IAS Apala Mishra UPSC Marksheet, 10 & 12th percentage, optional subject, biography in 2023

Apala Mishra, a top scorer in the UPSC exam of 2020, has garnered attention for her remarkable achievement. Dr. Apala Mishra, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the batch of 2020, secured the 9th position in the civil services exam. Let's delve into her biography, family background, education, and UPSC preparation strategy.

Apala Mishra Biography:

Apala Mishra hails from Jharkhand, India, and displayed exceptional dedication towards serving her country. Her UPSC 2020 roll number is 5903870, and she achieved the 9th rank in the exam. Apala's father, Amitabh Mishra, is a retired military officer, while her mother, Dr. Alphana, works as a professor. She also has a brother named Abhilekh Mishra. Notably, her late grandfather, Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, was a renowned novelist.

Education and Career:

Apala Mishra completed her schooling at Delhi Public School, Rohini, and pursued a Bachelor's degree in dental surgery from Army College of Dental Sciences. Despite her background in dentistry, she aspired to make a greater impact on society by joining the civil services. Apala dedicated herself to UPSC exam preparation and eventually achieved an impressive score, securing the 9th rank.

UPSC Attempts:

Although most top scorers in UPSC exams come from engineering backgrounds, Apala Mishra's dental surgery degree did not deter her from excelling. In her previous attempts, she faced difficulties in clearing the preliminary stage. However, she persisted and overcame those challenges to achieve a high score and secure her position.

UPSC Preparation Strategy:

Apala Mishra's decision to shift her career path from dentistry to administration stemmed from her observation of the healthcare system's need for improvement. She chose civil services as a platform to contribute more significantly to society. Apala emphasized the importance of self-care during the arduous UPSC preparation journey. She advised aspirants to prioritize their well-being while pursuing their goals.

Mark Sheet and Optional Subject:

Apala Mishra's mark sheet for UPSC 2020 showcased her excellent performance. With a grand total of 1031, including a remarkable 215 in the interview, she solidified her position among the top scorers. Her optional subject for the exam was Anthropology. Apala intends to focus on women's health in her career and has developed a detailed study schedule to achieve her goals.

Preparation Strategy for Prelims and Mains:

For the preliminary stage, Apala Mishra recognized her weakness and diligently revised basic books multiple times. She emphasized the significance of practicing multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and solving previous years' papers after 2013. Regarding mains, she recommended integrating preparation from the beginning and starting answer-writing practice alongside the syllabus. Mishra advised candidates to go beyond static portions and enhance their answers with additional information.

Time Management and Study Materials:

Apala Mishra considered time management crucial during preparation and the exam itself. She maintained discipline, motivation, and a consistent study routine. Mishra used a timer to track her study time and utilized both basic books and online study materials to enhance her understanding of various topics.

Exam Preparation During COVID-19:

Apala faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic as the UPSC exams were postponed twice. Furthermore, her father's health issues added to the difficulties she faced. Despite these obstacles, she remained focused and persevered in her preparation, ultimately achieving a remarkable score.

Advice for Aspirants:

Apala emphasized the significance of balancing emotional and mental health throughout the UPSC journey. She urged aspirants to have faith in themselves and maintain confidence. Hard work, a positive attitude, and consistent efforts were highlighted by Apala as essential ingredients for success. She advised candidates to believe in their abilities and not let self-doubt hinder their progress. Apala also emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with a positive and supportive environment, avoiding negative influences that could impact motivation and mental well-being.

Journey and Setting a New Record:

After completing her dental studies in 2018, Apala embarked on her UPSC preparation journey. Despite facing failures in her initial attempts, she persisted and eventually succeeded in her third attempt. Notably, she set a new record in the UPSC civil services examination by scoring 215 points in the interview round, the highest ever achieved.

Interview Tips from Apala:

Apala shared valuable advice on how to excel in the interview round:

1. Make good use of numbers and statistics to support your answers.

2. Stay calm and have faith in your preparation and planning.

3. Utilize personal experiences and knowledge gained from family backgrounds, such as Apala's interactions with her father regarding the army.

4. Seek assistance from family members who can provide expertise and guidance, like Apala's mother, who is a Hindi professor and writer.

Future Goals and Conclusion:

Apala Mishra aims to contribute to India's foreign policy and serve the country on a global scale. She believes that a strong work ethic, strategic planning, consistent revision, and a positive mindset pave the way to success in the UPSC exam.

In conclusion, Apala Mishra's journey from dentistry to civil services showcases her determination, adaptability, and passion for making a positive impact in society. Her success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring UPSC candidates, emphasizing the importance of hard work, self-belief, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By incorporating Apala's valuable insights and strategies, future aspirants can navigate the UPSC exam with confidence and increase their chances of achieving their goals.