In a world where many chase comfort and luxury, Ambika Raina chose courage. Her journey from a high-paying architectural job in Switzerland to earning All India Rank 164 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is not just about success — it’s about purpose, resilience, and an unshakable dream to serve her country.

From the Alps of Switzerland to the Corridors of the Civil Services

Born in Jammu and Kashmir, Ambika grew up in a disciplined military household. Her father, a Major General in the Indian Army, was frequently transferred, which meant she attended schools in Punjab, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. These constant changes shaped her adaptability and confidence early on.

Ambika was academically brilliant and curious from childhood. She pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from CEPT University, Ahmedabad, one of India’s premier design schools. Her academic excellence earned her an internship in Zurich, Switzerland, where she worked with Landolt und Haller Architekten AG, contributing to projects in urban planning and sustainability.

Life was comfortable — great job, global exposure, and financial stability. But something inside her longed for meaning.

“I realised I wanted to build something more meaningful than just buildings — I wanted to help build my nation,” she shared in an interview.

That realization changed everything.

Leaving a Million-Dollar Dream to Serve the Nation

Ambika’s decision stunned her colleagues and friends. Turning down lucrative international offers, she returned to India to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, one of the toughest exams in the world.

It wasn’t an easy journey. Coming from an architecture background, she found subjects like Political Science, History, and Governance completely new. But rather than giving up, Ambika redefined her strategy.

She started from scratch, learning every concept like a beginner. Watching interviews of more than 100 UPSC toppers, she studied their patterns, their note-making habits, and their revision methods. From this, she crafted her own unique study plan — a balance of discipline, consistency, and smart strategy.

Turning Failures into Lessons

Ambika’s first two attempts didn’t bring success. But she didn’t see them as failures — they were lessons in disguise.

She realized that she had underestimated mock tests in her earlier attempts. So in her third attempt, she flipped her approach — 70% of her preparation focused on mock tests and answer writing practice.

Her preparation strategy became laser-focused:

• • Laxmikant for Political Science
  • Spectrum for Modern History
  • NCERTs for Geography and Economics
  • Daily answer writing and self-assessment
  • Careful use of online resources — only relevant information, nothing extra
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  • Ambika also learned how to manage the overwhelming information available online. “The internet is an ocean,” she said. “I learned to take only what I needed.”

Third Attempt: Triumph After Trials

In her third attempt, everything came together. Ambika’s persistence, self-belief, and structured study plan paid off. She secured All India Rank 164 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022 and fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming an IAS officer.

Her journey wasn’t about instant success — it was about patience, reflection, and continuous improvement.

Key Takeaways from IAS Ambika Raina’s Journey

Ambika’s inspiring story offers powerful lessons for every UPSC aspirant — and for anyone chasing a big dream:

• Success doesn’t come easy, but it always comes to those who persist.
  
• Failures are feedback. Learn from them and improve your next attempt.
• Have a structured plan. Smart work beats hard work when time is limited
• Limit distractions. Use online resources wisely and avoid information overload.
• Believe in your “why.” When your purpose is clear, your journey becomes unstoppable.

From Architecture to Administration

Ambika’s background in architecture helped her think creatively during her preparation — she applied design thinking even to her study schedule. That blend of structure and imagination helped her simplify the vast UPSC syllabus and master it efficiently.

Her journey is proof that success is not about background — it’s about mindset. Whether you’re from architecture, medicine, commerce, or arts, the UPSC exam rewards determination, not degrees.

A Message to Aspirants

Ambika Raina’s success story isn’t just about clearing an exam — it’s about the courage to choose a meaningful life. She left behind a glamorous career abroad to serve her country, and her journey reminds us that real success lies not in luxury but in impact.

So, if you’re an aspirant struggling with self-doubt or past failures, remember her story.
Every attempt brings you closer. Every setback teaches you something new.

As Ambika’s journey beautifully shows — dreams do come true when you don’t give up.