Achieving AIR 93 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, Chandigarh’s Aakriti Dobhal has emerged as a symbol of perseverance and determination. In conversation with The Voice of Chandigarh, she shares insights into her journey, preparation strategy, and the values that guided her success.

My academic journey began at Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh, where I completed my schooling. I was fortunate to secure 96% in Class XII in the Non-Medical stream and emerged as the school topper. Those years taught me the importance of discipline, consistency, and focused effort.

After school, I pursued Production and Industrial Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh. My time at PEC was immensely enriching—not just academically but also personally. I was honoured to receive the Gold Medal, which remains one of the most cherished recognitions of my educational journey. For me, academics have always been more than marks, they represent a commitment to learning and self-belief.

Inspiration Behind Choosing Public Service

The inspiration came from within my family, particularly my Nani Ma, who played a profound role in shaping my outlook on life. During my childhood, many conversations at home revolved around service to society, compassion, and the importance of contributing to the greater good.

Listening to her stories and reflections planted the seed of public service in my mind. Over time, that seed grew into a strong aspiration to work in a field where I could make a positive impact on people’s lives. Civil services, with their immense scope for public welfare and nation-building, felt like the most meaningful path to pursue.

Family Background and Core Values

I belong to Uttarakhand, although I was born and brought up in Chandigarh. My father runs Crown Ultrafast Courier in Sector 17, Chandigarh, and my mother is a homemaker who has always been the emotional anchor of our family.

I also have an elder sister who has been both a guide and a friend throughout my journey. What I value most about my family is that they gave me complete freedom to explore my interests and make my own career decisions. There was never any pressure—only encouragement and trust. That environment gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly.

The Importance of a Strong Support System

Without a doubt, my Nani Ma remains the greatest inspiration behind my career choice. My mother has been my role model—her emotional strength and positivity kept me grounded during difficult phases of preparation.

My father always believed in me and never imposed limitations on my aspirations. My elder sister has been a constant companion, someone I could rely on both emotionally and intellectually.

I am also deeply grateful to my close friend Nikhil, who supported me tremendously—especially with essay writing, which is such an important component of the preparation process. Their encouragement made the journey less daunting.

Preparation Strategy and Mentors

My preparation was largely self-driven, but I did seek guidance and assessment support from a few institutions.

I benefited greatly from Chrome IAS, Delhi, particularly the guidance of Mridul Sir and Ravika Ma’am for my Psychology optional subject. For General Studies test practice, Sleepy Classes provided valuable assessment tools, while Spectrum Chandigarh helped refine my exam readiness through their test series. Additionally, Piyush Kumar Sir played an important role in strengthening my understanding of Ethics, which is a crucial subject in the examination.

These resources helped me evaluate my preparation, identify weaknesses, and improve consistently.

Life Beyond Books

I find great peace in kitchen gardening and reading books. Gardening allows me to connect with nature and slow down for a while, which is very refreshing after long hours of studying.

Reading, on the other hand, broadens my perspective and helps me remain intellectually curious. Both activities play an important role in maintaining mental balance.

Ethical Values in Public Life

The values instilled by my family form the foundation of my ethical outlook. These include service to society, empathy, compassion, integrity, and responsibility.

I strongly believe that public servants must remain deeply connected with the people they serve. Ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability are essential to building trust in public institutions.

Personal Qualities Behind the Journey

Several qualities proved essential—self-regulation, discipline, effective planning, consistency, diligence, perseverance, and time management.

Preparing for such examinations is not just about intelligence; it is about maintaining long-term commitment and resilience. Developing a strong work ethic and staying focused despite challenges played a crucial role in my journey.

A Message for Aspirants

My mantra is simple: “Fail seven times, but rise the eighth time.”

Persistence and resilience are the keys to success. There will be setbacks, moments of doubt, and challenges along the way. But if one continues to learn, adapt, and move forward with determination, success eventually follows.