Cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the toughest academic feats in India. Thousands prepare for years with coaching, notes, and rigorous planning—but only a few make it through. Among those few is Tapasya Parihar, a farmer’s daughter from Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh, who cleared the exam with All India Rank 23 in 2017—without any coaching the second time around.

Her journey to success is nothing short of inspiring.

From a Farmer's Home to the Civil Services

Tapasya belongs to a humble background—her father is a farmer, and she grew up with limited resources. But her determination was limitless. Despite the odds, she didn’t just aim for success—she planned for it.

Academic Background

• Schooling: Tapasya completed her early education at Kendriya Vidyalaya.
• Graduation: She pursued a law degree from ILS Law College, Pune, one of India’s premier law institutions.

After completing her LLB, Tapasya decided to follow her dream and prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Exam.

Failed First Attempt – But Didn't Give Up

In her first attempt at the UPSC exam, Tapasya took coaching but couldn’t even clear the Prelims. Rather than being discouraged, she saw this as a turning point.

Success in Second Attempt – With Self-Study

Determined to change her approach, Tapasya opted for self-study in her second attempt. She:

• Created a personalized strategy
• Focused on consistent revision
• Balanced learning new topics with strengthening the old ones
• Practiced answer writing and mock tests diligently

Her focused preparation paid off—she secured AIR 23 in her second attempt and became an IAS officer of the 2018 batch.

Personal Life: Love in LBSNAA

Tapasya met Garvit Gangwar, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, during their training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. Their bond grew strong, and they eventually got married.

Takeaway for Aspirants

Tapasya’s story proves that background, coaching, or failure do not define success—perseverance, strategy, and discipline do. She is a living example that self-study, when done with dedication, can match or even outdo coaching-based preparation.