Clearing the UPSC Civil Services exam is a dream that thousands of aspirants spend years chasing. Dr. Ritika Aima he got it not once, but twice. In his first successful attempt, he secured All India Rank 186 (AIR) and earned a place in the Indian Police Service (IPS). For many, this would have marked the end of the journey. For Ritika, however, it was just a milestone. His dream had always been to become an IAS officer.What makes his story stand out is not just the improvement in his rank (from AIR 186 to AIR 33 in one year), but the conviction behind his decision. Ritika, an MBBS qualified doctor, believed that while treating patients is one of the noblest professions, many of the challenges in healthcare can only be addressed through better governance and policy making. This belief prompted her to leave a promising medical career and prepare for one of India’s toughest exams.
He didn’t quit medicine, he wanted to improve the system behind it
Born and brought up in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Ritika completed her schooling before pursuing MBBS from Dr. Sushila Tiwari Medical College, Haldwani. As a medical student, he experienced the healthcare system up close.He reinforced his belief that doctors save lives every day, but policies determine how effectively health care reaches people. From the availability of hospitals and medicines to public health programs, nutrition, sanitation and medical infrastructure, many of the decisions that shape health care are made at the political level.This realization inspired her to look beyond clinical practice. Instead of treating one patient at a time, I wanted to contribute to decisions that could improve health care for entire communities. The Indian Administrative Service, he thought, would provide such an opportunity.
From IPS to IAS: Refuse to settle for anything less than your dream
Ritika’s UPSC journey was based on perseverance and continuous learning. He made it to the personality test stage in one of his first attempts before clearing the civil services exam 2022 with AIR 186, securing a seat in the IPS.Despite achieving what thousands of aspirants dream of, he chose to sit for the exam again. It wasn’t because I was dissatisfied with IPS. Rather, she remained committed to her original goal of joining the IAS.He returned to preparation with greater clarity, continued with Anthropology as an elective, and refined his strategy. The effort paid off in the 2023 Civil Services examination when he scored AIR 33.His performance reflected consistency in all stages of the exam:• Principals: 804 points• Personality test: 212 points• Total: 1016 pointsThe result earned him a place in the Indian Administrative Service and he was allotted the Gujarat cadre.
Success, he says, is bigger than an exam
Today, Dr. Ritika Aima is working in Gujarat cadre where she is currently posted as Supernumerary Assistant Collector in Tapi district. Apart from her administrative responsibilities, she has also shared insights about her UPSC journey on Instagram, discussing preparation strategies, interview experiences, handling pressure and staying mentally tough through multiple attempts.One message, however, stands out above all others. Ritika believes that no exam result should define a person’s worth or success in life.He has written that professional achievements and examinations should never become the sole measure of success. According to her, true success comes from having the courage to face life’s challenges every day with hope, resilience and honesty, regardless of the outcome.Interestingly, despite clearing the UPSC twice, he also encourages aspirants to have a Plan B. According to him, having an alternative reduces unnecessary pressure and allows candidates to prepare with more confidence and clarity.The story of Dr. Ritika Aima is much more than improving a UPSC rank or changing services. It is the story of someone who was clear about the impact he wanted to create. He chose to leave medicine not because he no longer believed in the profession, but because he believed he could contribute to health care in a different way, through governance, policymaking, and public administration. Sometimes success isn’t about accepting the first opportunity that comes your way. It’s about staying committed to the purpose that inspired the journey in the first place.Disclaimer: This article is based on public information and statements shared by the person concerned, including posts on their official social networks, where applicable. The information is for educational and informational purposes only.