Who Cleared UPSC in First Attempt Without Coaching

They Did It! Inspiring Stories of Who Cleared UPSC in First Attempt Without Coaching – Ever feel like cracking the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is an impossible mountain to climb without expensive coaching classes? It’s a common myth. Many aspirants believe that success is locked behind the doors of coaching institutes. But what if we told you that some of the brightest minds have conquered this exam on their very first try, relying solely on self-study?

It’s true. The list of toppers who cleared UPSC in their first attempt without coaching is growing every year. Their success isn’t about magic; it’s about discipline, smart strategies, and unwavering belief in themselves. This post is dedicated to their stories and the blueprint they followed, proving that you, too, can achieve this incredible feat.

Is Cracking the UPSC Without Coaching a Realistic Dream?

Absolutely! While coaching centers offer a structured environment, they are not a magic ticket to success. The journey to becoming an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer is deeply personal. It demands self-discipline, dedication, and a strategy that works for you.

The real keys to success are understanding the syllabus inside-out, consistent revision, and mastering the art of answer writing. The toppers we’re about to meet prove that with the right resources—many of which are available online for free—and a solid plan, clearing the UPSC in your first attempt without coaching is entirely possible.

Inspiring Toppers Who Cleared UPSC in First Attempt Without Coaching

Let’s dive into the stories of some remarkable individuals who turned their dream into reality through self-study.

Srushti Jayant Deshmukh: The Power of a Structured Plan (AIR 5, 2018)

Srushti Jayant Deshmukh is a name that inspires millions. She secured an incredible All India Rank 5 in her very first attempt. Her secret? A highly structured self-study plan that she stuck to with immense discipline. Srushti leveraged online resources extensively, watched educational videos, and made answer writing practice the core of her preparation. Her story shows that a well-organized approach can be more effective than any coaching class.

Satyam Gandhi: The Self-Study Champion (AIR 10, 2020)

Satyam Gandhi is another shining example of someone who cleared UPSC in first attempt without coaching. Securing AIR 10, he demonstrated that pure, dedicated self-study is a powerful tool. His strategy was simple but effective: focus on the basics, revise consistently, and maintain a positive attitude throughout the grueling preparation cycle.

Ananya Singh: The Young Achiever (AIR 51, 2019)

Imagine clearing the UPSC at just 22 years old. Ananya Singh did exactly that, becoming one of the youngest to clear the exam and securing AIR 51 in her first attempt. She relied entirely on her own preparation, focusing on creating concise notes and sticking to a strict timeline. Her success proves that age is no barrier when you have clarity and determination.

Arun Raj: The NCERT Believer (AIR 34, 2014)

Arun Raj cracked the UPSC in 2014 on his first try by building his foundation rock-solid. He relied heavily on NCERT textbooks, treating them as the holy grail of his preparation. His approach reminds us not to chase fancy, complicated books before mastering the fundamentals.

Soumya Sharma: Overcoming a Hurdle with Grit (AIR 9, 2017)

Soumya Sharma’s story is one of incredible resilience. Despite losing her hearing at a young age, she secured AIR 9 in her first attempt with entirely self-directed preparation. Her journey is a powerful testament to the fact that no obstacle is too big when you have a strong will.

More First-Attempt Wonders Who Chose Self-Study:

Tapasya Parihar (AIR 23, 2017): Initially joined coaching but left to find her own rhythm with self-study, emphasizing syllabus mastery and answer writing.
Priyank Kishore (AIR 274, 2018): Cleared the CSE on his first try without any formal classes, recommending a strong focus on essay preparation and mock tests.
Chandrajyoti Singh (AIR 28, 2019): Cracked the exam solely through self-study in her first attempt, proving that a focused individual effort can lead to top ranks.
Vidushi Singh (AIR 13, 2022): At just 21, she cleared the exam by relying on a robust self-study routine that included numerous test series and mock tests.
Vandana Meena (AIR 331, 2021): Proved that coaching isn’t necessary by using online resources and a disciplined routine to clear the exam on her own terms.

The Winning Formula: Key Strategies from First-Attempt Toppers

So, what’s the common thread in these success stories? These toppers didn’t just study hard; they studied smart. Here’s a breakdown of their shared strategies.

1. Master the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

This is step one, always. Before you read a single book, you must understand what the UPSC expects from you. Print the syllabus, analyze it, and refer to it constantly.

2. Build a Strong Foundation with NCERTs

Nearly every topper, with or without coaching, swears by NCERT textbooks from classes 6 to 12. They provide the fundamental knowledge needed for every subject in a simple, easy-to-understand language.

3. Create and Follow a Realistic Study Schedule

Discipline is everything. Create a daily or weekly schedule that balances different subjects, revision, and breaks. The key is to be realistic and, more importantly, consistent.

4. Stay Plugged into Current Affairs

The UPSC exam is dynamic and heavily focused on current events. Make reading a newspaper (like The Hindu or The Indian Express) a non-negotiable daily habit. Supplement this with a good monthly current affairs magazine.

