Jagrati Awasthi (UPSC Topper 2020) Age, Family, Caste, Biography & More

Some Lesser Known Facts About Jagrati Awasthi

• Jagrati Awasthi, the female topper, secured the second position in the 2020 Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination, earning the All India Rank 2.

• Jagrati Awasthi, an enthusiastic student during her school days, actively engaged in multiple events such as declamation and debate competitions, where she achieved numerous awards. Her mother proudly showcases Jagrati Awasthi’s assortment of school trophies.

• During her higher education, Jagrati Awasthi pursued electrical engineering as her field of study. In 2016, she took the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering and achieved the 41st rank nationwide.

• Jagrati successfully passed the GATE examination and subsequently became a technical officer at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), where she dedicated nearly two years of her career. Despite securing a job in her desired engineering field, she remained steadfast in her ambition to become a civil servant and began actively preparing for the CSE.

• In 2019, while employed at BHEL, she took her first shot at the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination but unfortunately did not pass. This setback prompted her to leave her job and commit herself entirely to the UPSC examination. She relocated to Delhi to attend physical preparation classes but had to return to her hometown, Bundelkhand, due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Undeterred, she resumed her preparations at home using online study resources.
• In 2020, Jagrati Awasthi made her second attempt at the UPSC examination and successfully cleared it, securing the 2nd position in the All India ranking (AIR). Notably, she also emerged as the top female candidate who passed the exam. Jagrati’s total score was 1052, with 859 marks in the written test and 193 marks in the personality test, resulting in a cumulative percentage of 51.95%. Sociology was her chosen optional subject for the examination. Ultimately, Jagrati Awasthi’s success led to her selection for the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS), which serves as the administrative branch of the All India Services under the Government of India. Her ultimate goal is to contribute to rural development and focus on the welfare of children and women. Overall, Jagrati Awasthi’s outstanding performance in the UPSC examinations earned her the second position.
• Following the announcement of the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination results on September 24, 2021, Jagrati Awasthi emerged as the top scorer. Subsequently, she received an overwhelming influx of congratulatory messages, in addition to being interviewed by numerous media outlets as the newly appointed IAS officer.

• In an interview, Jagrati Awasthi shared her approach to preparation. With coaching centers closed throughout the Covid pandemic, it became crucial to maintain motivation while studying from home. At first, I committed 8 to 10 hours to my studies. Over time, I gradually increased this timeframe to 10 to 12 hours, and as the exam neared, I pushed myself even harder, studying for 12 to 14 hours approximately two months prior.
• Amidst the Covid pandemic, Jagrati dedicated herself to preparing for the UPSC examination. However, she prioritized her physical and mental well-being by incorporating a fitness routine into her daily regimen.

• Jagrati Awasthi attributes her accomplishment in the UPSC examination to the unwavering support of her parents and brother. Recounting the journey during an interview, she expressed her gratitude, stating that her parents made significant sacrifices to aid her pursuit. Over the course of four years, they abstained from watching television, prioritizing her brother’s preparation for the NEET exam initially, and later shifting their focus to her studies. Their conversations were often held outside the house, and personal updates were seldom shared. In a further display of dedication, her mother made the difficult decision to resign from her job as a school teacher to fully support their academic endeavors. Reflecting on her initial setback after an unsuccessful first attempt, Jagrati revealed that her mother provided invaluable advice. Instead of attributing her failure to luck, her mother encouraged her to exert more effort. Recognizing the wisdom in her mother’s words, Jagrati persevered and eventually achieved the success she desired.

• Speaking about Jagrati’s dedication to serving the country as a civil servant, her mother recounted a promise Jagrati made in 2016. Jagrati vowed that if her mother quit her job and offered her unwavering support, she would undoubtedly achieve a high rank in the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering). To ensure Jagrati’s commitment, her mother requested that she write it down, and Jagrati signed the note. Eventually, she accomplished an impressive 51st rank. Despite receiving enticing offers from IOCL and ONGC, where she could have been the top choice, Jagrati opted to join BHEL in Bhopal as a technical officer. Her decision stemmed from her desire to be with her brother Suyash, who was then preparing for the NEET (medical entrance test).