When it comes to government examinations in India, the UPSC Civil Services exam stands out as one of the toughest. Thousands of aspirants appear for this grand event, but only a few emerge victoriously. Among these remarkable achievers is IAS Surabhi Gautam, a University Topper and Gold Medallist who not only cleared the exam in her very first attempt but also secured an impressive AIR 50th rank. Currently serving as the Assistant Collector in Vadodara, Gujarat, Surabhi’s journey is an inspiring tale of determination, hard work, and resilience.
From Amdara Village to National Recognition
IAS Surabhi Gautam was born in the small village of Amdara, located in the Satna district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Despite the humble beginnings and limited educational facilities, Surabhi’s academic brilliance shone through from an early age. Her mother, Dr. Sushila Gautam, is a high school teacher, and her father is a lawyer, both of whom instilled the value of education in her. Surabhi attended a Hindi-medium school where she faced numerous challenges but emerged as a bright student.
In her class 10 board exams, she achieved an impressive score of 93.4%, with perfect scores in Maths and Science. Unfortunately, during her class 12 studies, Surabhi suffered from rheumatic fever which required her to travel frequently for treatment. Despite these health challenges, she excelled in her exams and secured a spot on the state merit list.
After high school, Surabhi passed the State Engineering Entrance Examination and joined an Electronics and Communication Engineering program at a college in Bhopal. It was here that she encountered a significant challenge – the language barrier. Coming from a Hindi-medium background, Surabhi initially struggled with English, which was the medium of instruction in college.
However, instead of letting this obstacle deter her ambitions, she tackled it head-on. She committed to learning English by practicing daily, memorizing ten new words each day, and actively using new phrases in her conversations. Her efforts paid off when she topped her class in the first semester and received the College Chancellor’s Award.
A Shift in Career Aspirations
After graduating, Surabhi secured a position at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), one of India’s leading IT companies. While she performed well and gained valuable experience at TCS, Surabhi felt a deeper calling to serve her country. This realization led her to resign from her corporate job and focus on preparing for India’s rigorous civil service exams.
Cracking Competitive Exams
Before appearing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Surabhi proved her mettle by cracking several other competitive exams:
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC): She worked as a Nuclear Scientist for a year.
- GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering): Surabhi aced this challenging exam.
- ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation): She showcased her excellence here as well.
- MPPSC (Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission): Another milestone in her journey.
- Delhi Police and FCI (Food Corporation of India): Surabhi’s determination shone through.
In 2013, Surabhi secured AIR 1 in the IES (Indian Engineering Services) exam. Her remarkable achievement set the stage for her future endeavors.
Success in UPSC
Surabhi’s ultimate goal was the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), which required clearing the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam. After intense preparation, she succeeded in securing the 50th rank on the All India Ranking, which paved the way for her selection as an IAS officer. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Collector in Viramgam, Ahmedabad district, where she also holds the position of District Development Officer.
Surabhi’s journey wasn’t without obstacles. She faced the insecurity of being from a Hindi medium school, but her unwavering commitment propelled her forward. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she cracked the UPSC exam in her incredible first attempt.
Serving the Nation
Currently posted as the Assistant Collector in Vadodara, Surabhi Gautam continues to make her mark in the civil services. Her story inspires countless aspirants, proving that with determination and perseverance, dreams can indeed become reality.
Positive Takeaway
The journey of IAS Surabhi Gautam from a small village to national recognition exemplifies the power of education, resilience, and passion. Her achievements serve as a beacon of hope for all those aspiring to make a difference. As she continues to serve the nation, Surabhi remains an embodiment of excellence and determination.
