22-Year-Old Ritika Jindal Cracks UPSC, Secures 88th AIR

Ritika Jindal, the northern region CBSE topper in Commerce, has cleared the UPSC Civil Service examination of 2018 at the age of 22 years. The Shree Ram College of Commerce graduate Ritika scored 330 in a total of 500 marks in her optional subject Commerce and Accountancy, which are the highest marks scored till date after the change in the pattern of UPSC examinations. Ritika has secured 88^th AIR rank in the  Civil Service examination.

Key Takeaways:

• Ritika Jindal, the northern region CBSE topper in Commerce, has cleared UPSC Civil Service examination of 2018 at the age of 22 years.
• Ritika secured 88th rank in the country and has scored 330 in a total of 500 marks in her optional subject Commerce and Accountancy, highest till date after the changed examination pattern. 
• She graduated from Shree Ram College of Commerce, DU.
• During both her attempts (2017 and 2018) her father was diagnosed with cancer. 

Ritika Jindal is a resident of Moga, Punjab. She has been a bright and dedicated student since her school days. As a commerce student of CBSE Class 12, she was the topper of the northern region in the commerce stream. Further, with a wonderful scorecard, she secured a seat in one of India’s best commerce college, Shree Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi.

The story of her seemingly impossible success

The dedication of Ritika towards achieving her greater aim did not stop her at the two biggest achievements and challemges of her life.  As a UPSC aspirant, she began preparing for her exam soon after completing her graduation.  When she was all prepared for her first attempt in 2017, she was hit by the first challenge of her life. Her father was diagnosed with tongue cancer. Consequently, she could not get through the exams in this attempt.

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The strong and dedicated Ritika came back in the race to fulfil her aim and prepared for her second attempt in 2018. But, unfortunately again, her father was diagnosed by lung cancer and was admitted in the hospital. Going through such a difficult and stressful period in her life, it was not easy for Ritika to manage her emotional distress and focus on her aim of life. But she made it. Today, she is one of the youngest person to crack UPSC Civil Service examination, considered as the toughest exam in India, with remarkable performance.

Ritika Jindal an inspiration for life

The setbacks in Ritika’s life were distressing enough to break her down and lead her away from her path to her dreams. But, her dedication and confidence pushed her to secure her dreams and simultaneously make her family proud which has gone through a deeply stressful moment. Ritika Jindal believes that life is uncertain and full of ups and downs. It should not stop one from dreaming and achieving. With enough dedication and determination towards the aim, one can easily overcome the vagaries of life and achieve one’s dream.

She advises aspirants to attempt the practical questions in Paper I of the examination as it can help in scoring high marks and securing a good rank. For Paper II, she says that rational thinking while attempting the questions is imperative.

Ritika's message for aspirants

Being one of the civil service examination toppers, Ritika is the epitome for many UPSC aspirants in India. She gave suggestions and tips to crack UPSC examinations reflecting on her own experiences. She said that besides dedication and determination, the foremost requirement to crack UPSC Civil Service examination is to have a grip on the exam pattern, which keeps changing unexpectedly. Secondly, she advises aspirants to attempt the practical questions in Paper I of the examination as it can help in scoring high marks and securing a good rank. For Paper II, she says that rational thinking while attempting the questions is imperative. Overall, the biggest mantra to success in UPSC Examinations which required year-long preparation and patience is more and more revision of whatever the candidate has been preparing.

Ritika Jindal's steps of success, with the last one being the most difficult enterprise of her life, is an inspiration for anyone who is dreaming big.

Picture Credit: Times Now

Rudrani Kumari is an intern with SheThePeople.Tv.

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