UPSC Success Story: How Neha Byadwal Changed One Key Habit to Clear Civil Services at 24

NEW DELHI — For three consecutive years, Neha Byadwal’s dream of joining India’s civil service seemed to slip further out of reach. Each attempt ended in disappointment, leaving the young graduate to rethink her approach to one of the world's most competitive examinations.

At age 24, however, a single decision transformed her trajectory. By eliminating digital distractions and restructuring her study routine, Byadwal cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination, earning a spot in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Despite graduating in Economics from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, Byadwal discovered that strong academic credentials alone did not guarantee success in the multi-stage examination.

Her first three attempts ended at different hurdles — failing to clear the Prelims, the Mains, and the final interview stage respectively. The consecutive setbacks prompted a deep self-assessment of her daily preparation habits.

During her review, Byadwal identified social media and routine smartphone usage as major drains on her focus and time management. She chose to completely disengage from online platforms for nearly three years, replacing screen time with structured revision cycles.

Key adjustments included:

• Digital Detox: Removing social media applications and switching off smartphones during core preparation hours.
• Focused Revisions: Reallocating freed-up hours toward answer-writing practice and mock testing.
• Analytical Review: Analyzing specific mark deficits in prior attempts rather than altering her core optional subjects.

Byadwal's story highlights a growing trend among civil services aspirants who are turning to digital disengagement and structured self-discipline to navigate intense academic pressure.

While experts emphasize that isolation is not a mandatory prerequisite for every candidate, consistent time management and objective self-assessment remain central to cracking competitive public service examinations across the country.