When her peers called it a day and the city lights began to twinkle across Delhi’s horizon, Kajal Jawla’s day would just get started. She would clock out of her demanding corporate job and catch a cab home at eight in the night.

It was during this 1.5-hour commute, amidst the hum of the city’s vibrant pulse, that Kajal would dive into the events of the day, scanning current affairs. Upon reaching home, while most people would unwind, her journey was far from over. Burning the midnight oil, she engrossed herself deep into her books to prepare for one of the most challenging examinations—the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Driven by an unwavering resolve to ascend to the ranks of the country’s most esteemed civil servants, every night was a step closer to her dreams.

Her dreams came true when she secured an All India Rank of 28 in the 2018 UPSC examinations. Now an IAS officer, she shares her journey of clearing the examination, all while balancing professional responsibilities, a new marriage, and an intensive preparation schedule.

Balancing work, marriage, and studies

Kajal’s academic background is rooted in electronics and communication engineering. Her career took off in the corporate world, where she spent nine years working with various multinational corporations in Gurugram.

This period not only gave her professional stability but also helped her with her financial responsibilities, as she was committed to paying off an education loan. The corporate job wasn’t just a career for Kajal, it was a lifeline that provided her the means to support herself while dreaming of becoming an IAS officer.

Her initiation into UPSC preparations started in 2012 at the age of 24. Her first attempt did not yield a favourable result, nor did the subsequent attempts in 2014 and 2016. During this period, Kajal was switching jobs and also took the significant step of getting married.

Marriage, for Kajal, marked a turning point. In 2017, during a conversation with her husband, she revealed her past attempts and lingering........

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