Tricity Celebrates UPSC Glory: 4 Women Shine in 2024 Exam

Introduction:
Four women from Chandigarh Tricity have made their mark in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024. Aastha Singh, Riya Sethi, Tanvi Gupta, and Vijaylakshmi Bishnoi cleared one of India’s toughest exams. Their success shows that strong will, local support, and digital learning can lead to great results. These women stayed rooted in their surroundings and wrote a new success story for the region.

Aastha Singh | AIR 61

• From: Peermuchhala, Zirakpur
• Education: BA (Hons) Economics, SRCC, Delhi (2023)
• Previous Exam: Cleared HPSC 2024 (Rank 31), now Assistant Excise and Taxation Officer
• Prep Strategy: Self-study, recorded lectures for Economics, studied while working

Story: Aastha cleared UPSC in her very first attempt without any coaching. She had already cleared the HPSC exam and was working as an officer when she decided to attempt UPSC. Inspired by her grandfather, she felt a natural pull toward public service. Focused study, online lectures, and a supportive family helped her balance work and preparation. She is now the first civil servant in her family.

Riya Sethi | AIR 89

• From: Sector 72, Mohali
• Education: BA Economics (DU), MA in Development Studies (JNU)
• Optional Subject: Sociology
• Attempts: Cleared in 4th attempt
• Experience: Punjab Good Governance Fellowship 2023

Story: Riya’s success is emotional. Her father, who passed away in 2017, had dreamed of her becoming an IAS officer. That dream became her goal. She reached the interview stage in 2022, took a break, and joined a fellowship program in 2023. There she met IAS officers who reignited her interest. She stayed at home to prepare and now wants to work for equal opportunities for all.

Tanvi Gupta | AIR 187

• From: Sector 2, Panchkula
• Age: 28
• Education: BA & MA in Economics, Panjab University
• Achievements: Cleared UGC NET
• Attempts: Cleared in 5th attempt

Story: Tanvi’s journey was tough. She missed clearing the exam by one mark in a previous attempt. But she stayed determined. Her dancing background gave her discipline and mental focus. She studied from home and used online resources. This year, her hard work paid off.

Vijaylakshmi Bishnoi | AIR 233

• From: Haryana (based at Panjab University, Chandigarh)
• Age: 26
• Education: B.Com LLB, now pursuing LLM
• Background: Eldest of five siblings, farming family
• Attempts: Cleared in 3rd attempt

Story: Vijaylakshmi planned her preparation carefully. She delayed her LLM thesis to focus on UPSC and used her university hostel routine to stay disciplined. Instead of going to Delhi, she relied on mocks, online discussions, and her own strategy. Her focus helped her secure a place in the top 250.

These four women from Tricity cracked UPSC with clarity and discipline. They proved that success doesn’t require moving to big cities. Their stories offer hope and direction to future aspirants.