“The real victory is when you don’t quit.”
These powerful words by IAS officer Pari Bishnoi have struck a chord with millions of aspirants across India. Known for her humility, determination, and candour, Bishnoi recently shared her deeply personal story on Instagram — a journey that reflects how failure, isolation, and self-doubt can transform into strength, growth, and purpose.
A Journey Born in Struggle
Back in 2017, Pari failed to clear the UPSC Civil Services Examination on her first attempt — a setback that would have discouraged many. But instead of giving up, she made a brave decision: to return to her small hometown in Rajasthan and start over.
Away from the chaos of Delhi’s coaching centres, she faced loneliness and uncertainty. “I isolated myself. Shut out the world. Stress eating became my escape,” she confessed. “I gained 45 kilos. I felt heavy — not just physically, but emotionally too. I didn’t recognise myself anymore.”
‘Something Shifted’
After two years of quiet perseverance, a turning point arrived. When Pari received her UPSC interview call in 2019, she says, “Something shifted inside me. I decided to fight not just for a rank but for myself.”
Her journey of resilience went beyond books. She focused on self-discipline, rebuilt her confidence, and channelled her struggles into strength. Through a disciplined routine of workouts, healthy eating, and mental clarity, she not only cleared the exam but also transformed her life.
From Failure to AIR 30
In the 2019 UPSC examination, Pari Bishnoi achieved All India Rank 30, proving that true success is not about how fast you reach your goal, but how strongly you rise after falling. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope for lakhs of aspirants battling self-doubt and pressure.
Her viral Instagram post — viewed over 1 million times — is more than just a motivational story. It’s a reminder that failure doesn’t define you; perseverance does.
“You’re not stuck. You’re not broken,” she wrote. “You can change your life. It’s completely in your own hands.”
A Message Beyond Motivation
Now serving as an IAS officer, Bishnoi continues to inspire youth to embrace mental health awareness, self-belief, and discipline. Her message resonates with a generation that often equates success with speed. Through her honesty, she reminds us that real victory isn’t about never falling — it’s about never quitting.