5. Practice is a Game-Changer

You can’t win a match without playing practice games. Solve previous years’ question papers to understand the pattern and join a good online mock test series to simulate exam conditions, manage time, and identify your weak areas.

6. Develop Strong Answer-Writing Skills

Knowledge is useless if you can’t present it effectively. Practice writing answers every single day. Focus on structure (introduction, body, conclusion), clarity, and sticking to the word limit.

7. Revise, Review, and Repeat

The UPSC syllabus is vast. The only way to retain information is through regular revision. Plan your schedule to include weekly and monthly revisions of everything you have studied.

8. Maintain a Positive and Healthy Mindset

The UPSC journey is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be good days and bad days. It’s crucial to stay positive, avoid negativity, get enough sleep, and take breaks to keep your mind fresh.

Has anyone passed UPSC in their first attempt?

UPSC First Attempt Success: Inspiring Stories and a Winning Strategy – The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is often portrayed as a multi-year marathon, a demanding journey that tests the limits of one’s patience and perseverance. Many aspirants wonder, “Is it even possible to crack this beast of an exam on the very first try?”

The answer is a resounding yes.

Clearing the UPSC CSE in your first attempt is not a myth or a stroke of luck. It’s an achievable goal that hundreds of candidates accomplish every year. They prove that with the right strategy, unwavering focus, and a disciplined mindset, the first attempt can be your best and only attempt.

Proof It’s Possible: Toppers Who Cleared UPSC on Their First Go

History is filled with brilliant minds who proved that the first attempt can be the charm. These individuals aren’t just outliers; they are powerful examples of what strategic preparation can achieve.

Here are just a few of the many toppers who conquered the UPSC exam in their first attempt:

Donuru Ananya Reddy: Secured AIR 3 in the 2023 exam (results in 2024).
Satyam Gandhi: Secured AIR 10 in the 2020 exam.
Kanishak Kataria: Secured AIR 1 in the 2018 exam.
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh: Achieved AIR 5 in the 2018 exam.
Ananya Singh: Achieved AIR 51 in the 2019 exam.
Anmol Sher Singh Bedi: Secured AIR 2 in the 2016 exam.
Tina Dabi: Secured AIR 1 in the 2015 exam.
Arun Raj: Achieved AIR 34 in the 2014 exam.

More Common Than You Think: The Reality of First-Attempt Success

While the overall success rate for the UPSC exam is famously low (less than 1%), the data for first-timers is surprisingly encouraging. It’s estimated that first-attempt candidates often make up 25-30% of the final selected list.

This statistic is crucial. It shows that nearly one-third of all successful candidates are newcomers who cracked the code without prior attempts. This showcases that a fresh perspective, combined with a focused and undiluted preparation strategy, can be a significant advantage.

The First-Attempt Playbook: Key Strategies for Success

So, what is the secret sauce? What do these first-attempt toppers do differently? Their strategies consistently revolve around a few core principles:

Master the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: They don’t just read the syllabus; they internalize it. Every topic is mapped, and the demands of both Prelims and Mains are understood thoroughly from day one.
Build a Solid Foundation: Instead of hopping between countless books, they choose a limited set of high-quality, standard study materials and stick to them.
Practice Makes Perfect: Consistent answer writing for Mains and solving mock tests for Prelims are non-negotiable parts of their daily routine.
The Power of Revision: They understand that revision is as important as learning. Multiple cycles of revision ensure that information is retained and can be recalled under pressure.
Stay Ahead of the Curve: A disciplined habit of reading daily newspapers and monthly current affairs magazines keeps them updated and helps them connect static knowledge with dynamic events.
Choose Your Weapon Wisely: Selecting the right optional subject—one that aligns with your interest and has good scoring potential—is a game-changing decision.
Learn from the Winners: They actively study the strategies of past toppers and seek guidance from mentors to avoid common pitfalls.
Maintain Mental Fortitude: The journey is a mental game as much as an intellectual one. Maintaining a positive mindset, staying healthy, and avoiding negativity are crucial for peak performance.

Your Journey, Your First Attempt

Clearing the UPSC CSE in the first attempt is a testament to smart work, not just hard work. The individuals listed above didn’t have more hours in a day; they just used their time with precision and purpose.

By adopting a similar strategic approach, staying dedicated to your plan, and believing in your abilities, you too can turn your first attempt into a story of success.

How much did Tina Dabi score in UPSC?

The Detailed breakdown of Tina Dabi’s scores in the 2015 UPSC Civil Services Examination. Her confirmed marksheet:

Candidate: Tina Dabi
Exam Year: 2015
Final Rank: 1 (AIR 1)

Final Score Breakdown (Mains + Interview)

Paper	Subject	Marks Obtained	Maximum Marks
Paper I	Essay	145	250
Paper II	General Studies I	119	250
Paper III	General Studies II	84	250
Paper IV	General Studies III	111	250
Paper V	General Studies IV (Ethics)	110	250
Paper VI	Optional Paper I (Political Science)	128	250
Paper VII	Optional Paper II (Political Science)	171	250
Written Total		868	1750
Interview	Personality Test	195	275
Final Total		1063	2025

Her final score of 1063 constitutes 52.49% of the total possible marks, which secured her the top rank in one of India’s most competitive examinations.

