Success stories rooted in grit & focus

Lucknow: The story of Kumud Mishra is one of determination, hard work and perseverance.
A graduate from Lucknow University, Kumud has secured all-India rank (AIR) of 69 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 results announced on Tuesday.
Daughter of a retired army officer, Kumud did her schooling till class 10 from Kendriya Vidyalaya in Himachal Pradesh and pursued class 12 at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Lucknow. She completed her BA (Hons) in political science from Lucknow University.
"My success mantra was simple — aim, consistency, dedication, and completing mock test series. These four pillars kept me focused. I had previously secured AIR 259 and was allocated the Indian Revenue Services," says Kumud.
Prashant Singh (26) achieved AIR 102 in his fourth attempt. An alumnus of City Montessori School and a graduate from SGTB Khalsa College, Delhi University, he comes from a family with a background in public service. His father is a PCS officer.
"My routine was fixed. Eight hours of focused study, hard work and consistency were non-negotiable. I am now looking forward to a short family trip before beginning my new journey." says Prashant.
Rajat Singh, 27, whose family is based in Lucknow, secured AIR 132 in his third attempt. He completed his schooling at Jaunpur Public School and then studied at IIT-Roorkee. Currently undergoing training as a railway officer in Bhusawal, Rajat balanced his work and studies effectively.
"Even during training, I stayed disciplined. Dedication kept me going. My father is a divisional forest officer in Auraiya. Discipline and dedication seem fruitful now," says Rajat.
Another achiever, Anushri Sachan (26), cracked the examination with AIR 220 in her fourth attempt. A chemistry graduate from IIT-Bombay, she did her schooling till class 10 at City Montessori School, Kanpur Road, and completed class 12 from Jay Public School, Kota.
"Playing badminton helped me release stress and stay focused. My success is built on three values: discipline, patience, and consistency. My father is a divisional engineer in BSNL, Kota," says Anushri.
Akash Nigam, a graduate from Lucknow University and an alumnus of St Anjani's Public School, secured AIR 418 in his first attempt and will soon join the Indian Police Service (IPS).
Raised in Lucknow with his sister Jaya while their parents worked in Prayagraj, Akash's early lessons in self-reliance shaped his journey.
"My sister and I cooked, cleaned, and studied together. My school instilled life skills that became the bedrock of my success. The finest steel must go through the hottest fire – these words by my school manager stayed with me throughout my preparation," says Akash.