Meet woman who left medical practice, secured AIR 9 in UPSC exam but didn’t become IAS due to…

The UPSC Civil Services Exams are known for being among the toughest exams in India and aspirants often go to great lengths to succeed and secure a job. Among these dedicated individuals is Apala Mishra, a practicing doctor who made the bold decision to leave her medical practice to clear the UPSC exams.

Apala Mishra hails from Ghaziabad. Her father is a retired Colonel, her brother serves as a Major in the army and her mother Dr. Alpana Mishra is a professor at Delhi University.

From an early age, Apala was serious about her studies, always aiming for academic excellence. After completing her Class 12 education, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery (BDS) from the Army College. Despite her achievements in the medical field, Apala was driven by a deeper aspiration—to become an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. This goal led her to commence her UPSC preparations immediately after completing her dental studies.

It took her three years of relentless hard work and dedication to crack the Civil Services exam in 2020, where she secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 9. Interestingly, Apala chose to become an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer instead of an IAS officer, as the IFS was her first choice. This decision underscores her specific interest in representing India on the global stage and working in international diplomacy.

Her achievement is particularly noteworthy as she scored 215 out of 275 marks in the UPSC Interview, the highest score in five years. This exceptional performance highlights her comprehensive understanding of subjects and her effective communication skills.

Apala has shared that her preparation strategy involved studying for 7-8 hours daily. Her disciplined approach, a clear vision and unwavering commitment, played a crucial role in her success.