning Mindset,' She Says
An Economics graduate from St Stephen's College who quit her corporate job at Ernst & Young, Bhavika Chopra cracked UPSC CSE 2025 after four years of preparation. She credits her mentor, her family, and an open, curious mindset for her success.
By News Desk | Chandigarh / New Delhi | March 7, 2026 | 3 min read
Chandigarh, March 7, 2026 — While most people her age were settling into corporate careers, Bhavika Chopra made a different choice. The Chandigarh resident, who graduated in Economics from the prestigious St Stephen's College, University of Delhi, has secured All India Rank 25 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. On the day the results were declared, she was busy receiving a flood of congratulatory calls and messages from family and friends — but she took time out to share her journey, her struggles, and the message she wants every UPSC aspirant to hear.
Bhavika Chopra's journey from a corporate career at Ernst & Young to securing AIR 25 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 highlights the power of curiosity, resilience, and a mindset focused on continuous learning.
Books That Sparked the Dream
Bhavika's inspiration for joining the civil services did not come from a typical source. It began in a college classroom, when a professor recommended books by Nobel Prize-winning economists Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo — 'Poor Economics' and 'Good Economics for Hard Times'.
"I think the civil services, the way they operate, they just give you that opportunity to implement whatever you read about in theory. That was my inspiration for the UPSC exam."
For Bhavika, the idea of turning economic theory into real-world policy and public service was what drew her to the examination. She studied at Carmel Convent School in Chandigarh before going on to complete her graduation in Economics from St Stephen's College — one of India's most respected institutions.
The writings of economists Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo played a crucial role in shaping Bhavika Chopra's interest in public policy and ultimately inspired her to pursue the civil services.
A Personal Loss That Changed Everything
Bhavika's path to UPSC was not just driven by academic curiosity. A deeply personal tragedy during the COVID-19 pandemic became the turning point. The loss of a loved one during those difficult years made her question what she was doing with her life.
"Just realising that I wish there was something more that I could do — sitting there helplessly working a corporate job was not something I saw myself doing for the rest of my life. It's sad that it took the death of a family member to push me into it, but at the same time, that was the main catalyst."
Before committing to UPSC preparation full-time, Bhavika had spent a year working with Ernst & Young. She made the difficult decision to quit her job and focus entirely on the examination — a step that her parents supported without hesitation.
A deeply personal loss during the pandemic became the catalyst that pushed Bhavika Chopra to leave her corporate career and pursue the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Four Years of Highs, Lows and Everything In Between
Bhavika began her UPSC preparation in earnest at the start of 2022. What followed was four years of intense study, self-doubt, emotional ups and downs, and ultimately, a result that made every difficult day worth it.
"The emotional highs and lows — they're just very difficult. But I was lucky enough to have a strong social support network."
Central to her support system was her mentor, Keshni Anand Arora, whom Bhavika credits as a defining force in her journey.
"She has seen me at the lowest of lows and the highest of highs, and honestly, I am where I am because of her today."
Her friends and her brother also played a crucial role — keeping her grounded, lifting her spirits, and making sure she did not lose perspective during the long and demanding years of preparation.
Bhavika Chopra credits her mentor, her friends, and her family for helping her navigate the emotional highs and lows of the four-year UPSC preparation journey.
How She Prepared: Self-Study With Smart Use of Test Series
Bhavika's primary method of preparation was self-study. However, she also enrolled in test series at a couple of institutions — not for guidance, but for benchmarking herself against other serious candidates.
"Test series are not something I felt I could judge very well on my own because I was competing with a lot of people. Having that benchmark set by other people who are writing the same exam is important."
Her love for reading — which began as early as age five — also gave her an edge. She credits her mother for nurturing this habit from a young age, a habit that proved invaluable throughout her UPSC journey.
Self-study combined with carefully chosen test series helped Bhavika Chopra evaluate her preparation and stay competitive throughout her UPSC journey.
Her Message to UPSC Aspirants
When asked what she would tell the thousands of aspirants still preparing for the examination, Bhavika's advice was thoughtful and grounded. She pointed out that many highly capable people have not yet cleared the exam, and that one's worth should never be measured by a single result.
She urges aspirants to stay humble, stay curious, and never become rigid in their thinking.
"The success mantra I would give UPSC aspirants is to just go in with a learning mindset. Not being rigid in how one thinks but having an open mind — that is going to be my message to UPSC aspirants."
Bhavika Chopra's story is a reminder that the road to the civil services is rarely straight. It is built on personal loss, quiet determination, the right mentors, and above all — a mind that never stops learning.
"Go in with a learning mindset," says Bhavika Chopra — a message that reflects the curiosity, humility, and persistence needed to succeed in the UPSC journey.
Life Beyond Books — Fencing, Running and Reading
Bhavika is not just a studious candidate. Outside of academics, she has interests that go far beyond textbooks. She is a runner, an avid reader, and spent a significant part of her life practising fencing — a sport she gave up during college but plans to return to now that her examination journey is over.
Beyond UPSC preparation, Bhavika Chopra enjoys running, reading, and fencing — interests that reflect a balanced personality beyond academics.
Begin Your UPSC Preparation with the Right Guidance
Inspired by the journey of Bhavika Chopra and other UPSC toppers? With the right strategy, disciplined preparation, and expert mentorship, you can also move closer to your dream of joining India's civil services. Connect with our mentors to get clarity on your preparation roadmap.
