Meet Vidushi Singh: UPSC First Attempt, AIR 13, No Coaching | From SRCC Student to Youngest IFS Officer

At just 21, Vidushi Singh achieved what many UPSC aspirants dream of: she secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 13 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022. What sets her apart is not just her success but the path she chose—opting for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) over the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or Indian Police Service (IPS). Remarkably, she accomplished this feat without any formal coaching, relying solely on self-study.

Who Is Vidushi Singh?

Born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and raised in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, Vidushi completed her schooling at J.B. Academy, Ayodhya, in 2018. She then pursued a B.A. (Hons.) in Economics from Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University, graduating in 2021. During her final year, she began preparing for the UPSC CSE, balancing her college studies with rigorous self-study sessions.

Her preparation strategy was methodical and disciplined. She started with NCERT textbooks to build a strong foundation, followed by standard reference materials. Vidushi enrolled in a four-month Economics optional course at Next IAS under Dr. Vibhas Jha, which she found beneficial for consolidating her notes. Additionally, she participated in test series and mock exams to enhance her answer-writing skills. By January 2022, she had completed 70% of her Economics syllabus and revised it twice before the exams. 

Vidushi's UPSC Success: A Glimpse

• Age at Selection: 21
• All India Rank (AIR): 13
• Total Marks: 1039 (855 in Mains + 184 in Interview)
• Optional Subject: Economics
• Coaching: None; relied on self-study and test series

Choosing IFS Over IAS and IPS

Despite her stellar rank, Vidushi chose the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) over the more conventional IAS and IPS. This decision was influenced by her admiration for India's first female career diplomat, C.B. Muthamma, and her grandparents' dream of seeing her represent India abroad. 

Preparation Insights from Vidushi

• Foundation Building: Started with NCERTs and standard reference books.
• Focused Optional Preparation: Enrolled in a specialized Economics course to strengthen her optional subject.
• Regular Practice: Engaged in test series and mock exams to improve answer writing and time management.
• Strategic Revision: Ensured thorough revision of the syllabus before the exams.

Vidushi Singh's journey from a student at SRCC to an IFS officer is a testament to the power of self-discipline, strategic planning, and unwavering determination. Her story serves as an inspiration to countless aspirants, proving that with the right approach, success in the UPSC CSE is achievable without the need for formal coaching.