UPSC CSE Success: Savita Pradhan's Story From Surviving Domestic Violence To Cracking CSE

Many aspire to achieve success in the UPSC CSE examination, aiming to become an IAS or IPS officer. This challenging exam serves as a genuine assessment of one's diligence, determination, and rigorous study habits¡ªa feat not easily attained by everyone.

But the story of IAS Savita Pradhan is unique indeed, for she passed the UPSC examinations after going through many hurdles in life, including that of domestic abuse.

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Poverty could not hinder her education

Savita belongs to Mandai village in Madhya Pradesh. Despite facing financial challenges, Savita managed to continue her studies through a scholarship.

In fact, she not just completed her studies but excelled in it; she became the first girl in her village to complete Class 10.

However, so tough were the financial conditions that despite securing admission to a school seven kilometres away, her family couldnt afford the Rs 2 bus fare.

To ensure continuation of the studies, her mother took up a modest job, and eventually, they relocated closer to Savita's school.

Marriage changed the course of Savita's life

But soon, marriage came in the way of her studies. At the age of 16, a wealthy family proposed marriage and this ended up changing the course of her life drastically.

Entering a new home upon marriage meant a horde of restrictions, such as being deprived of the simple act of sharing meals at the dinner table, and relegated instead to eating her meals only after everyone else had finished.

What made her situation worse was an abusive husband who would often hit her and threaten to kill her.

The assault did not end even when she had her two children.

Savita Pradhan/ Instagram

Savita hit rock bottom, and bounced back

Finally, when Savita couldn't take it anymore, she tried to commit suicide. However, she realised that her family didn't really care if she died or lived.

Her mother-in-law was a silent spectator and her husband tried to harm their child, even as she was preparing to hang herself from the ceiling fan.

Soon, she left her home, with just a mere Rs 2700 in hand and her two children in tow.

She tried to make ends meet by establishing a beauty salon and offering tuition to children.

Success in civil services examination

Alongside her tough situation at home, Savita joined a college and did well, achieving the top position in examinations at Barkatullah University, Bhopal.

At 24 years old, she took the state civil services exam and successfully passed it in her first attempt.

Savita Pradhan/ Instagram

She was posted as a chief municipal officer.

In the course of her career, she has ascended the government hierarchy and presently holds the position of Joint Director of Urban Administration for Gwalior and Chambal.

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