ISHITA KISHORE UPSC 2022-23 Rank-1

Ishita Kishore, a national-level football player and former Risk Analyst at Ernst & Young, secured All India Rank 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2022. She showed remarkable perseverance after failing the preliminary examination in her first two attempts but succeeded on her third attempt with a score of 1094. Ishita comes from a military family; her father, Wing Commander Sanjay Kishore, passed away in 2004, and her mother, Jyoti Kishore, is a retired teacher. Her journey stands out for her commitment and the bold step she took in quitting her corporate job to serve the nation. Her remarkable accomplishment serves as a testament to the growing performance of women in this esteemed examination. Ishita's journey to success was defined by her unwavering commitment, steady effort, and determination, supported by a foundation in Economics (Hons.) from Shri Ram College of Commerce. She dedicated 40-45 hours per week to her preparation, underscoring the significance of diligent work and personalized strategies.

Quick Information Table:

• Ishita completed her schooling from Air Force Bal Bharati School, New Delhi, scoring 97.25% in her 12th grade. She pursued Economics Honours from the prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University. Following her graduation, she worked as a Risk Analyst at Ernst & Young before resigning in 2019 to focus entirely on her UPSC preparation. Throughout her academic journey, Ishita actively engaged in various extracurricular activities.
• She took charge of Interact, a Rotary-sponsored group, and also participated in UN meetings during school events.
• In college, she was involved in the Economic Society and Literary Society, and completed an internship with the NGO CRY.
• During her leisure time, she enjoys playing squash and has a fondness for Madhubani painting.

Her family has a strong military connection. Ishita's father, Wing Commander Sanjay Kishore, was an officer in the Indian Air Force and passed away in 2004. Her mother, Jyoti Kishore, is a retired teacher, and her brother, Ishan Harsh, is an advocate. This background instilled in her a sense of discipline and public service.

After working in the corporate world, Ishita realized that her passion lay in governance and public service. This shift in focus happened in 2019, when she left her job to begin preparing for the UPSC exam. Her decision was influenced by her deep-seated desire to work for the public and contribute to the nation on a larger scale. Additionally, her family background, with her father's military service and her mother's dedication to teaching, played a significant role in her aspirations.

Marks Obtained:

• Ishita's UPSC journey was not smooth; she failed to clear the preliminary exam in her first two attempts. She had to recalibrate her strategy, especially regarding her writing skills. Managing self-doubt after two failures and the immense pressure of competing in one of the toughest exams in the world was a significant challenge. However, Ishita focused on self-improvement, with rigorous answer writing practice and better time management. She adhered to a study routine encompassing 40-45 hours of weekly preparation.
• Aspiring candidates would do well to heed Ishita's counsel, which underscores the significance of diligence, consistency, and self-discipline. Balancing mental health and exam preparation was another obstacle she overcame with resilience. She underscores the value of candidates assessing and adjusting their approaches as they progress in their preparation.
• Ishita's achievement can be attributed to her resolute pursuit of her objective, coupled with her capacity to invest the requisite effort and study time.
• Additionally, her choice of political science and international relations as an optional subject demonstrates her comprehensive grasp of governance, diplomacy, and global affairs. This showcases her willingness to engage with intricate socio political matters and make a meaningful contribution to the realm of public service.