In a world where UPSC preparation often means quitting jobs, locking yourself away for years, and relying on expensive coaching, IAS Shweta Bharti has redefined the rulebook.
A small-town girl from Rajgir Bazaar in Bihar’s Nalanda district, Shweta didn’t just chase her civil services dream—she conquered it, all while managing a 9-to-5 job, skipping coaching, and battling the odds with sheer grit.
Now posted as Assistant Collector in Bhagalpur, her story is a lesson in balance, resilience, and belief.
From Techie to Trailblazer
After completing her B.Tech in Electrical & Telecom Engineering from Bhagalpur Engineering College, Shweta landed a corporate job with Wipro—a dream for many. But she had bigger plans. Her heart was set on public service.
Unlike many aspirants, she couldn’t afford to quit her job due to family responsibilities. Instead, she made a tough choice—to prepare for UPSC at night, after office hours, with no coaching or shortcuts.
Sacrifices, Not Excuses
No Netflix. No social media. Not even a smartphone.
Shweta cut off distractions completely, embracing a disciplined lifestyle that would scare even the most motivated aspirants. Her strategy? Focused hours, clarity over chaos, and consistency over cramming.
BPSC as a Launchpad
Before UPSC, she cracked the 65th BPSC exam and was posted as District Programme Officer in West Champaran. It wasn’t the final stop—it was just training ground.
That experience, she says, helped her understand governance, sharpen her focus, and solidify her dream.
Cracking UPSC Without Coaching
In 2021, she aced the UPSC CSE with All India Rank 356 in her second attempt—a feat achieved without coaching, without privilege, and without full-time preparation.
Her score:
Written: 774 marks
Interview: 168 marks
Total: 942 marks
A Message to Aspirants
Shweta often says:
“It’s not about the number of hours. It’s about what you do in those hours.”
Her success breaks the myth that 10–12 hours of daily study is the only way to crack UPSC. Smart strategy > long hours.
As an IAS officer, Shweta is a role model for working professionals, women, and rural youth chasing big dreams. Her message is loud and clear:
-Coaching is optional
-Sacrifice is non-negotiable
-Belief changes everything
