At just 24, Neha Byadwal from Jaipur, Rajasthan, became one of India’s youngest IAS officers by clearing UPSC after her fourth attempt in 2023 with AIR 569 – scoring 960 marks overall . Raised in Chhattisgarh, she initially failed class 5 because she didn’t know English and even Hindi felt unfamiliar . Instead of switching to Hindi-medium studies, Neha confronted her linguistic challenges head-on, studying diligently through school and topping her college .

Her UPSC journey was beset with setbacks - failing prelims twice and mains once - but she transformed each failure into a lesson . For nearly three years during preparation, she cut off from social media and did not use a mobile phone, dedicating up to 17–18 hours a day to focused self-study . Her disciplined approach paid off, and today she serves in the Gujarat cadre as an IAS officer . Supported by her father - himself a senior Income Tax officer - and family through mock interviews and mentoring, Neha credits her success to perseverance, time management, and unwavering grit .

Her story ignited debate online - some critics labeled her prep style a "UPSC cult," arguing it fosters disconnect from society, while supporters praised the intense focus and dedication. Neha Byadwal remains an inspiration for aspiring students, demonstrating how resilience and belief can overcome any barrier.