UPSC Success Story: Meet Aishwarya, AIR 93 Who Left Modelling Career To Crack UPSC Exam With No Coaching At All

Aishwarya Sheoran's journey is one of determination, ambition, and change. Raised in Rajasthan as the daughter of Colonel Ajay Kumar, Commanding Officer of the 9th Telangana NCC Battalion, she was deeply influenced by her family's military values and sense of national duty. This background would go on to shape her unique aspirations, despite her unconventional path.

Aishwarya's academic excellence was evident from an early age, achieving an impressive 97.5% in her Class 12 board exams at Sanskriti School in Delhi. She continued her studies at Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, one of the nation's top institutions. However, Aishwarya was not just a top student—she was also a well-rounded individual with a natural talent for the spotlight.

During her college years, Aishwarya pursued her passion for modeling and participated in prestigious beauty pageants. Her accomplishments included winning Miss Clean and Clear Fresh Face in 2014, being named Miss Delhi in 2015, and reaching the finals of Miss India in 2016. On the brink of a successful career in the fashion industry, she found herself at a crossroads when a new opportunity arose.

In 2018, Aishwarya was accepted into IIM Indore but chose to decline the offer. Instead, she opted to channel her abilities into public service, shifting her focus from the runway to governance. For 10 months, she devoted herself to self-study, with no formal coaching, and topped her first attempt at the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Achieving an impressive 93rd rank, she proved that with dedication and discipline, obstacles can be overcome.

Currently, Aishwarya Sheoran serves as an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer in the Ministry of External Affairs. Her success in beauty pageants and her representation of India globally reflect her determination and commitment to serving her country. She truly embodies the values of hard work and the courage to follow one's dreams, regardless of how unconventional they may appear.