Don't Lose Hope: Rimita Saha (AIR 566) Shares Her Inspiring Journey

BY A STAFF REPORTER: On Civil Services Day, a relief-ridden Rimita Saha shared her inspiring and motivating journey of securing All India Rank 566 in the Civil Services Exam 2023.

Speaking to ANM News, Rimita Saha revealed that she feels relieved as she cracked the exams after five attempts and endless efforts. Moreover, the journey turned out to be a life-changing experience for her.

Hailing from West Bengal's Madhyamgram, Rimita Saha started her preparation in 2018 after resigning as an Assistant Professor at the Kalinga Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar. During her B.Tech days, Rimita realized that she was not made for a conventional job. She aspired to serve the country or employment in a field that made her feel fulfilled and satisfied at the end of the day. Moreover, her parents motivated and encouraged her to attempt the CSE.

During the initial years of her preparation, Rimita opted for self-study. However, after unsuccessful attempts, she moved to Delhi in 2021, seeking more thorough preparation. In Delhi, she got a chance to speak with the other aspirants and realized her weaknesses. According to Rimita, her practice was not meeting the preparation demands for the CSE. Subsequently, she focused on practicing more mock tests in her next attempt and it benefitted her. 

Rimita has pursued a Bachelor's and Master's in Electrical Engineering. Consequently, she opted for Electrical Engineering as her optional subject during the initial attempts. As her initial choice didn't yield the desired results, Rimita switched to Anthropology as her optional subject in her 5th attempt in 2023, which proved to be beneficial.

Apart from this, the entire process was a great learning experience for Rimita. Rimita shared that the journey taught her the importance of various values including hope, introspection, and hard work. During the entire process, Rimita didn't lose hope and continued endeavoring to achieve her goal. She critically analyzed herself, her weaknesses, and her strengths. Furthermore, she worked hard and with great perseverance to hit the mark.

Lastly, Rimita shared a message for the UPSC CSE aspirants. She said "I would like to advise all the aspirants that never lose hope, never give up, and do not succumb to the pressure of the society. Especially the female aspirants as they relatively experience more societal pressure.

She also urged the aspirants to stay near those who inspire and motivate them. Rimita further emphasized that one must avoid negativity as it can hinder one from obtaining their goals. Moreover, hard work is also a key to cracking the Civil Services Exam. 

The Union Public Service Commission declared the results of the Civil Services Exam 2023 on April 16. Rimita Saha cracked the exam with AIR 566. She has listed the Indian Administrative Services and the Indian Police Services as her preferences. Moreover, she will be assigned to the field in July 2024.