The final results of the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 were announced on April 22, with 1009 candidates making the cut for various elite services. Among them stands Kalpana Rawat, who secured an impressive All India Rank 76—without taking any coaching. Her story is not just about academic excellence, but about sheer determination, resilience, and the power of self-belief.

No Coaching, No Excuses: Kalpana’s Self-Made Success

Kalpana, who hails from Sonipat, Haryana, cracked one of the country’s toughest exams in her third attempt—all without the help of formal coaching. Relying on free resources like YouTube lectures, Telegram study groups, and her own meticulous discipline, she turned every setback into a stepping stone.

What makes her journey even more remarkable is that she continued her UPSC preparation even after marriage. Kalpana tied the knot with Surya Pratap Singh, a 2021-batch IAS officer from Bareilly, on December 6, 2024. Her unwavering focus and the support of her husband and family played a crucial role in her achievement.

The Support Behind Her Journey

Kalpana’s father-in-law, Baburam Gangwar—a social worker and lawyer—shared that the entire family stood behind her during her preparation. Her mother-in-law, a fashion designer, and her sister-in-law, who is involved in theater and modeling, also encouraged her throughout. Her husband Surya Pratap Singh mentored and guided her at every step.

An Academic Foundation of Excellence

Kalpana is an alumna of Dayal Singh College, Delhi University, where she completed both her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. It was after completing her master’s that she began preparing for the UPSC.

A Role Model for Aspiring Candidates

Kalpana’s story is a testament to the fact that with clarity of purpose and consistent effort, even the most challenging goals are within reach. Her journey will undoubtedly inspire thousands of aspirants—especially women—across the country who are preparing without coaching or facing similar odds.