The Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is regarded as one of the most competitive examinations in India. Every year, thousands of aspirants dream of securing a place among the top ranks, but only a select few achieve this distinction. Among them is Riya Saini, who secured an All-India Rank (AIR) of 22 in UPSC CSE 2024. Her journey from Tanda village in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, to the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is a narrative of determination, resilience, and structured preparation.
Early Life and Family Background
Riya Saini hails from Tanda village, Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh. Her father, Mr. Mukesh Kumar Saini, serves in the Military Engineering Service (MES) in New Delhi, while her mother, Mrs. Preeti Saini, is a homemaker. Growing up in a supportive environment, Riya imbibed values of discipline, hard work, and perseverance early in life.
Her education reflects geographical diversity: she completed her 10th standard in Pune, her 12th standard in Jaipur, and later pursued Electronics and Communication Engineering from the Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT), Noida. This diverse educational background instilled adaptability and broadened her worldview—qualities that would later prove invaluable during her UPSC preparation.
Learn about the UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 to understand the structure of Prelims and Mains in detail.
The Decision to Pursue Civil Services
Although trained as an engineer, Riya was determined to pursue a career in public service. Inspired by the transformative potential of administrative roles, she decided to prepare for the Civil Services Examination. Her goal was not merely to attain personal success but to serve as a catalyst for social change, particularly in the areas of rural development, women’s education, and healthcare.
Choosing Sociology as the Optional Subject
One of the crucial decisions for any UPSC aspirant is the choice of the optional subject. Riya opted for Sociology, a subject she felt offered conceptual clarity and significant overlap with the General Studies syllabus. Guided by expert mentors, she approached sociology with a focus on:
- Building a concise and reliable booklist.
- Practicing answer writing through previous year questions.
- Understanding the application of sociological concepts to real-life administrative challenges.
Her deep engagement with sociology not only enhanced her scores but also broadened her understanding of Indian society and its complexities.
Read our guide on How to Choose the Best Optional Subject for UPSC for scoring maximum marks
Preparation Strategy and Study Routine
Riya’s success is the outcome of disciplined planning and execution rather than last-minute cramming. She divided her preparation into clear phases:
- Foundation Phase: Focused on NCERTs, standard textbooks, and completing the basic syllabus.
- Consolidation Phase: Intensive answer writing practice, mock tests, and refining notes.
- Revision Phase: Multiple revisions of both static and current affairs content, with special emphasis on time-bound practice for Prelims and Mains.
She consistently emphasized the importance of mock tests and self-assessment. By analyzing her mistakes and improving incrementally, Riya developed confidence and examination temperament.
Explore the Top 10 UPSC Preparation Strategies used by successful IAS and IPS topper
Overcoming Challenges and Learning from Setbacks
Riya’s journey was not without setbacks. She was unable to clear the examination in her initial attempts. Instead of succumbing to disappointment, she treated each failure as an opportunity to refine her strategy. She improved her answer writing speed, strengthened weak areas, and maintained emotional resilience.
Her perseverance exemplifies an important lesson for aspirants: failure is not final; it is feedback for future improvement.
The Interview Stage: Projecting Authenticity and Confidence
The final stage of the Civil Services Examination is the Personality Test (Interview). Riya approached this stage with honesty and composure. She remained authentic in her responses, articulated her views with clarity, and demonstrated awareness of contemporary issues. Her confidence and sincerity impressed the panel, contributing to her exceptional final rank.
Discover UPSC Topper Success Stories to get inspired by candidates like Riya Saini.
Vision and Future Aspirations
Having secured AIR-22, Riya is set to join the Indian Administrative Service. She has publicly articulated her commitment to:
- Rural Development: Enhancing infrastructure and opportunities in villages.
- Women’s Education: Ensuring that girls in rural areas have equal access to quality education.
- Healthcare Improvements: Strengthening health services at the grassroots level.
Her aspirations are not abstract; they stem from her personal experiences and keen observations of the disparities between urban and rural India.
Lessons for UPSC Aspirants
Riya Saini’s journey offers several valuable lessons for aspirants:
- Structured Planning: Success in UPSC requires dividing preparation into phases and adhering to a disciplined schedule.
- Optional Subject Mastery: A well-chosen optional, studied in depth, can be a game-changer.
- Resilience: Learning from failures and adapting strategies is essential.
- Answer Writing Practice: Regular practice under exam-like conditions enhances both speed and presentation.
- Mental Composure: Emotional stability and confidence are as crucial as academic preparation.
- Check out the Complete UPSC Books List for Prelims and Mains recommended by experts.
Riya Saini’s journey from a small village in Muzaffarnagar to securing one of the top ranks in UPSC is a testament to perseverance, focus, and structured preparation. Her story underscores that success in the Civil Services Examination is not determined by initial setbacks but by one’s ability to learn, adapt, and remain consistent. As she embarks on her career as an IAS officer, her commitment to social equity, rural development, and women’s empowerment serves as an inspiration for future aspirants and a beacon of hope for the communities she will serve.
