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Mudra Gairola first attempted the UPSC exam in 2018, reaching the interview stage, faced setbacks in 2019 and 2020, but remained undeterred after three consecutive failures
Originally from Karnaprayag in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, Mudra Gairola’s family currently resides in Delhi. (News18 Hindi)
The UPSC Civil Services Examination, one of India’s toughest tests, sees lakhs of aspirants each year, but only a select few succeed. IAS officer Mudra Gairola’s journey to success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination stands out as a tale of determination and resilience.
Her achievement not only reflects years of hard work and focus but also fulfills her late father’s dream, adding a deeply personal dimension to her success.
Daughter Fulfills Father’s Unfulfilled Dream
Mudra Gairola’s father, Arun Gairola, attempted the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 1973. His dream was to become an IAS officer, but he fell short in the interview round. This unfulfilled dream lingered with him throughout his life. However, his daughter took upon herself the responsibility of realising this dream. Initially, she became an IPS officer, and later, she accomplished her goal of becoming an IAS officer.
India’s First Woman IPS Honoured Her
Originally from Karnaprayag in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Mudra Gairola’s family currently resides in Delhi. Academically gifted from a young age, she achieved 96% marks in her 10th board exams and 97% in her 12th board exams. Recognising her talent, India’s first female IPS officer, Kiran Bedi, honoured her during her school years.
Medical Studies And Gold Medal
After completing her school education, Mudra Gairola pursued a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from a medical college in Mumbai, where she earned a gold medal for her dedication and hard work. Later, she enrolled in a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) programme in Delhi. However, during this period, she was reminded of her father’s dream. Determined to fulfil it, she left her MDS studies midway and made the significant decision to prepare for the UPSC exam.
Years Of Struggle And Setbacks
Mudra Gairola’s journey with the UPSC was far from easy. She first appeared for the Civil Services Examination in 2018 and reached the interview stage but was not selected. She tried again in 2019, making it to the interview, yet she did not make the final list. In 2020, she reached only the Mains exam.
Despite three consecutive failures, she remained undeterred. In 2021, she achieved her first success, becoming an IPS officer with a 165th rank. This marked a significant milestone in her career, yet her ultimate goal was still becoming an IAS officer.
Determined to realise her and her father’s dream, she attempted the UPSC exam again in 2022. Her perseverance paid off as she secured the 53rd rank nationwide, enabling her to become an IAS officer.
Father’s Dream Came True
In 1973, Arun Gairola was unable to achieve his dream of becoming an IAS officer, but nearly 50 years later, his daughter Mudra Gairola realized it, bringing immense pride to the family.
September 09, 2025, 17:07 IST
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