Meet doctor who left medical practice to pursue UPSC exam, became IPS but didn't...

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is considered one of the toughest in India, requiring immense dedication and perseverance. Mudra Gairola, a former IPS officer who later became an IAS officer, is a shining example of grit and determination. Leaving behind a promising career in medicine, she pursued civil services to fulfill her father's long-cherished dream.

Originally from Karnaprayag, Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, Mudra now resides in Delhi with her family. A bright student from an early age, she consistently topped her class, achieving an impressive 96% in her Class 10 exams and 97% in Class 12. Her excellence was recognized with an award from Kiran Bedi, India’s first female IPS officer.

After completing her schooling, Mudra chose to study dentistry. She earned a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a reputed medical college in Mumbai, where she also received a gold medal for her outstanding performance. She later enrolled in a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) course in Delhi.

However, Mudra's life took a significant turn due to her father, Arun Gairola, who had attempted the UPSC exam in 1973 but couldn’t clear it. Wanting his daughter to achieve what he could not, he encouraged her to take the civil services exam. Determined to honor her father’s dream, Mudra made the bold decision to leave her master’s course and focus entirely on UPSC preparation.

Mudra faced setbacks, including reaching the interview stage in 2018 and failing in 2019 and 2020. Yet, her resilience paid off when she cleared the exam in 2021, securing the 165th rank and becoming an IPS officer. Not content with this, she appeared for the UPSC again in 2022, earning an impressive 53rd rank to achieve the prestigious IAS post.

Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that determination and hard work can turn dreams into reality, no matter how challenging the path may be.