For every UPSC success story that makes headlines, there are years of untold struggle behind the final result. Multiple failures, self-doubt, changing strategies, and starting over are often part of the journey. The story of IAS officer Tripti Kalhan is one such example. Before securing All India Rank (AIR) 199 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023, she had gone through four failed attempts and even given up an entire year’s preparation.Her journey is not just about cracking one of India’s toughest exams. It’s about learning when to pause, when to adapt, and when to restart. For thousands of aspirants preparing for UPSC, Tripti’s experience is a reminder that setbacks do not always mean the end of the road.
A dream that started in school
Tripti Kalhan hails from Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. Her desire to become an IAS officer began when she saw district collectors attending public functions as chief guests during her student days. She was impressed by the respect associated with the role, and with her father’s constant encouragement, this dream grew into a career goal.After graduating in 2017, she did not choose to join a training institution, but chose to study on her own to prepare for the civil service examination. Her preparation revolves around rigorous research, analyzing top strategies and maintaining consistency over several years.
Four setbacks before breakthrough
However, the road proved more challenging than expected.Tripti’s first three attempts ended in the preliminary stages. In her fourth attempt, she finally crossed the hurdle of the preparatory exam but failed in the main exam.For many aspirants, four consecutive disappointments are enough to keep going. Tripti chose a different approach.She did not reappear immediately but took a year off UPSC preparation. During this time, she re-evaluated her study plan, identified areas for improvement and made one of her biggest changes in strategy, switching elective subjects from Public Administration to Anthropology.The break also gave her a chance to rebuild her confidence and prepare again with a fresh perspective.
AIR 199 A lesson for aspirants
Her revised strategy paid off when she secured AIR 199 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023.In an interview with Indian Masterminds, Tripti admitted that she did not consider other career options while preparing for UPSC. “I never approached UPSC with a plan B, so this was a life or death situation,” she said.Interestingly, while she followed this approach herself, her advice to today’s aspirants is different. Based on her experience, she now recommends having a Plan B, saying it helps reduce unnecessary stress and allows candidates to prepare with greater clarity and confidence.Tripti also credits her sports background with shaping her mindset. As a former athlete, she learned to view every failure as feedback rather than failure. Even when relatives questioned her repeated attempts, the unwavering support of her father and close friends helped her stay focused on her goals.Today, the experience of IAS officer Tripti Kalhan reminds us that success in UPSC is rarely smooth sailing. Sometimes, the most important part of the journey is not avoiding failure but finding the courage to learn from it, change course when necessary, and keep going until you finally achieve your goal.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and statements shared by relevant individuals. Details are for reference only.
