For every UPSC success story that hits the headlines, there are years of untold struggles behind the final result. Multiple failures, self-doubt, changing strategies and starting over are often part of the journey. The story of IAS officer Tripti Kalhan is a case in point. Before securing All India Rank (AIR) 199 in UPSC Civil Services Exam 2023, he had already faced four unsuccessful attempts and even stayed away from preparation for an entire year.His journey is not just about clearing one of India’s toughest exams. It’s about learning when to pause, when to adapt and when to start again. For the thousands of aspirants preparing for UPSC, Tripti’s experience serves as a reminder that setbacks do not always signal the end of the road.
A dream that started at school
Tripti Kalhan is from Gonda in Uttar Pradesh. His aspiration to become an IAS officer started during his school days after he saw the district collector attending a public event as the chief guest. The respect associated with the role left a lasting impression, and with his father’s constant encouragement, the dream gradually turned into a career goal.After graduating in 2017, he chose to prepare for the Civil Services exam through self-study instead of joining a training institute. He built his preparation around disciplined study, analyzing the main strategies and maintaining consistency over several years.
Four setbacks before breakthrough
The road, however, turned out to be much more difficult than expected.Tripti’s first three attempts ended at the preliminary examination stage. In his fourth attempt, he finally crossed the Prelims hurdle but failed to crack the Mains exam.For many hopefuls, four consecutive disappointments would have been enough to move on. Tripti chose a different approach.Instead of reappearing immediately, it took a one-year hiatus UPSC Preparation. During this period, he reassessed his curriculum, identified areas that needed improvement, and made one of the most important changes in his strategy by changing his elective from Public Administration to Anthropology.The break also gave him a chance to regain his confidence before returning to preparation with a fresh perspective.
AIR 199 and a lesson for aspirants
His revised strategy paid off when he scored AIR 199 in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2023.Looking back on her journey in an interview with Indian Masterminds, Tripti admitted that she had prepared for UPSC without considering an alternative career option. “I never approached UPSC with a Plan B, so it was a do-or-die situation,” he said.Interestingly, despite following this approach herself, her advice to today’s aspirants is different. Based on his experience, he now recommends having a Plan B, saying it helps reduce unnecessary pressure and allows candidates to prepare with more clarity and confidence.Tripti also credits his athletic background for shaping his mindset. As a former athlete, she learned to treat each defeat as feedback rather than failure. Even when family members questioned her repeated attempts, the unwavering support of her father and close friends helped her stay focused on her goal.Today, IAS officer Tripti Kalhan’s journey is a reminder that success in UPSC rarely follows a straight line. Sometimes the most important part of the journey is not avoiding failure but finding the courage to learn from it, change course when necessary and keep moving forward until the goal is finally achieved.Disclaimer: This article is based on public information and statements shared by the person concerned. The details are for informational purposes only.