You are also correct to note that the Preliminary exam scores are only for qualification and are not counted towards the final merit list.

Who cleared the UPSC exam but didn’t join?

While securing a position in the Indian civil services through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is a significant achievement, several notable individuals have chosen different career paths after clearing it. These decisions are often driven by personal passions, alternative ambitions, or a desire to contribute to society in other fields .

Here are some famous people who cleared the UPSC exam but either did not join or resigned to pursue other endeavors:

Individuals Who Did Not Join the Civil Services

Subhash Chandra Bose: A prominent figure in India’s freedom struggle, Bose passed the highly competitive Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination in 1920, securing the fourth rank . However, driven by his nationalist convictions, he resigned from the service in 1921, stating that he could not serve the British administration . He chose to dedicate his life to the fight for India’s independence .
Kapil Sibal: Before becoming a distinguished lawyer and politician, Kapil Sibal cleared the UPSC exam in 1973 and was selected for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) . However, his ambition was to join the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). When he was allocated the IAS cadre, he declined the offer to pursue a career in law, eventually becoming a Senior Advocate and holding several ministerial positions in the Indian government .
M.S. Swaminathan: Known as the “Father of the Green Revolution in India,” M.S. Swaminathan was selected for the Indian Police Service (IPS) through the UPSC examination . At the same time, he received a UNESCO fellowship to study genetics and plant breeding in the Netherlands . He chose to follow his scientific passion, and his work in agriculture led to a massive increase in food grain production in India, transforming the nation’s food security .
T.R. Andhyarujina: A respected senior advocate of the Supreme Court of India, Tehmtan R. Andhyarujina also cleared the UPSC exam and was selected for the Indian Foreign Service . He ultimately decided against a career in diplomacy and opted for the legal profession, where he made significant contributions as a constitutional law expert and served as the Solicitor General of India .

Individuals Who Joined and Later Resigned

Dr. Roman Saini: Roman Saini achieved an All India Rank (AIR) of 18 in the 2013 UPSC exam at the young age of 22 and served as an Assistant Collector in Madhya Pradesh . Despite his promising career in the IAS, he resigned in 2015 to co-found Unacademy, an online learning platform . His goal was to make quality education accessible to aspirants across the country, democratizing the preparation process for competitive exams .
Iqbal Dhaliwal: Iqbal Dhaliwal secured the prestigious All India Rank 1 in the 1996 UPSC exam . He served as a civil servant for several years before deciding to pursue his interest in development economics . He left the service to join the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University and later became the Global Executive Director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he works on policies to reduce global poverty .

Did Srushti Deshmukh clear UPSC in which attempt?

Yes, the information you have is correct. Srushti Jayant Deshmukh successfully cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) on her first attempt in 2018.

Key details of her achievement:

Rank: She secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 5.
Top Female Candidate: Srushti Deshmukh was the highest-ranking woman in the 2018 examination.
Age: She accomplished this feat at the age of 23.
Background: Originally from Bhopal, she holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya. She chose engineering as a backup career option in case she did not clear the UPSC exam.
Exam Score: Her final score in the UPSC CSE 2018 was 1068 marks out of 2025.
Preparation Strategy: Her preparation involved a combination of online learning, mock test series, reading newspapers, and watching Rajya Sabha TV (RSTV). She emphasized consistency and self-discipline as crucial elements of her success.

Final Thoughts: You Can Be the Next Success Story

The stories of Srushti, Satyam, Ananya, and many others are not exceptions; they are proof of a powerful principle. They prove that with the right strategy, unwavering dedication, and smart use of resources, anyone can join the list of people who cleared UPSC in their first attempt without coaching.

Don’t let the myth of mandatory coaching hold you back. Believe in your ability, create a solid plan, and execute it with discipline. Your success story is waiting to be written.

Answering Your Top Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions aspirants have about clearing the UPSC without coaching.

How can I prepare for UPSC at home without coaching?

Start by understanding the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly. Gather standard study materials, starting with NCERTs. Create a realistic timetable, read the newspaper daily for current affairs, practice answer writing, and regularly take mock tests to evaluate your performance. Leverage free online resources like government websites and educational channels.

Is one year enough to clear the UPSC exam in the first attempt?

Yes, one year of dedicated and strategic preparation is sufficient for many aspirants. The key is consistency. A well-planned 10-12 month schedule that covers the entire syllabus, includes time for revision, and involves regular practice can certainly lead to success in the first attempt.

What is the most important thing for UPSC self-study?

Discipline. Self-study requires you to be your own teacher, guide, and motivator. Sticking to your schedule, resisting distractions, and staying committed to your goal day in and day out is the single most important factor for success when you’re preparing on your own.

Also Read: What Happens When Your Car IS Stolen Without Insurance

Post Views: 41