Noida’s Wardah Khan Achieves Top 20 in UPSC Exam, Eyes IFS Career

In a remarkable achievement that highlights the dedication and hard work required to excel in one of India's most challenging examinations, Noida resident Wardah Khan has secured the 18th rank in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam 2023. The results, announced on Tuesday, have brought immense pride to Khan and her family, with the 24-year-old expressing her joy and disbelief at making it into the top 20.

Choosing a path less traveled, Khan left her corporate job to dedicate herself to preparing for the civil services examination. Her hard work paid off when she achieved an impressive rank, making her dream of serving the country a step closer to reality. Khan has expressed her desire to join the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), aiming to represent India on global platforms and work towards enhancing the nation's image internationally.

Born and raised in Vivek Vihar, Sector 82, Noida, Khan pursued her Bachelor's in Commerce Honours from Khalsa College, Delhi University. The journey towards civil services was not a straightforward one for Khan. Initially interested in geopolitics during her college days, where she actively participated in debates and mock United Nations sessions, it was only after a brief stint in the corporate world that she realized her true calling lay in serving the country through civil services.

Khan's preparation strategy included a mix of self-study and online coaching from a private institution. She emphasized the importance of mastering the basics and having a well-organized study plan. According to Khan, thorough knowledge of NCERT books and Polity by Laxmikant is crucial for anyone aspiring to clear the UPSC exams.

The UPSC exam 2023 saw a total of 1,016 candidates qualifying for various civil services positions, with 664 men and 352 women making it to the list. Aditya Srivastava topped this year's examination, with Animesh Pradhan, Donuru Ananya Reddy, P K Sidharth Ramkumar, and Ruhani securing the second, third, fourth, and fifth ranks respectively.

Khan's achievement is not just a personal victory but also serves as an inspiration to countless UPSC aspirants across the country. Her journey from a corporate professional to securing a top rank in one of India's most prestigious examinations is a testament to her determination and hard work. As she prepares to embark on her career in the Indian Foreign Service, Khan is poised to make significant contributions to representing India on the international stage.