Becoming an IAS officer is one of the toughest dreams in India and the path to the UPSC Civil Services Examination often tests candidates far beyond academics. Many aspirants battle financial constraints, multiple failures, mental health issues and emotional setbacks. Among them, IAS Pari Bishnoi’s journey stands out for her honesty, resilience and refusal to quit even when life felt overwhelming.
Faced major setbacks in her first attempt
Pari Bishnoi, who belongs to Kakra village in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district, openly shared that her initial attempt at the UPSC exam in 2017 came with intense emotional turmoil. She struggled with loneliness, anxiety and increasing pressure. During this period, she turned to stress eating, which led to a sudden weight gain of 45 kg, something that left her physically and mentally exhausted.
The failure shook her deeply, and she moved back to her hometown to regain balance. Even then, she did not allow the setback to break her spirit.
Strong academic foundation since childhood
Despite her struggles later in life, Pari had always been academically bright. She studied at St. Mary’s Convent School in Ajmer and performed consistently well. She scored 91% in Class 10 and 89% in Class 12, reflecting discipline and dedication from a young age. Before cracking UPSC, she had also cleared the UGC NET examination, proving her strong academic capabilities.
The turning point: A phone call that changed everything
Just when she felt stuck after her first failure, Pari received an unexpected interview call. This moment became the turning point. She decided not only to prepare harder but also to transform herself mentally and physically. She adopted a healthier lifestyle, rebuilt her confidence and focused on discipline, both emotionally and academically.
Sharing her journey on Instagram, she posted:
‘The real victory is when you DON’T QUIT… You’re not stuck. You’re not broken. You can change your life.’
Her message resonated with thousands of aspirants facing similar struggles.
Achieved AIR 30 and proved herself
In 2019, Pari cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination with an impressive All India Rank 30. For her, it was more than just a result, it was proof of her perseverance, self-belief and emotional recovery. Her journey has since become a source of motivation for aspiring civil servants across the country.
Along with her professional achievements, Pari also stepped into a new chapter in her personal life. She married Bhavya Bishnoi, a BJP MLA from Haryana, marking the beginning of a new journey alongside a prominent political leader.
Pari Bishnoi’s story reminds us that UPSC is not just an exam of knowledge, but a test of resilience, courage and the determination to rise again after falling.
